Protecting 125,000 acres of the rugged Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers a wide variety of outdoor opportunities throughout the gorges and bluffs along Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. Spanning the borders of northeastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky, the area is well known for its hiking trails, camping areas, scenic train rides, horseback riding, historic mining towns, whitewater river rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing.
   One of the most popular hiking trails near Whitley City is the Yahoo Falls and Arch Trail. Located in Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, a trail from the parking lot leads to views of the 113 foot Yahoo Falls from above and below the falls. Listed as moderate, the trail includes stairs that descend to the gorge below the falls. Once down in the gorge the trail actually passes behind the falls under one of the largest rock shelters in the area. As with most waterfalls in the region, water flow is greatly reduced during periods of dry weather.
   For enthusiastic hikers, a three-quarter mile trail continues on to Yahoo Arch. A natural rock arch, the opening has a height of 17 feet and a width of 70 feet at the base. There is also a smaller arch on your left. After you explore in and around the arch area, retrace your steps back to the falls loop trail that's about a mile in length. Not far from the parking lot there's also a short spur trail that overlooks the bluff-line and offers views of Lake Cumberland.
   Caution is advised in and around the Yahoo Falls Scenic Area. There are steep dropoffs, slippery rocks, and lack of protective guardrails in most areas of this natural setting.

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