Big South Fork Scenic Railway

Some Views Along The Way . . . . .

      As the train leaves Stearns, it travels down into the Big South Fork River Valley away from civilization, along roaring mountain streams, through a tunnel and along steep cliff sides.  Initially skirting National Forest Service lands, it finally enters the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area just below Barthell, the oldest coal camp on the railroad which traces its beginnings to 1902.  While rolling through this remote wilderness, it's easy to believe that you're transported a century back in time, viewing the same rugged timberlands that greeted the loggers when they arrived at the turn of the 20th century. 

     After hugging the hillsides, the train finally settles into the floor of the river valley, crossing the mouth of Roaring Paunch Creek before entering the Blue Heron Interpretive Site.  Along the way, you can see the wild flowers in bloom, rugged rock faces that gave the slogan "Route of the Painted Rocks" to the predecessor Kentucky & Tennessee Railway, and maybe even a deer or black bear.

      In the near future, the train ride will be extended to the coal camp of Worley.  Additional plans call for relaying the line back across Yamacraw Bridge, the 5-arch concrete span over the South Fork of the Cumberland River.

     The flowers, trees, and wildlife are protected by the National Forest Service and the National Park Service for future generations.  The National Park also offers opportunities for camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and rafting on the river.  The Big South Fork River is a Kentucky Protected Wild River.