The warmer summer months in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area do not disappoint. With many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, guests at Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat love to take advantage of nearby trails, water sports, and more. Check out these fun things to do all summer long at the Big South Fork!

Enjoy the Trails

There are hundreds of miles of trails within the Big South Fork area that offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding. Visitors can rent mountain bikes and hit trails that the International Mountain Biking Association deemed as “Epic” in recent years. Mountain bikers can ride on both the specially designated bike trails in the area as well as all of the horse trails.

Hiking trails entwine the entire Big South Fork area and offer amazing opportunities to spot wildlife, waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful country in the world. ATV riders flock to nearby Black House Mountain which is located in the Pickett State Forest OHV Area (just 7 miles from Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat!)

STAYING AT LAUREL FORK RUSTIC RETREAT

Enjoy all the outdoor fun that the Big South Fork (and Pickett State Park!) offers by staying at Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat. With direct trail access and relaxing deluxe cabin amenities, you'll never want summer to end!

Check Availability and book your summer stay today!

people buying used goods at a large yard sale

Experience the Ultimate Yard Sale

For those looking for miles of bargains, the 127 Corridor Sale is the world’s longest yard sale that reaches from Michigan to Alabama! Over 690 miles of yard sales offer many treasures to be found! Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat is the perfect lodging location for those who follow the sale as it is located only 20 minutes from Jamestown, the headquarters of the 127 Corridor Sale.

Check out these 3 Ways to Find the Best Deals at the 127 Corridor Sale!

jumping into the water on a hot summer day

Find the Water

The Big South Fork has become a destination for whitewater paddlers who descend on the area in the late winter or early spring. For those who aren’t into whitewater paddling, the summer water features in the area offer great places to take a dip to escape the heat. The Gentleman’s Swimming Hole is a great spot to cool off after a short hike, offering refreshing waters shadowed by beautiful forest.

Fishing is also a very enjoyable activity in the area. Anglers find multiple spots for fishing catfish and sunfish in the summer as well as large and smallmouth bass in late summer to early fall. The many trails in the area offer different secret fishing spots that visitors can easily find with a line and hook in hand!

Out-Of-This-World Stargazing

Nearby Pickett State Park is adjacent to the Big South Fork and has been certified as a dark sky viewing location. The entire area is a top destination for star enthusiasts and offers many different locations to view your favorite constellations. Get away from the city and come out to Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat to enjoy the gorgeous brilliance of the night sky right from the porch of your cabin!

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