Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge

 

 

Go Big Challenge 2025 Logo

NPS

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is proud to introduce the 10th annual GO BIG Challenge, designed to engage the public in health and fitness while enjoying everything our national park has to offer. The GO BIG 2025 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.

As we celebrate the 10th annual Go Big Challenge, this year’s focus is on exploring the parks’ diverse seasonal offerings. Each season brings unique beauty and opportunities for adventure — the blooming wildflowers in spring, the vibrant colors of fall foliage, the serene landscapes of winter, or the exciting outdoor activities of summer. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the parks year-round, experiencing the natural changes each season brings and finding new ways to “Go Big” with every visit.

From January 1 to December 6, 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 2025 Challenge patch, while those who reach 200 points will receive a special award with this year’s logo.

Download the GO BIG 2025 Challenge book or pick up a copy at one of the park visitor center locations.

 

Lightning Challenge

New for 2025, the GO BIG Challenge includes a ‘Lightning Challenge’ option. This mini challenge is geared for explorers on shorter visits to learn more for less points! Even better, collect all four season stickers and earn even more!

Download the Winter Lightning Challenge or pick up a copy at one of the park visitor center locations.

 

 

Share Your Challenge Photos!

We encourage you to share your adventures by emailing your photos to us. Download the GO BIG Challenge Photo Release Form, complete it, and email this form with your photos, or mail them to us at the address below. These photos may be shared on our social media sites for other participants to enjoy.

When completed, bring the booklet to Bandy Creek Visitor Center, email, or mail to:

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
4564 Leatherwood Road
Oneida, TN 37841
Attention: GO BIG Challenge Coordinator

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Challenge Wrap-up and Celebration

The challenge will wrap up on December 6, at 10:00 AM (ET) with a GO BIG Celebration. All visitors that participate in the challenge and are present will be recognized for their accomplishments and considered for an award in various categories. Registration for awards begins at 9:30 AM at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

Award Categories for 2025 are:

1. Most Hiking Points
2. Most Biking Points
3. Most Equestrian Points
4. Most Volunteer Points
5. Most Youth Points
6. Most Overall Points: First and Second Place

**Each participant can only qualify as a winner in one category.**