Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

06/13/2026

Spring is almost over, but there's still time to GO BIG!

Have you completed your spring activities in the parks yet? Whether you're working through the Spring GO BIG Lightning Challenge or checking off adventures in the annual GO BIG Challenge booklet, now is the time to finish earning points with your spring explorations at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Obed Wild & Scenic River, and Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge. Complete activities, earn points, and claim your Spring GO BIG Lightning Challenge sticker before the spring challenge comes to a close.

To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Graphic credit: NPS

06/12/2026

Join us at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center this June for 'Critter Corner', offered Saturdays from 9–5 and Sundays from 12–5! Kids and adults alike can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring activities, and chat with a ranger about the wildlife of Big South Fork. It’s a fun and hands-on way to learn about the critters that call the park home.

For more information, please visit the park calendar at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

06/11/2026

Come stitch together a little piece of history at the Crossville Visitor Center!

Step back in time to experience the tradition of rag doll making! On Saturday, June 13, join a park ranger at the Crossville Visitor Center for a hands-on demonstration celebrating the cherished Appalachian craft. This hands-on demonstration for kids and the young at heart will be available anytime between 11 am and 1 pm (Central Time).

Crossville Visitor Center is located at 176 River Otter Drive, Crossville, TN. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=20F055F2-0BA5-B014-0D9A17792E8AD496.

Photo credit: NPS

06/11/2026

Join us this weekend and create your very own traditional rag doll--a hands-on craft with a story to tell!

Bring history to life as you create your very own traditional rag doll with park staff at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky. Demonstrations will be offered twice on Saturday at 12:45 PM and 3:30 PM and Sunday at 3:15 PM ET.

For more information, please visit the park calendar at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

06/10/2026

From Appalachian storytelling traditions to some of the darkest skies in the East, learn about the people, places, and traditions that make Big South Fork special. Join a park ranger for an evening program at Bandy Creek Campground on Friday, June 12, at 7:30 PM ET. Program will be held at the Campfire Circle across from the swimming pool parking lot.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo: NPS

06/10/2026

Pull up a rocking chair with a park ranger at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area!

Every Friday in June at 2:00 PM ET, join a park ranger for a porch talk at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

These 15–20-minute talks will cover a variety of topics that change each week, including local wildlife, Appalachian culture, park history, hiking tips, and more. Whether you're visiting Big South Fork for the first time or have been exploring the park for years, there's always something new to discover.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

06/09/2026

Gather 'round--Appalachian tales come to life with a special guest storyteller at Blue Heron!

Join us at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky on Saturday, June 13th, for a special guest performance by a skilled local storyteller, Lounicia Hughett! She'll be sharing stories at both 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM ET, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Come be a part of a tradition passed down through generations on the Cumberland Plateau!

Lounicia Hughett is a long-time educator, having 30+ years in the classroom and has always been interested in literature and folk tales. She became interested in being a storyteller during her service as Teacher Ranger at Big South Fork. Since that time, she has performed at several storytelling events at Big South Fork and other venues. Lounicia is married to Rev. Don Hughett and is active in the church where he is pastor. They have 3 grown children, Micah, Jordan, and Jacob, who are all in the education field in some capacity. Lounicia also enjoys her role as grandmother to three beautiful grandkids. Lounicia loves to tell folk tales and stories that have been passed down through her family. She encourages everyone to be a storyteller and keep oral traditions alive.

For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=8F8EC5B1-ED3F-9B46-E3829305A211A52F.

Photo credit: NPS

06/09/2026

Join us at Blue Heron this week and discover life in a mining camp!

Join a park ranger at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky for a 20-minute talk on the coal mining operations and daily life at Mine 18. Learn how miners worked and how families lived in this isolated community. This program is offered Wednesday through Friday this week at 11:45 AM ET and Sunday at 2:45 PM ET.

For more information, visit the park calendar at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the 2026 GO BIG Challenge visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm

Photo: NPS

06/09/2026

Get moving with a Healthy History Hike to Bronco Overlook!

Join a park ranger at 10 AM ET on Saturday, June 13, for a guided 3-mile roundtrip hike departing from Station Camp Parking Lot. This moderate hike includes approximately 100 feet of elevation change and offers scenic views along the way. As you hike, learn about the many ways people have crossed the river throughout history.

The hike will begin at the large gravel parking lot just east of Station Camp Campground, located on Station Camp Road off Hwy. 297 (Coopertown Road) in Tennessee. Dress for warm temperatures and bring along items such as water, snacks, and bug spray for a comfortable walk.

For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=20A03EEE-07A9-826C-EFB76859E3015C7D.

Attendance is worth 8 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo: NPS

06/08/2026