Late summer in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is a season of contrasts. The rolling plateaus and sandstone bluffs are painted with the earliest hints of fall color, the air is getting cooler in the mornings, and the long, golden afternoons invite hikers, horseback riders, and campers to linger outdoors. But for all its beauty, August also brings a less-welcome arrival: seed ticks.

These nearly invisible, poppy-seed-sized larvae are the earliest life stage of the lone star tick and other species common to the Cumberland Plateau. They emerge in large numbers in late summer, clinging to vegetation and waiting for a host. Without precautions, a short walk in the woods can turn into a days-long battle with itchy bites and the chore of removing dozens — or hundreds — of tiny ticks from skin and clothing.

Why August Brings Seed Tick Swarms

The life cycle of ticks is tied closely to the seasons, and in the Big South Fork, August is prime time for the larval stage to emerge. Adult female lone star ticks lay thousands of eggs in late spring and early summer, usually in leaf litter or grassy areas. By mid- to late-summer, the larvae—each no bigger than a grain of sand—hatch and climb vegetation in clusters. Unlike nymphs or adults, which bite individually, seed ticks can attach by the dozens in seconds.

They’re not just a nuisance. Lone star ticks are known carriers of ehrlichiosis and have been linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy triggered by a tick bite. Even though seed ticks themselves are less likely than adults to transmit disease, avoiding bites is still important to reduce irritation and the risk of infection.

Where You’re Most Likely to Encounter Them in the Big South Fork

Seed ticks thrive in transitional zones—edges of meadows, along overgrown trails, and in areas with tall grasses or low shrubs. In the Big South Fork, these environments are common along horse trails, old logging roads, and the fringes of backcountry clearings. The Bandy Creek area, Leatherwood Ford, and sections of the John Muir and Grand Gap Loops all include habitats where seed ticks can be thick in late summer.

Because they cluster low to the ground, seed ticks are more easily picked up by hikers brushing past vegetation or horseback riders crossing overgrown sections of trail. Campsites set in tall grass or near brushy areas are also higher-risk zones.

Prevention: The Best Line of Defense

The simplest way to avoid seed ticks is to minimize contact with the vegetation where they’re waiting. But in a place as wild and beautiful as the Big South Fork, that’s not always realistic—so preparation matters.

• Dress defensively: Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they reach your skin. Long pants tucked into socks or boots create a barrier.

• Use repellents: Apply an EPA-approved tick repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin. Treat clothing, boots, and gear with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact.

• Stay centered on trails: When possible, walk or ride in the middle of paths, avoiding tall grass and low-hanging brush.

• Mind your animals: Horses and dogs can pick up seed ticks just as easily as people. Consider using veterinarian-approved tick prevention products before your trip.

 What to Do If You Pick Them Up

Even with precautions, encounters happen. If you notice clusters of tiny black or reddish dots moving on your skin, act quickly:

1. Remove clothing and gear as soon as possible and shake them out away from camp or your vehicle.

2. Shower promptly, using a washcloth to help dislodge ticks before they attach firmly.

3. Use tweezers or tape to remove any that have already bitten. Tweezers allow for precise removal; wide cellophane tape can lift clusters before they latch deeply.

4. Launder clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill any lingering ticks.

After removal, keep an eye on bite sites for signs of infection—redness, swelling, or unusual rashes—and consult a doctor if symptoms appear.

 The Long Game: Reducing Tick Encounters Altogether

While the National Park Service manages the Big South Fork with an eye toward preserving its natural ecology, visitors can take personal steps to make tick encounters less likely over time. Staying on maintained trails, avoiding camping in heavy brush, and reporting unusually dense tick activity to park rangers helps identify problem spots. In popular areas, periodic mowing or trimming along trail edges can reduce habitat for tick larvae.

For horseback riders, regularly cleaning tack and grooming horses after rides helps prevent ticks from being carried back to barns or pastures.

 Enjoying the Big South Fork Safely

The Big South Fork in late summer and early fall offers some of the best outdoor experiences in Tennessee and Kentucky—cooler weather, fewer crowds, and trails that wind through a mosaic of forest, cliffline, and river gorge. With a little planning, seed ticks don’t have to ruin the season.

Wearing the right gear, using repellents, staying aware of high-risk areas, and taking prompt action if you encounter ticks can make the difference between a great day outdoors and an itchy aftermath. Whether you’re hiking to Angel Falls Overlook, riding the horse trails out of Station Camp, or camping under a starlit plateau sky, a few precautions will let you focus on the beauty and adventure of the Big South Fork — and not on scratching bites for the next week.