Horse Trails
Big South Fork
The most extensive equestrian trail system in the eastern United States. Canyon views, river crossings, dedicated horse camps, and terrain that rewards serious riders.
Dedicated Camps
NPS Federal Land
Year-Round Access
Trail Miles
NPS Acres
Horse Camps
Tie-Outs / Site
Why Riders Come HereFrom Everywhere
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has 300+ miles of multi-use trails open to horses — one of the largest contiguous equestrian trail systems east of the Mississippi. The terrain ranges from wide gravel horse paths suitable for new trail riders to technical canyon descents with river crossings that will challenge experienced horses and experienced riders both. Two NPS-operated campgrounds were purpose-built for horses — electric and water hookups, hot showers, and four horse tie-outs per site.
What makes this different from most equestrian parks is the scale. You can ride 4–5 hours in any direction from Station Camp without repeating terrain. The Big South Fork River runs through the heart of the trail system — crossings range from ankle-deep summer wades to serious knee-deep winter flows.
Important note for first-time visitors: BSF is NPS federal land. Weed-free hay is required for all feed brought into the park. Coggins certificate required. Horses must stay on designated trails.
The Trail SystemSix Routes to Know
Big South Fork has 300+ miles of equestrian trail across six primary corridors. Here’s what each one offers — pick your ride before you load the trailer.
The spine of the system — north to south across the park, canyon rims, river crossings, ridge views. Connects Station Camp to the Kentucky border.
Best introductory ride. Historic 19th-century farmstead, wide trail, good footing. Perfect for green horses or first-time BSF visitors.
Full-day ridge loop from Bear Creek Horse Camp. Consistent open terrain, plateau views, the most predictable footing in the system.
Multi-day expedition north across the state line through Blue Heron. Backcountry camping, remote terrain, the full BSF experience.
Long-distance trail running through BSF connecting to 290 miles through Kentucky. Open to horses through the BSF segment.
Sandstone rock shelters and hardwood forest. Good mixed terrain — dirt and sandstone shelf. Dramatic bluffs from Bandy Creek area.
Dedicated CampsBuilt for Riders
Two NPS campgrounds designed specifically for equestrian use. Not converted general campgrounds — purpose-built with horse facilities.
NPS · Equestrian · Tennessee
Station Camp sits directly on the Big South Fork River. Fills on summer weekends — book 2–3 months in advance on Recreation.gov.
NPS · Equestrian · North TN
Bear Creek sits in the northern portion of the TN trail system. The access road is paved and handles large trailers easily.
NPS Rules for Horses
- Weed-free hay required — all feed must be certified weed-free. Rangers check. Purchase before trailering in.
- Coggins certificate required — current within 12 months. Have a physical copy.
- Designated trails only — not all BSF trails allow horses. Check the NPS equestrian map.
- No grazing in campground areas — horses must be tied at designated tie-outs.
- Pack out all manure from campsite area.
Best Rides inBig South Fork
The best introduction trail for first-time BSF riders — a peaceful loop through hardwood forest past the preserved 19th-century Blevins homestead. Wide trail, good footing, minimal creek crossings. Connects to the John Litton Farm Loop for an easy extension.
A solid half-day ride through sandstone rock shelters and mixed hardwood forest — the massive overhanging bluffs are genuinely dramatic from horseback. The sandstone shelf sections are grippy when dry but slippery when wet.
The spine of the equestrian system. The Station Camp segment offers ridge views, forest corridors, and the Big South Fork River crossing. Check river levels at the NPS visitor center before attempting the crossing.
A long full-day ridge loop from Bear Creek Horse Camp following high ground with sweeping views across the plateau. Offers the most consistent open terrain and the best footing in the system.
The most dramatic route in the park, following the canyon rim above dangerous rapids. The overlook has sheer exposure. Do not attempt with a horse that hasn’t been exposed to canyon edge terrain. The overlook has no railing.
The full north-south connector pushing into Kentucky. Multiple river crossings, backcountry horse camping, remote terrain. 2–3 days minimum, advance planning and permits required.
What to PackThe Equestrian List
Everything regular hikers bring, plus what every experienced BSF equestrian rider carries that first-timers forget.
Federal requirement on NPS land. Purchase certified weed-free hay before you trailer in. Bring more than you think you’ll need.
NPS Required
Current Coggins (within 12 months) required. Physical copy — rangers check at camp check-in. Don’t assume digital is acceptable.
NPS Required
The NPS equestrian trail map is different from the hiking map. Pick it up at Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Download Gaia GPS.
Not the Hiking Map
For backcountry camping — highline rope, tree savers, swivels. Camp tie-outs are provided at developed camps, but backcountry is on you.
Hoof pick, polo wraps, vet wrap, antiseptic, Bute. Nearest equine vet is in Jamestown — 35+ minutes from the park.
Two minimum — one for water, one for feed. Ridgeline sections have no water for extended stretches. Plan water accordingly.
Trailering GuideEvery Access Point
Where to park a loaded horse trailer at each major access point — road surfaces, turnaround space, and the things GPS won’t tell you.
Primary Equestrian Staging · Tennessee
Access via Station Camp Road off Hwy 297 — paved to the camp entrance, then gravel loop. Large pull-through sites designed for horse trailers and LQ rigs. Turnaround available. The road narrows at one bridge (14-foot width restriction).
North System Access · Tennessee
Access via Bear Creek Road — paved all the way to camp, wider road than Station Camp, handles larger trailers comfortably. Camp loop has pull-through access. No significant width restrictions. Easiest access road for large rigs.
Day-Use Staging · Permits Here
Large gravel lot handles day-trip trailer parking for equestrian visitors. Get permits, maps, and check conditions. Not overnight. Connects to Oscar Blevins and Middle Creek trail system.
South Access · Canyon Rim Trails
The access road descends steeply into the gorge — not recommended for large rigs or trailers over 30 feet. Switchbacks are tight. Day-use trailer parking at the bottom is limited. Verify length before attempting.
Horse Property in Fentress CountyBorders the Trail System Directly.
Fenced acreage with road access, pasture potential, and proximity to 300 miles of trail exists in Fentress County. Some of it shares a fenceline with the park boundary. Most buyers don’t know to ask about trail access adjacency. Tim and Lori Denehy do.
Tim & Lori Denehy · Team Denehy · Mitchell Real Estate · Jamestown, TN