Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

www.nps.gov/biso

NAME: _____________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________Email: ______________________________________________TEAM NAME:______________________________________

Welcome to the GO BIG 2019 CHALLENGE! Big South Fork Go Big 2019 Challenge is this park’s premiere year-long interactive activity for visitors to complete challenges and answer questions all while exploring and experiencing destinations within the boundary of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This booklet is broken up into six challenge categories. Under each category is a list of questions or tasks to complete along with their point values. A total of 100 points is needed to earn your GO Big 2019 Challenge patch. This year, participants who receive 200 points will earn a silver medallion, and those who accumulate 300 points will earn a gold medallion! Share your challenge adventures with us by emailing your photos to BISO_challenge@nps.gov.

This year our GO Big Challenge theme is Dark Skies. Currently, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is going through the process of applying for our International Dark Sky Certifcation. As you look through this booklet and work toward your 100 point goal, remember that half the park is after dark! Hopefully, 2019 will be a year that you fully embrace the beauty and importance of one of Big South Fork’s most valuable resources, the night sky! Please remember to take nothing with you except your memories and leave the sites unaltered.

CONTENTS Cemetery Challenge 3 .....................................................................................................................Wayside Challenge 4 ......................................................................................................................

Waysides After Dark 5 ........................................................................................................Trail Challenge 6 ..............................................................................................................................

Trails After Dark 7 ...............................................................................................................Ranger Challenge 8-9 ......................................................................................................................Birding Challenge 10 .......................................................................................................................

Birding After Dark 11 .........................................................................................................Social Media Challenge 12 ..............................................................................................................Activity Log Sheets 13-16 ...............................................................................................................Points Log 17 ..................................................................................................................................Map 18-19 .......................................................................................................................................Certifcate of Completion 20 ..........................................................................................................

Mark your calendars to join us for the Go Big Challenge Celebration on December 14, 2019

2

_____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

CEMETERY CHALLENGE There are 58 cemeteries within the Big South Fork NRRA. These sites are the resting places of the people who lived in this region. Be respectful when visiting these cemeteries. Gravestones may be natural or carved and are often very fragile. Do not remove, walk, sit or lean on the grave stones. Please close any gates when departing and report any access problems you encounter. *Some of the cemeteries listed below are accessible by car and some are accessible by foot.

1 4 Points: During Decoration Day on May 18, 2019, join the Ranger-led hike at Blue Heron to Dick Gap Overlook and visit the gravesite there. What was the name of the Ranger that led the hike?

2 4 Points: Visit Waters Cemetery off Waters Cemetery Road in Kentucky. What unique items are found at this cemetery? ______________________________________________________________

3 4 Points: Visit Hill Cemetery off Bald Knob-Hill Road in Kentucky. On Carroll Watson’s headstone, what image is carved above his name? ___________________________________________

4 4 Points: Visit Lower King Cemetery off Bald Knob-Hill Road in Kentucky. What is the epitaph on Robert King’s headstone? _____________________________________________________________

5 4 Points: Visit the John Lindsey Kidd Cemetery off Guy Kidd Road in Kentucky. How old was Dinah when she died? __________

6 4 Points: Visit Terry Cemetery off Divide Road in Tennessee. According to the epitaph on Amy’s tombstone, who waits for us in heaven? ______________________________________________

7 4 Points: At Hattie Blevins Cemetery off Divide Road in Tennessee, Levi was the son of whom?

8 4 Points: At the Dirt Rock House Cemetery off Fork Ridge Road and Divide Road in Tennessee, fnd the heart shaped tombstone. What was her middle name? _______________________________

9 4 Points: Visit the Katie Blevins Cemetery off West Bandy Creek Road in Tennessee. Who was the frst person buried there and in what year? ______________________________________________

10 4 Points: Visit Chimney Rock Cemetery off Station Camp Road in Tennessee. Who has the rounded tombstone? ____________________________________________________________________

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 3

WAYSIDE CHALLENGE The Wayside Challenge is full of easily accessible locations that showcase many of the natural and historical resources of the Big South Fork. Choose a few of these questions or complete them all to help you get to 100 points!

