Big South Fork

[Guest clsutton21]

I am hoping to head up to Big South Fork Saturday to collect some extra credit for my Protozoology class. Does anyone know their stance on people taking roaches from the park? Also, they don't charge for people "hiking" do they?

[gregintenn]

If you are allowed an allotment, you are welcome to my share!

[ttocswob]

NC for day use - backcountry permit $5 required for overnight.

It is federal - endangered species might be a problem. But I wouldn't worry too much. Rangers are a rare sight, away from the highway and campground.

Watch out for ice, even if we don't get more tonight. Be careful and have fun!

Big South Fork

[Guest clsutton21]

Thanks for the help. They aren't endangered, but they are kind of special. These are actually a species in the genus Cryptocercus, which "eat" wood. When they "eat" the wood, the protozoans inside the belly of the roach are actually the ones that digest the cellulose in the wood, kind of like termites; my professor needs the flagellates that live inside.

[setsdw]

It is technically against the rules to harm or remove anything from a National Recreation Area. If you wanted to stay closer head down here to the Bridgestone Firestone WMA here in White County. You could contact the ranger there and he would probably help you find the bugs.

[analog_kidd]

If you are looking for an interesting place to hike, The Honey Creek trail in BSF is amazing. It's a little difficult, but worth every step. It's got an old cave that use to be inhabited by indians, a ladder bolted to a 60 foot cliff, you hike up a creek that forms a canyon that is maybe 30 feet wide in some places. Best hike in East TN!

[bockey]

If you are allowed an allotment, you are welcome to my share!

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