Bandy Creek 2014

[americanrascal]

Just spent a great weekend at Bandy Creek CG in the Big South Fork NP in TN. A most spectacular place and a hidden gem in our NPS system. While its quite remote and the roads in from the east are "interesting" we will definitely be back. The roads are more than I would try with our 5ver --13% grades and REAL hairpin turns down and upthrough the gorge. We did this trip with our truck camper this time and glad we did. Many had travel trailers but i am not sure I could make it in our Cougar 5ver.

Friday we visited the north end of the park at Stearns KY. Took the train down into the park from that end and visited the Blue Heron mine. Totally awesome!!! and an exceptional value.

While it was great, it was disappointing to see how the NPS is struggling to keep up, Sure looked like the federal budget cuts slammed them hard at Bandy Creek. Mold and mildew saturated the shower curtains and vinyl siding on the restroom/ bath houses. Grass had not been cut in what appeared like many moons.

But the pro's sure outweighed the cons. The most pet friendly national park I had ever been in. Great memories were made. We are definitely headed back to Big South Fork in TN and KY. Love that place.

[americanrascal]

Forgot to mention that Big South Fork NP is one of the most dog friendly National Parks I have ever been in. As long as you keep them leashed they are all but welcomed anywhere. They had a blast jumping in and swimming the river.

It was especially rewarding to be able to take the dogs on the Big South Fork RR train from Stearns, KY on a ride down into the park and to visit the Blue Heron Mining town.

The Rangers and park assistants were courteous and warm to our canine children-- and even had water bowls set up at facilities throughout the park in consideration of their presence!

When visiting the campground office the dogs were actually encouraged and invited into the office and store area. The staff there told us the Park Superintendent was a dog lover and wanted the park experience to be good for dog loving families.

[noe-place]

Bandy Creek is in Tennessee but many of us Kentuckians visit there routinely. Especially in the fall when they have their annual story telling festival. We have standing reservations every year because it's one thing the whole family can enjoy.