11 4 Points: Visit Yahoo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Kentucky. According to the wayside exhibit at the beginning of the Yahoo Falls Trail, “During the season of __________ __________ the falls can be quite spectacular.”

12 4 Points: Visit the Blue Heron Outdoor Museum. Who is the frst miner listed in the 1939 mural?__________________

13 4 Points: At the Blue Heron Outdoor Museum, visit the general store. Where was the cash register made?____________________

14 4 Points: At the Blue Heron Outdoor Museum, visit the church. How much did the radio and church songbook cost?________

15 4 Points: At the Blue Heron Museum, visit the school house. What is on the chalkboard?_________________________________

16 4 Points: Drive down Station Camp Road to the river crossing. How many bear-proof trash cans are located in the parking area at the crossing?___________

17 4 Points: According to the wayside information kiosk at Burnt Mill Bridge, what are the names of the fve rapids along the 11-mile trip from Burnt Mill Bridge to Leatherwood Ford? ______________, ______________, ______________, ______________, and ______________

18 4 Points: Visit the Victorian British town of historic Rugby. How many picnic tables are located at the Gentleman’s Swimming Hole trailhead?______________

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 4

WAYSIDES AFTER DARK The same waysides that showcase some of the best of the park during the day also do the same at night. These easily accessed locations are among of the best places in the park to view one of our most treasured natural resources, the night sky. Head out to the waysides listed below to get a spectacular view of the Milky Way and everything else the night sky has to offer.

19 4 Points: Blue Heron Overlook is a great place to observe the night sky. This 0.2 mile paved trail starts off Gorge Overlook Road. Take a photo of yourself at this location after dark and email it to BISO_challenge@nps.gov

20 4 Points: Oscar Blevins Farm is another great location to view the night sky. The farm is located off Bandy Creek Road 1.8 miles west of the visitor center. Take a photo of yourself at this location after dark and email it to BISO_challenge@nps.gov

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 5

TRAIL CHALLENGE Did you know that Big South Fork has over 500 miles of hiking, equestrian, mountain biking and multi-use trails? Not only that, but there are also over 70 miles of navigable water in the free-fowing Big South Fork River and its’ tributaries. So, get out there and #FindYourPark and answer a few, or all, of these questions along the way.

21 Earn 1 point for every mile: Hike the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2019. Total miles: __________

22 Earn 1 point for every mile: Pedal the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2019. Total miles: __________

23 Earn 1 point for every mile plus 20 points: Pedal the entire 33-mile Epic Mountain Bike route in 2019. Total miles: _________

24 Earn 1 point for every mile: Ride equestrian in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2019. Total miles: __________

25 Earn 1 point for every mile: Paddle the Big South Fork River & its tributaries in 2019. Total miles: __________

26 Earn 1 point for every mile plus 50 points: Hike the 65 miles of the Sheltowee Trace inside the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2019. Date:__________

27 Earn 1 point for every mile plus 30 points: Hike the 40 miles of the John Muir Trail inside Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2019. Date:__________

28 Earn 1 point for every mile plus 30 Points: Hike or bike Big South Fork’s 15-mile Kentucky Trail in 2019. Date:__________

29 3 points: Hike to Yahoo Falls. How many metal stairs are on this trail?_______________

30 3 Points: Hike the Upper Twin Arches Loop Trail. How many rungs are there on the two ladders on this trail? ______________

31 3 Points: Hike the Slave Falls Loop at Sawmill Trailhead. How many posts and rails make up the viewing area at the waterfall? _____________

32 3 Points: Hike the Oscar Blevins Farm Loop. How many times does this easy-to-moderate 3.6-mile trail cross Bandy Creek?________________

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 6

33 3 Points: Hike the John Litton Farm Loop. How many stalls are located in the barn? _______

34 10 Points: Hike the Angel Falls Rapid Trail. According to the wayside exhibit at Angel Falls Rapid, what are the two prerequisites for safe river travel? 1. _______________ 2. ________________

TRAILS AFTER DARK Exploring Big South Fork at night can offer a whole new way to experience the park. From the wonders of the Milky May in the dark sky to the unique animals that only come out after the sun goes down, there is no shortage of things to see and do after nightfall. However, with these unique experiences come unique challenges. It is important to always use extra caution when heading out on the trail at night. Some of these include always having an adequate fashlight with extra batteries, knowing trail conditions and not going out alone if possible. Please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275 for more information about trails at night.

