100 Henderson St Stearns, KY 42647 United States 877-944-7849. . Service. You can take a train ride through the scenic mountains of Southern Kentucky and stop at the historic Blue Heron Mining Camp. In December 1963, the railroad purchased four ALCO S-2 diesel locomotives from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Big South Fork Scenic Railway is located in Stearns. During that time, hundreds of people lived and worked in this isolated community on the banks of the Big South Fork River. 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. They take you about a mile and then it goes in reverse. We were sure to be early in line for seating - as a large group was also sitting in our car - and this time we sat on the other side of the car.We visited the huge museum adjacent to the train station. Sold Out. Hwy 92 Stearns, KY . The train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge. Stearns, KY 42647. www.bsfsry.com. Norris Lake is well-known for its opportunities for fishing, swimming, water skiing, and boating. What other favorite attractions in Kentucky are you looking forward to visiting? 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). WMTH CORPORATION PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 PHONE (270) 792-5300 FAX 721-0004, http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/Pickett. There is also a gift shop and snack bar with picnic shelter as well as hiking trails in Blue Heron. Just 35 miles from the Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat. Numerous marinas nestled between the East Tennessee ridges and the shoreline provide accommodations and the amenities needed for any water recreation. Location: 66 Henderson Street, Stearns, KY 42647. The line that is used by the BSFSR was originally laid down by the Stearns Coal & Lumber Company, beginning in 1901. Website. The Newest And Biggest Indoor Playground In Kentucky, Malibu Jacks Ashland Is As Fun For Adults As It Is For Kids, Few People Know One Of The Nicest Restaurants In America Is Hiding In Small-Town Kentucky, This Retro Motor Lodge In Kentucky Is The Most Delightfully Nostalgic Place Youll Ever Stay, Theres A Lake In Kentucky That Looks Just Like Lake Tahoe, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists, This 3-Hour Train Ride Is The Most Relaxing Way To Enjoy Kentucky Scenery, This Fun-Filled Train Museum Is A True Hidden Gem In Kentucky, The North Pole Train Ride In Kentucky That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Adventure, Ride The Rails Through Kentuckys Countryside On This Historic Train, Barry Winiker/The Image Bank via Getty Images. 100 Henderson Street. Park; it offers 8,000 square miles of scenic landscape with hours of hiking trails. The Summer Run ride will be offered Wednesday through Sunday beginning June 3rd and will operate at 50 percent capacity (for now), with enhanced cleaning protocols and open-air seating. Here are some things you might want to know about Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area before you visit the area. It was easy to make sense of the history here and fun to wander from section to section reviewing the artifacts, documents, and materials.It was a wonderful day at Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Today, engines #10 and #12 (formerly Southern Railway 4501), (both 2-8-2 Mikakdos), are currently residing at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee with #12 restored to operational condition with its original Southern Railway colors and number 4501 whilst #10 is awaiting restoration. Trains Magazine has said that the K&/BSFSR is a spectacular trip back in time, when life was simple. Set out on an exploration of "some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains" via this national scenic byway. Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum. 2022 - 2021 Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Parking was good and the train station was so nice with a large air-conditioned seating area, restaurant and gift shop. During April through October, you can choose the K & T Special ride, which takes you through the gorgeous surrounding areas in Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and . When driving HWY 297 through the Big South Fork River gorge, you will encounter steep grades (up to 13%) and sharp hair-pin curves. Food, entertainment and displays available. Today, BSFSR is a thriving railway, pleasing tourists and railfans alike. Big South Fork Scenic Railway Timing: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm. Visit the Website. The Stearns Companys first load of coal was produced in 1903 at Barthell Coal Camp, paving the way to Stearns earning the moniker Empire of the South. Painstakingly restored by the Koger Family , Barthell hospitably opens the doors to 1910 and Edwardian life in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau, the southernmost portion of the Appalachians. 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. Climb aboard as we depart our Stearns Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. Whether its for the first time or the twentieth, you can ride the rails once again aboard one of the most favorite attractions in Kentucky. This unique phenomenon appears nowhere else in the Western Hemisphere. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. On the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a stunning attraction just outside of Caon City, Colorado. This park located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, pays tribute to Sgt. Big South Fork Scenic Railway is under new ownership and management. After arriving at the North Pole, you will be joined by Santa. The views from the train are spectacular as well and include all the history and enchantment of Appalachia. http://parks.ky.gov/resortparks/cf/index.htm. Blue Heron Mining Community, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. In addition to Summer Run Big South Fork Scenic Railway Ticket From $13, you should feel free to use Promo Codes. And if you really love trains, youll want to check out these 8 charming train towns in Kentucky. Retired in February 1964. This was actually a short train ride. We spent two nights in the cabins at Barthell Ky, near Stearns. In order to move lumber from the Cumberland National Forest (now Daniel Boone National Forest), Stearns Company built the Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad. THE BEAUTY OF APPALACHIA ON KENTUCKYS MOST SCENIC TOURIST RAILROAD. Both McCreary County Museum and Big South Fork Scenic Railway are recommended for visiting. 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. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Stearns, Kentucky.. Conductor, and elves. Numerous parks and forests near Lookout Mountain offer a wide range of camping options . Free use is available with an Interagency or Golden Pass, which must be displayed on the vehicle dash to receive the free . Big South Fork is bisected by only three highways. As train rides go, it was one of the roughest. We are honored and thankful for being selected. The only downside to our trip was the rain. Bald eagle viewing. Order your free copy or view the online guide now. Monday Friday:6pm, 8pm, Number 102 was the second of four Alco switchers K&T purchased from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway in late 1963. Description: The 'Rat Hole' is the nickname for Norfolk Southern's busy main line through Kentucky which once had On the return trip to Stearns, Santa will visit each coach and hand out the first gift of Christmas to each passenger. railroad built by ALCO in 1944 and uses diesel locomotives for its excursion trains.[2]. Stay tuned! A train ride, beautiful nature, an education - and lunch too. The line's remaining steam locomotives remained on standby service until their official retirement in February 1964. Welcome to the online home of Big South Fork Scenic Railway, in beautiful Stearns, Kentucky! 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. Over 708,000 acres of forests, ravines and epic sandstone geological formations traced upon by rivers and streams await. Ex-Denver & Rio Grande Western #110. 1,186 reviews. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been . While things halted for a while, the railway is set to open up again on June 3rd with new guidelines and all of the necessary safety precautions. The scenic Suffolk walk that follows the remains of a disused railway line 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. The gift shop supports local artists to what better way to spend the holidays making memories and credit cards at a minimum. Along the way you slow down and stop and hear some history about the Stearns family and the coal mining town. Don't miss Summer Run Big South Fork Scenic Railway Ticket From $13. The BARK Ranger program teaches dog owners about the importance of following the rules of BARK while visiting Big South Fork. Scrapped 1920. The establishment of the Big South Fork Scenic Railway was also a milestone in the park's early history. K&T line builders needed a bridge to curve around to the right to meet the spur. With rifle and pistol he engaged the enemy. The Kentucky and Tennessee Railroad covered 25 miles of Big South Fork River Valley and utilized a dozen steam-powered locomotives. Save the date for the 23rd annual Spring Planting & Music Festival - April 29, 2023. The fight ended with more than twenty Germans dead. The Grand Gap Loop Trail has been designated for hiking use with mountain bike use any day of the week. Visitation hours are 7:30A to 3:30P (CST) daily. Operated by the National Parks Service today, the Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers a 16 mile excursion over the Route of the Painted Rocks. . 11,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering . Upon departure, youll be immersed in the story as you are served hot chocolates and a sweet treat while the conductor recites a reading from the Polar Express book. Follow along with breathtaking views of the Daniel Boone National Forest . (Note: a half hour trip by train to the camp, you will spend 2 hours at the camp and return back to the Depot.). I would recommend taking the trip. Very relaxing to have taken the little train to the little park to such a historic setting. Galveston Railroad Museum. 34,200 acres. There is a depot there serving the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. ! Popular East London pub promises to keep 2.50 pints despite spending 210k on big refurbishment. At its peak, some 350 people lived in the colony. If youve had a train ride in Kentucky on your bucket list for a while, youll be happy to know that the Big South Fork Scenic Railway is opening for rides beginning June 3rd and you can buy tickets now to experience one of the most favorite attractions in Kentucky. Legend says that when the rock fell, the Indians placed a portion of it upon a improvised monument to preserve it. I believe, the middle car had tables and chairs, and the first car had benches. In 1937, Blue Heron Mining Camp was opened; K&T built a one-mile spur to the camp, crossing Roaring Paunch Creek. Take a Train Ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. You will see what it is like to ride t. Since there is no restaurant at the mid-point, box lunches were offered on the train, at an additional cost - sandwich, drink, chips, small dessert. The line was of vital importance to the Union cause, making it a frequent target of Confederate forces under John Hunt Morgan, and others, during the 1860s; the nearby bridge was even destroyed.The railroad station on the site now is a 1990s . Big South Fork Scenic Railway - Kentucky. It was scrapped in 1940. