Blue Heron Ghost Train event. Image courtesy of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

ONEIDA, TN — September is a great time to take the family down to Blue Heron for traditional storytelling at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

On September 9 join the 7th Annual Blue Heron Ghost Train. This storytelling program will start at 7 p.m. at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center’s train depot. National Park Service staff and volunteers will lead groups of visitors in the darkness of night by only the flickers of lanterns to local storytellers. They, through the age-old tradition of the spoken word, will share their traditional tales from around the region with you. This event concludes at 9 p.m.

Visitors have the option of either descending to this abandoned coal-mining camp by rail or road. The train departs from Stearns Depot at 7 p.m. and heads into the gorge and then eventually the Blue Heron Outdoor Museum. For information on riding the train, please contact the Big South Fork Scenic Railway at (800) 462-5664 or visit www.bsfsry.com. While this event is free, there is a fee to ride this round-trip train excursion and reservations are recommended.

There will be live music at Blue Heron before the train arrives for those who prefer to attend by car. To reach Blue Heron, follow the directional signs from Stearns via Kentucky Highways 92W and 1651S to 742W. Blue Heron is located approximately 12 miles from Stearns, Kentucky, at the end of Highway 742W. Free parking is available. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase at the concession stand.