The National Park Service Turns 100, the Big South Fork Celebrates

In celebration of the 100th Birthday of The National Park Service, Big South Fork is introducing the Centennial Challenge -- 100 miles for 100 Years. The challenge is to get out and discover The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Over the next year participants of the Centennial Challenge will travel 100 miles throughout the Big South Fork by walking, riding, or paddling. To get started print your very own copy of the Centennial Challenge Log Sheet.  

UPCOMING HEALTHY HIKES

(Program dates and times are subject to change)

January 16 at 10:00 am (ET)
Cumberland Valley Trail to East Laurel Overlook
Distance: 5.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Join a park ranger at Cumberland Valley Trailhead for a hike to East Laurel Overlook. Be prepared for a breath-taking view at this overlook!

January 30 at 10:00 am (ET)
Gobblers Knob to Station Camp Overlook
Distance: 5.2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Join a park ranger at Gobblers Knob Trailhead for a hike to Station Camp Overlook. From this overlook you will enjoy a great view of Charit Creek Lodge.

February 13 at 10:00 am (ET)
Middle Creek Nature Loop
Distance: 3.5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Join a park ranger at Middle Creek Trailhead. Winter is great time to enjoy the many rock houses on this loop and the icicles that sometimes form on these beautiful structures!

February 27 at 10:00 am (ET)
John Litton Farm Trail to Fall Branch Waterfall
Distance: 4 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Join a park ranger at Bandy Creek Trailhead (swimming pool parking lot) for a hike along the John Litton trail. Be prepared to hike to the Fall Branch Waterfall and back or continue on and finish the 6-mile-loop.

March 12 at 10:00 am (ET)
Blue Heron Loop
Distance: 6.4 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Join a park ranger at Blue Heron Overlook parking lot at the end of Overlook Road just off Hwy 742. Be ready for an all day hike packed with outstanding views, a climb through Cracks-in-the-Rock, history of Blue Heron Mine, and an overall gorgeous hike along the Big South Fork River and much more!

March 26 at 10:00 am (ET)
Split Bow Arch and Bear Creek Overlook
Distance: 1.2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Join a park ranger at Split Bow Arch parking lot on Bear Creek Road off Hwy 742 for a hike that will include Bear Creek Overlook. Big South Fork is known for its rock arches. Split Bow arch is very different from the others but still spectacular! Come find out why.

April 9 at 10:00 am (ET)
Ledbetter Trail-Kentucky Trail
Distance: 3.3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Join a park ranger at Ledbetter Trailhead. During this hike, we will cross over to the Kentucky trail and make a loop. This is the site of an old oil well called the Beaty Well. Learn how this well is connected with Devil’s Jump Rapid and how oil wells play an important part of the historical, cultural, and natural resources of the Big South Fork.

April 23 at 10:00 am (ET)
Longfield Branch Trail to Boyatt
Distance: 2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Join a park ranger at Terry Cemetery Trailhead. Go back in time as learn about the outlaw Jerome Boyatt and stories about how his life ended. Continue your hike to the John Muir overlook or to Maude’s Crack Overlook from this location.

For more information on the event click here.