Now in its third edition, Hiking the Big South Fork is packed with up-to-date information on the trails of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee and Kentucky. The book combines numerous details about the natural history of the area with fascinating tidbits of folklore and legend to provide an interpretive guide to the trails. The authors have walked, measured, and rated every hiking trail, and, for this edition, they include information about trails in the adjoining Pickett State Park and Forest. The book features detailed maps; checklists of mammals, birds, and wildflowers; and valuable advice on safety, park rules and regulations, and accommodations. The trail descriptions include difficulty ratings, distance and time information, notes on accommodations and special considerations, and detailed mileage indicators to keep hikers informed of their progress and to clarify points of confusion. Also included is a handy chart designed for backpackers who wish to combine trails for longer excursions. Strollers, hikers, and backpackers looking for a less-crowded alternative to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will enjoy discovering this beautiful, rugged National Park service area. Only a ninety-minute drive northwest of Knoxville, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is easily reached in half a day or less from Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. The Authors: Brenda G. Deaver is a park ranger at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Jo Anna Smith, a former ranger-historian with the National Park Service, now lives in Idaho with her husband, Steve. Howard Ray Duncan, a native of the Big South Fork area, has spent many years exploring the region. A former school teacher and principal, he has been a ranger at Big South Fork since 1985.

All the trails of the Big South Fork plus adjacent national forests and parks. Great for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

Located in Tennessee and Kentucky, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boasts a diverse and dramatic landscape ideal for all types of outdoor activities. This newly updated guide includes information on the area's geology, history, and wildlife, plus horseback riding, whitewater paddling, and backpacking. There's also advice about accommodations and services, activities for children, universally accessible campgrounds and trails, and exploration by car.

Pocket guide (5x9") to the sandstone formations of the Northern Cumberland Plateau, which straddles Tennessee and Kentucky. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Escape with Russ Manning, the Southeast's hiking expert, into the deep gorges and rock shelters that make this area a natural utopia. He has trekked along every trail and behind every waterfall, from Yahoo Falls to the Gentleman's Swimming Hole--in 100 Trails of the Big South Fork, he guides you to and trough the land's best of best!

Outdoor recreation abounds in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee and Kentucky. This book describes opportunities for paddling, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more.

I began a blog called "Mid Sierra Musings”. It is mostly about my experiences in the central Sierras. There currently seems to be a vicarious thirst and large viewership for things related to self-sufficiency, wilderness living. There are 'reality series' programs like “Alaska The Last Frontier” and “Mountain Men”.I have the best of both worlds since I have all the conveniences of city living with quick access to the Sierra National Forest and both Sequoia/Kings Canyon (SeKi) and Yosemite an hour away. I can mow my lawn in the morning and be above 7,000' skiing an hour and a half later.There has been considerable interest in the photo essays I have posted on the blog and I decided to combine them in paperback book and Kindle formats. While I am not the stature of a John Muir, my intentions are similar. I want to introduce you to what is there for you to think about, to see, smell, hear and share with others. Even if it is not possible for you to get into the wilderness, it is an opportunity to see it through the eyes of an eye witness. May you be both edified and entertained.