News Release

2023 Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge Starts on January 1

2023 GO BIG Challenge Logo

NPS

News Release Date: December 15, 2022

Contact: Mary Grimm, 423-569-9778

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area has launched the eighth GO BIG Challenge! Designed to engage the public in health and fitness while enjoying everything our national park has to offer. The GO BIG 2023 Challenge is a year-long, self-paced, all-inclusive event that encourages visitors to connect and experience the many diverse activities and areas along with the natural, historical, and cultural resources of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Obed Wild & Scenic River, and Manhattan Project National Historical Park. 

Visitors can pick a free copy of the GO BIG 2023 Challenge at Bandy Creek Visitor Center or download it at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm starting January 1, 2023.

This year's challenge theme is focused on the trees of the parks. Visitors will be challenged to explore the three parks and experience the many different species of native and non-native trees that grow on the Cumberland Plateau.

From January 1 to December 9, participants can earn points based on the honor system by answering questions about the nature, and history of the three parks. Acquiring points will require embarking on an adventure in search of site-specific information.

Points will also be given for miles hiked, biked, paddled, or equestrian ridden. Visitors are encouraged to collect a total of 100 points to earn a unique GO BIG 2023 Challenge patch. In 2023, all participants who earn a total of 200 points will be awarded a vinyl sticker of this year’s logo.

The challenge will wrap up on December 9 with a GO BIG Celebration at Bandy Creek Visitor Center where participants will have the opportunity to win an award in various categories.