Hunting and fishing are allowed in season with appropriate state licenses. Scenic overlooks are located in both the Tennessee and Kentucky portions of the park. Hiking the Big South Fork, over 150 miles of hiking trails with plenty of loops or one ways options, as well over 150 miles of horse trails. The horse trails are used by hikers to connect with different routes. The trails are well marked with arrowhead markers of John Muir figurehead markers.
Trails range from easy to difficult, with no trails listed as strenuous.
This makes the Big South Fork an excellent area for first time hikers. If you begin your trip and find that you are out of shape, stick to the plateaus with side hikes into the gorge area. Horseback riding has become one of the most popular activities at the Big South Fork. There are 100's of miles of horse trails available throughout the Big South Fork. These horse trails are all signed and marked with white blaze and yellow horse heads.