Back Country Horsemen of Big South Fork

The Back Country Horsemen of Big South Fork is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enriching the trail systems within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. It operates as a chapter under the broader mission of Back Country Horsemen of America.

Overview

The organization focuses on assisting government and private agencies in establishing and maintaining trails and other backcountry resources. This includes working to ensure that trails remain accessible and sustainable for all users, including horseback riders, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Activities and Mission

• Trail Maintenance: The group actively participates in maintaining and improving trail infrastructure. However, they face specific restrictions, such as not being allowed to use power tools like chainsaws in their work, as per local regulations[5].
• Community Involvement: The organization engages with the local community through regular meetings, which are open to the public. These meetings facilitate collaboration and coordination among members, volunteers, and other stakeholders[5].
• Environmental Stewardship: By working to maintain trails and backcountry resources, the Back Country Horsemen of Big South Fork contribute to environmental stewardship and support the preservation of natural habitats.

Legal Status

The organization is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, which enables it to receive tax-deductible donations and engage in charitable activities[2].

[1] https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/backcountry-hiking-and-camping.htm [2] https://bchbsf.org [3] https://www.picktnproducts.org/picktn-producers/picktn-listing.23632.html [4] https://www.bcha.org/blog/chapters/bch-of-tennessee-big-south-fork/ [5] https://www.bcha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Tennessee-Report.pdf