Cumberland Gal: Big Bottom Wildlife Management Area :Where Do I Get a Map?

Coral honeysuckle vines in bloom at Big Bottom WMA

Big Bottom Wildlife Management Area :

Where Do I Get a Map?

Dana Koogler

Monday August 1, 2021

A reader recently emailed me wanting information on the trail system at Big Bottom WMA so she and her spouse could go four wheeling and learn more of the trails. I was able to answer her question, but in reviewing previous direction and access materials I failed to pass that along to readers in general!

I have added that info to the bottom of the Big Bottom Trail Access Regulations & Directions blog entry. I am writing a separate piece here as an additional reminder and correction.

I bought my first map from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). When you buy a map from them that has Big Bottom WMA on there you are getting more than just that one trail system. It is of Region 3 in its entirety. That includes Fall Creek Falls, Lost Creek, Big Bottom, Scotts Gulf, Virgin Falls, Bledsoe State Forest, the Latimer Reserve, Herbert Domain, and Chestnut Mountain Reserve.

The map itself is not called Big Bottom Wildlife Management Area.

It is titled Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness. It is a huge area when it is all combined. A map is very useful since it is massive and can be very confusing. Parts of this area are okay for four wheeling while others are off limits to all except foot travel. Other areas are off limits period.

Chestnut Mountain Reserve as of the time of this writing is off limits.

Latimer Reserve is property of the Boy Scouts of America and private UNLESS you contact them and make arrangements to visit.

Virgin Falls, Lost Creek, and Fall Creek Falls, and Scotts Gulf are foot travel only on their trails.

Bledsoe State Forest and Big Bottom WMA are a combination of four wheeling accessible and foot travel.

Two Places to Get a Map

You can purchase a map from the TWRA by clicking this link here.

That will open the order form which you can then print off and complete.

Mail it in to the address shown on the form with your $6. Be sure to select
Bridgestone/Firestone as your choice to get a Big Bottom Unit map.

You will get your map in about a week.

Also you can simply call the TWRA office here (615) 781-6525

at this number and order over the phone using your credit card.

That may be easier.

If you live within driving distance of the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce you may drop by their office and buy one in person.

My most recent one I bought there from Mr. Marvin Bullock. He runs the chamber of commerce and is super nice and very smart. He was who alerted me to the fact the map was updated a couple years back. My first one is dated 2009 as its time of publication. The current/accurate map is dated 2018!

Sparta White County Chamber of Commerce contact info

16 West Bockman Way

Sparta, TN 38583

Chamber President: Marvin Bullock

info@spartaTNchamber.com

931-836-3552

They are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The up side to ordering from the chamber is you have the map in hand immediately. Additionally, Marvin will be sure to sell you the current map.

I would hope the TWRA would no longer be selling the old version of the map, but I have no way to tell.

There is enough difference in the two to want to be sure to have the current version. A few trails have been constructed since then.

Below is a map to the Chamber of Commerce location.

The Current Map

Below is an image of the front cover of the map. The box at the bottom indicates date of publication April 2018.

Below is a photo of the map legend on the current map.

Comparing and Contrasting the Two Maps

Below is a shot of the Big Bottom Area on the current map.

Douglas Trail is shown on there in this area.

Below is a contrasting image of the original map dated 2009. No Douglas Trail there. This is the area along Whites Cave Road where you park to enter. Both map images of same vicinity.

Below is a shot of the current map which shows Big Sink as part of public land. It also does a better job of indicating the trail system.

Below is a contrasting image of the same area. Big Sink whited out shown as private holding. Not part of Big Bottom WMA. No trails really shown.

See the differences? This is why you want the current map. For this reason if you order from TWRA via phone or order form through the mail I would take it a step further and request the map published in 2018!

Here is a link to the Big Bottom WMA Access Points & Regulations blog.

It tells the dates when it is okay to ride. It also tells what you need to do to be legal. Game Wardens will no longer warn you, but will fine you if they catch you riding in there without the proper credentials. It will cost you more headache and money to ride illegally than it would to do it the proper way.

Here is a link to the Big Bottom Riding Directions

Directions, maps, photos of the area to show you what is in there!

Here is a link to a trip report on Big Sink in Spring. It is one small part of Big Bottom WMA.

Below is a video of Little Sink Falls which is also in there.