Encompassing around 125,000 acres of rugged gorges and forest along the southeastern border with Tennessee, Big South Fork is one of Kentucky's most popular outdoor playgrounds. The train had two regular cars, and two open cars, traveling through forest, mountains and streams.. Rangers traveled to and from the destination and were very informative and more than willing to answer questions. Run by the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, the train departs the historic Stearns Depot atop the river gorge and travels down to Mine 18. Over the eons, this ceaseless moving water has carved the sandstones of the plateau into the . The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, commonly known as Big South Fork, preserves the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries in northeastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky.. Stearns, KY 42647. www.bsfsry.com. Blue Heron, Mine 18, is an abandoned coal mining town and was a part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company's past operation. The establishment of the Big South Fork Scenic Railway was also a milestone in the park's early history. Enjoy wide open vistas, roaring rivers, and the history and charm of Appalachia, as we transport you back in time to our halfway point- the Barthell Coal Camp, the sight . Their story is the story of Blue Heron. Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Let us know in the comments! Within it are reminders of the time when the area was subjected to logging and mining expansion. View descriptions and maps of, Weather on the Cumberland Plateau can be very different from near-by cities which are not on the plateau. Sundays: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm. I would recommend for adults and children.. You will learn coal mining history. The train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge. There are many fun ways to get out and enjoy the Big South Fork during the winter months. The best part about this train ride is that dogs are allowed! Bald eagle viewing. Service. Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Legend says that when the rock fell, the Indians placed a portion of it upon a improvised monument to preserve it. This park located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, pays tribute to Sgt. 100 Henderson Street. Popular trail spots include Roaring Fork Motor Trail - you can spot historic log cabins . *These rates are for non-special event trains. I will never forget the happiness and joy on my son's face the whole time. Thomas and his friends return to the Strasburg Rail Road September 16 - 19, 2022. A train ride, beautiful nature, an education - and lunch too. (606) 376-5330. While other train rides in Kentucky are scenic and exciting, the views in this particular area are quite remarkable and unlike what many expect to see in Kentucky. Big South Fork preserves and protects a huge variety of natural and cultural resources, there is something to interest almost anybody. It was later sold to the. The Falls themselves are the largest in Kentucky and is known as the "Niagara of the South". #3 of 4 hotels in South Perth. conveyer structures over the trains on the way to our shade tree and picnic table for our lunch. What a great way to remember your magical journey to the North Pole! Trains Magazine has said that the K&/BSFSR is a spectacular trip back in time, when life was simple. I know that the window cars filled up first this time of year and the other people were upset because of this. 34,200 acres. A fee is required at the Natural Arch Scenic Area. The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism. Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat, 1364 Obey Blevins Rd, Jamestown, TN, 38556, United States, 11 Fun Ideas for Your Next Family Get-Together. Food, entertainment and displays available. Description: The 'Rat Hole' is the nickname for Norfolk Southern's busy main line through Kentucky which once had The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Stearns, Kentucky. Visitors can rent houseboats, lakeside cabins and enjoy the many beaches. Join Thomas the Tank Engine, a full-sized operating steam locomotive, as he greets friends of all ages. It was named in honor of the town's founder, Justus S. Stearns, and operated from 1974 until its closure by Blue Diamond Coal in October 1987. Read More. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway takes a 14 mile trip down to Blue Heron, the largest interpretive collection of historic coal mining in America. Take a train ride through the scenic mountains of Southern Kentucky and stop at the historicBlue Heron Mining Camp. Value. While there are several points of interest and overlooks along the highways, much of Big South Fork can only be reached by parking your car and walking, riding, biking or floating into the park. You can purchase Polar Express items in our online store. We will definitely be back! WMTH CORPORATION PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 PHONE (270) 792-5300 FAX 721-0004, http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/Pickett. For more information, please contact Big South Fork Scenic Railway directly at 1-800-462-5664. Be prepared to share the trail. "GO BIG" as you Explore, Experience, and Connect with Big South Fork NRRA. Ex-Lucy Furnace Company #3. http://parks.ky.gov/resortparks/cf/index.htm. (The veteran or active duty member must be present to redeem the military family discount. Travel to the South Rim, a pleasant location for a drive along the canyon rim and soak in the views at each viewpoint. I usually feel lost and confused in so many museums, but not in this one. ! Located in the heart of Historic Stearns, the McCreary County Museum is housed in the old Stearns Coal and Lumber Company Corporate headquarters, built in 1907. More than 55,000 visitors yearly. Visit website. Over 708,000 acres of forests, ravines and epic sandstone geological formations traced upon by rivers and streams await. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Very relaxing to have taken the little train to the little park to such a historic setting. As many of these destinations begin to open back up, some are ready to make those plans once again. This area of our state is filled with scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites. Shortly after opening up the lumber business, coal was discovered, and the company became Stearns Coal & Lumber. Sold to the K&T in 1963. www.dalehollow-lake.net/standing_stone_state_park.html. Purchased New. Visitation hours are 7:30A to 3:30P (CST) daily. Call us at (606) 376-5330 http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SgtYork. 