News Release

Big South Fork Announces Winners of 2023 Annual Photo Contest

NPS

News Release Date: September 8, 2023

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

The National Park Service (NPS) has announced the winners of the 2023 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area photo contest. Photographers were invited to submit striking digital images highlighting the spectacular views, dark night skies, historic sites, recreational opportunities, and diversity of life in the park. Entries to the contest were judged by members of the Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers.

The winners of this year’s contest by category:

1. Youth: “Purplehead Sneezeweed,” by Wren Heartway
2. Recreation: “Serenity in the Woods,” by Linda Spangler
3. Dark Skies: “Milky Way Barn,” by Andrew Griswold
4. Flora and Fauna: “Buckeye Butterfly,” by Peggy Yaeger
5. Kentucky Landscapes: “Blue Heron Under Moonlight,” by Travis Tracey
6. Tennessee Landscapes: “Reflections,” by Shirley Torwirt
7. Human History: “Scenic O&W Bridge,” by Rich Yaeger

Runners up in the contest included “Off Trail Wonders,” by Nichole Newport; “Country Roads,” by Jim Jayroe; “Wildflowers at Yahoo Falls,” by Laurel Nelson; “Bergamot,” by Kathy Greene; and “Great Spangled Fritillary on Flower,” by Cheyenne Gregory.

Photographers are encouraged to grab their cameras and visit Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The park will be announcing its 2024 photo contest soon.