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway started operating on July 1, 1982. 4 days a week in the summer and 5 in October. Each unit spent two months in East St. Louis, Illinois, getting multiple unit controls installed. Camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Boat launching is available at the local marinas and at public launching ramps provided by TVA. Explore the Big South Fork area in a way you've never done before on Big South Fork Scenic Railway. I would recommend for adults and children.. You will learn coal mining history. Ex-Memphis & Little Rock Railroad #16. Excursions will resume April 1st. 37841, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. As many of these destinations begin to open back up, some are ready to make those plans once again. You can save a lot of money by getting FROM $13 at stearnsthepolarexpressride.com. If you've been eager to try something new or get back to this historic experience, check out the railway's calendar and plan a visit to this scenic area of Kentucky. The staff is said to be professional here. Great job to the man and Mrs. And the mr. The third building is the furnished log cabin of Cordell Hull. During the trip, you will get . A good choice.We made sure to get to the station early. Photo by: Thomas Hart. We've always loved making a Day Trip down there, and have done so every couple years since the scenic railway first opened. Museum located nearby along with a number of shops and . Ex-Denver & Rio Grande Western #119. From April through October, the Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers a 3-hour, 14-mile round-trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. . The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. A train ride, beautiful nature, an education - and lunch too. 100 Henderson St Stearns KY 42647. There are, however, several areas near Big South Fork where a person may ride ATV's. Big South Fork Scenic Railway Address: 66 Henderson St, Stearns, KY 42647, USA, 42647, United States. The first mine, at Barthell, was opened in 1902. The railway had 7 open-air passenger cars, all home built, and two ALCo S2 diesel switchers, Nos. McCreary County Museum. French Lick Scenic Railway. The adjacent McCreary County Museum (admission included in train ticket) demonstrates life in Kentucky's coal company towns during the first half of the 20th century. The site of the current museum was built by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad from 1856 to 1857, on their old line, which ran to Lebanon, Kentucky. Antiques, collectibles, local crafts, old fashioned soda fountain. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Eastern/Central Time Line runs through the middle of the park. 2602 Santa Fe Pl Galveston, TX 77550 Read along as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole departing from the Stearns depot. ), Copyright 2023 Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Little K&T touched the Kentucky/Tennessee state line just south of Bell Farm. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book. Shortly after opening up the lumber business, coal was discovered, and the company became Stearns Coal & Lumber. The scenery is second to none and the hospitality of the citizens and staff is unmatched.. There is a stop in the historic coal mining town of Blue Heron, Kentucky which can be toured. 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. Will not go back. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway, based in Stearns, Kentucky operates a 16-mile round-trip excursion through the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area on ex-Kentucky & Tennessee Railway trackage. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas! Perhaps, I could have enjoyed the music they blared through the sub-par speakers if the mind-jolting, high-pitched squeal of the wheelset didn't supplant my less than joyous experience. Norris produces excellent catches of rock fish, bass, walleye, and crappie. Join us as the season is here to see one of Kentuckys most beautiful tourism destinations in full Autumn colors! There's so much to experience at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The route runs for 16 miles (26km) through lush countryside in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Now owned by a nonprofit organization, the K&T Railway still chugs along the same scenic pathways, importing sightseers and . 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. Oneida, TN Call us at (606) 376-5330 These are the locomotives that ran on the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway. Big South Fork NRRA; Big South Fork Scenic Railway; Historic Rugby; Brimstone Recreation; Obed Wild & Scenic River; Vendors. Groome & Co Realtors. 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