125,000 acre area offers a broad range of recreational opportunities such as camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. Big South Fork Scenic Railway, Stearns, KY. Have a lake within a few blocks of the downtown that offers a walking trail, park, amphitheater and playground. Email Me 100% (30 Reviews) . Expand. Rated 3 / 5 from 17 reviews. Sold to Southern Iron & Locomotive who later sold it to the Smoky Mountain Railroad as their #1. This State Park is basically three buildings. Breathtaking cliffs, arches, rock shelters, chimneys and other geological features are carved into the sandstone. This trip is full of spectacular scenic vistas, lush vegetation and mountain streams as it descends 600 feet into the gorge before stopping at Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp, a NPS outdoor . Departing from the Stearns Depot in Stearns, KY, the train travels through 16 miles of Big South Fork's breathtaking and historic scenery. Big South Fork Scenic Railway. There is also a gift shop and snack bar with picnic shelter as well as hiking trails in Blue Heron. Boat launching is available at the local marinas and at public launching ramps provided by TVA. 37841, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Train runs approx. Save the date for the 23rd annual Spring Planting & Music Festival - April 29, 2023. The Cumberland Falls enjoy an international acclaim for its Moon Bows. Number 102 was the second of four Alco switchers K&T purchased from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway in late 1963. 18 reviews of Big South Fork Scenic Railway "This is a really neat experience. Governor Robert's Law Office is well preserved and within walking distance, also see historic marker. And if you really love trains, youll want to check out these 8 charming train towns in Kentucky. Auction will be held on Thu Jan 19 @ 08:00AM in Reno, NV 89511. Blue Heron Mining Community, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Now operating at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Cleanliness. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway takes a 14 mile trip down to Blue Heron, the largest interpretive collection of historic coal mining in America. A good choice. In December 1963, the railroad purchased four ALCO S-2 diesel locomotives from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Set out on an exploration of "some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains" via this national scenic byway. Along the way you slow down and stop and hear some history about the Stearns family and the coal mining town. The line had graded roadbed to near Jamestown, Tennessee. The only downside to our trip was the rain. Big South Fork Recreation Area Hwy 297 Oneida, TN (423) 286-7275. 100 Henderson St Stearns, KY 42647 United States 877-944-7849. . Thomas the Tank Engine the famous steam locomotive from the Island of Sodor will pull your 45-minute . The Big South Fork Scenic Railway operates out of Stearns in southeastern Kentucky, where coal, lumber, and trains were once booming industries. Location: 66 Henderson Street, Stearns, KY 42647. Not Available. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Stearns, Kentucky.. This heritage railroad is located in Versailles, Kentucky, United States. Lucky for us, it was a beautiful day and we decided to do the morning train because of hot weather during our visit. We are the only hotel in Perth to command sweeping views of the Swan River . We chose to sit in the last enclosed car with the usual cushioned train seats, but the windows can be opened (especially good on a hot day and to get better pictures). On October 8, 1918 in the Argonne Forest in France, York found himself alone opposing a German machine gun unit. Climb aboard as we depart our Stearns Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. 11,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau. They used to have Halloween pumpkins out, but they don't do that no more on the Halloween part. We welcome you to the Metro Hotel Perth. Location. 100 Henderson St Stearns KY 42647. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this secluded treasure. While there are several points of interest and overlooks along the highways, much of Big South Fork can only be reached by parking your car and walking, riding, biking or floating into the park. The K&T Special, our signature excursion, is a gorgeous three-hour scenic train ride from Stearns, Kentucky to the . We are honored and thankful for being selected. Ex-Denver & Rio Grande Western #110. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is an exciting trip for all ages. Excursions will resume April 1st. You can drive into Blue Heron, but a fun way to get there is to ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Oneida Stay tuned! On a whim, we the Big South Fork Scenic Railway the other day and were happy to see numerous improvements recently made. TN Ex-Atlantic Equipment & Construction Company #1. Motels near Big South Fork Scenic Railway, Stearns on Tripadvisor: Find 1,729 traveller reviews, 376 candid photos, and prices for motels near Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns, KY. Ride the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway on a 16 mile round trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Start planning your vacation today! Phone. In addition to the outdoor museum, Blue Heron offers hiking and horse trails, canoe access, restrooms and food services (food is only available when the Big South Fork Scenic Railway is in operation). (I believe, there are actually rooms and/or cabins available for rent for people to stay in the little village.) The train was operated by a 'non profit' organization, but the National Park manages the mining camp. When driving HWY 297 through the Big South Fork River gorge, you will encounter steep grades (up to 13%) and sharp hair-pin curves. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway was easy to get to from Williamsburg, KY. My husband and I made reservations on-line for the train ride with lunch - museum admission included. Has 650 miles of scenic shoreline, trophy bass fishing, water recreation, marinas and resorts. It was scrapped in 1940. Provides the recreational use of over 45,000 acres. Big South Fork Scenic Railway is located in Stearns. The Kentucky and Tennessee Railroad covered 25 miles of Big South Fork River Valley and utilized a dozen steam-powered locomotives. Saturdays: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm,7pm $5/day; $7/3 day; $50 annual. A few of the goals of Fish & Wildlife are to provide rainbow, brown, and lake trout for mitigation stocking in Tennessee and Georgia and to provide rainbow trout to Alabama in return for Gulf Coast striped bass eggs and fry. Prices at this place are worth attention since they're adequate. You'll choose from four train cars and there are plenty of seats available as of now. Little K&T touched the Kentucky/Tennessee state line just south of Bell Farm. There is also a gift shop and snack bar with picnic shelter as well as hiking trails in Blue Heron. The trip descends 600 feet into the gorge before stopping at . Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. At its peak, some 350 people lived in the colony. 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