BEAR CREEK ROCKIES

                 Big South Fork Recreation Area Home of

                           Bear Creek Rockies

         In 1960's the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wanted to dam the Big South Fork of the
Cumberland River just above the Devils Jump Rapid to create another reservoir.  If that
had happened the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area would never
have existed.
    
        On the Cumberland Plateau you're find some of the most beautiful and dramatic
landscape around.  You can gaze down upon a raging river from the edge of steep-walled
canyons, or huddle under a massive sandstone arch structure like Indian hunting parties
of long ago.  

       In the most remote areas of the Big South Park you might  happen upon a furry friend
due to the reintroduction of black bear and elk into the area.  A group of 14 female black
bear were the first to be released into Big South Fork during the winter and summer of
1996 and 1997.  Today's estimate is between 40 - 50 bears now residing there.    
                                                                                                                     
     The last reported elk sighting in Tennessee was in Obion County in 1865.  The reintroduction began with a group of 25 elk
in 2001 with the first documented elk mating in September
of the same year.  Today the elk population is sufficient
in number to support a tag-lottery hunting season. 

    Have I mentioned fishing and the horse back riding trails? 
(I know that's why you're really here)!