While trail riding is the main pastime in Big South Fork national park, Tennessee, there's plenty to do here for the "horse husband" who does not ride.
First of all, four-wheeling is hugely popular here as well and this is, in fact, a destination of great renown for the four-wheeler crowd itself. Nearby Pickett State Park caters to four-wheelers and the area around Blackhouse Mountain is a particular favorite. These ATV trails are within about 15 minutes of the well-known equestrian communities including Spruce Creek Acres, Rockhouse Ranch and The Highlands).
For fishermen, Dale Hollow Lake is about 20 miles to the west, with the nearest "putting in" place being the East Fork Marina just off of Route 52. Dale Hollow Lake, an Army Corps of Engineers project, is HUGE and, until recently, was the lake from which the world's record-holder Smallmouth Bass had been taken.
Golfers are in luck, too, because Crossville is known as "The Golf Capital of Tennessee." The title is well deserved and there are 12 major reasons; though some of the county's courses are private, the public courses offer beautiful and challenging course designs that keep golfers from all over the country coming back time and time again. Just as trail riders rave about the spectacular scenery in Big South Fork, golfers are in awe of the beautiful vistas that greet them as they play the various courses on the Cumberland Plateau.
For those who enjoy motor sports, Nashville Speedway is about two hours to the west of Big South Fork and Bristol Motor Speedway is about three hours to the east. There are numerous "short tracks" in the vicinity.
For private pilots, Scott County Municipal Airport is in nearby Oneida and Jamestown Muni is just south of town on Highway 127. Both have paved runways and can accomodate small jet traffic. In fact, Oneida's Equestrian Airpark accommodates both trail riders and aviators!
Best of all, though, is the hiking. The Big South Fork national park is criss-crossed with well-established and well-marked hiking trails. In fact, the famous John Muir Trail transits the entire park! You may prefer a short evening stroll on the wooden walkways at Leatherwood Ford, down in the gorge, or set up your wilderness camp somewhere and continue on the next day.
For you "couch potatoes," there's high-speed DSL and satellite TV service here so you'll never miss much of anything...except perhaps the great outdoors.
Come and see for yourself....you won't want to leave!
Comments(2)