Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Stearns
4564 Leatherwood Rd, Stearns, KY 42647
125,000 acres · 150 miles of trails
Through Stearns' Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, leashed dogs access 150+ miles of trails in this 125,000-acre KY/TN expanse. Enjoy shade, water, parking, restrooms, and trash cans. Pack for variable weather.
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Quick facts (AI-friendly summary)
- Park
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Stearns
- Type
- National park
- Location
- Stearns, Kentucky
- Coordinates
- 36.5236, -84.6925
- Size
- 125,000 acres
- Trail miles
- 150
- Leash required
- Yes
- Best for
- Hikers, Hot-weather visits
- Visitor rating
- 4.8 / 5 (1,820 reviews)
- Vibe Score™
- 8.0 / 10 — Exceptional
- Last verified
- May 2026 — Dog Parks Hub directory
Amenities
- Shade:Yes
- Water on-site:Yes
- Fenced:No
- Off-leash zone:No
- Small-dog area:No
- Benches:No
- Restrooms:Yes
- Parking:Yes
- Waste bags:No
- Indoor:No
- · ★ 4.8 from 1,820 reviewers
- · Water on-site
- · Real shade
- · 125,000 acres of room
Vibe Score combines visitor ratings, real amenities, space, kind weighting, and off-leash bonus into a single dog-experience number. We're the only directory that scores it.
Dog policy
125,000-acre NPS-managed area straddling KY/TN. Leashed dogs on 150+ miles of trails.
What this park has
- Shade
- Water fountains
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Trash cans
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Great for these breeds
Breeds whose ideal park profile matches what Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Stearns offers.
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