35 6 Points: Did you know that Big South Fork NRRA has glowworms? The best time of year to fnd them is in June or early July inside one of the parks’ many rock-shelters after nightfall. So, take a night hike and see if you can fnd them! Trail:_________________________ Date:___________

36 6 Points: Attend one of the ranger-led night hikes and record the park ranger’s name that led your Hike: ________________________________________ Date:___________________________

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 7

RANGER CHALLENGE This unique category encompasses a wide variety of challenges designed to help participants to get a more in-depth and enjoyable experience. Choose a few or complete them all to get your 100 points.

35 50 Points: Help your National Park by becoming a BSF Trail Keeper. Volunteers must do a complete check of the trail once each quarter and turn in their required paperwork to Effe Houston in 2019 to receive the points. Sign up by email at effe_houston@nps.gov 1st Quarter Date:_____________3rd Quarter Date:_________________ 2nd Quarter Date:____________ 4th Quarter Date:_________________

40 Receive 5 points for every Ranger Program you attend in 2019: Some programs are wheelchair accessible. Contact Bandy Creek Visitor Center at 423-286-7275 for more information. Dates:_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

41 10 Points: Become a Junior Ranger by completing the BSF Junior Ranger Book in 2019. Date:_____________

42 10 Points for each of the four major events attended plus 10 points for attending all four: 1. Spring Planting & Music Festival: April 27 2. Decoration Day: May 18 3. Blue Heron Ghost Train: September 14 4. Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival: September 21 Get a passport cancellation stamp somewhere on this page for each event. Total Points:_______

43 20 Points: Ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway to Blue Heron Outdoor Museum in 2019. Date:__________

44 20 Points: Spend the night at Charit Creek Lodge in 2019. Date:__________

45 10 Points: Swim in the Bandy Creek Campground swimming pool in 2019. Wristbands for entry can be purchased at the campground kiosk. Date:__________

46 10 Points: Obtain a permit and go backcountry camping in the park in 2019. Permits can be obtained at Bandy Creek Visitor Center or online at pay.gov. Date:___________

47 10 Points: Go camping in one of Big South Fork’s campgrounds in 2019. Date:_____________

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 8

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

48 10 Points: Obtain the appropriate state license and go fshing or hunting in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2019. Dates: __________ ____________

49 10 Points: Don’t forget your camera! Enter a photo in Big South Fork’s 2019 annual photo contest. There is also a youth category. Date:___________

50 20 Points: Complete the Kentucky Parks Pentathlon. #kentuckynps5 Date:______________

51 5 Points: Ask a park ranger what they love most about their job. Add their name and answer below. Park Ranger’s name:Answer:

_______________

Date:____________________________

__________: TOTAL POINTS 9

BIRDING CHALLENGE Did you know that there are over 160 species of birds recorded at Big South Fork NRRA? The different habitats and vegetation types found throughout the park support a great variety of permanent residents, winter residents and neotropical migrants alike which make bird watching a great way to experience Big South Fork. Head out to some of your favorite locations in the park and see if you can spot any of the birds listed below to help you get to 100 points! With each question you can only earn a maximum of 3 points.

52 3 Points: The great blue heron, the largest of all North American herons, can be found along the river throughout the park. This majestic bird is also the namesake of the Blue Heron Mining Community, in Kentucky. Location seen:_________________________________ Date:_________________

53 3 Points: The wild turkey is a common sight within Big South Fork. You may see one foraging on the side of the road or off one of the trails. When startled, these birds are actually quite agile in fight over short distances. Location seen:___________________________ Date:_________

54 3 Points: The American crow is another common resident of the park. These fascinating and often misunderstood birds are actually skilled problem solvers and as such are one of the most intelligent animals in the park. Location seen:____________________ Date:________________

55 3 Points: The pileated woodpecker is the largest of the woodpeckers residing within Big South Fork. These crow-sized birds, distinguished by their black body and large red crest, are often heard before seen. So, listen for a loud “cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk” and look for the bird hopping from tree to tree off a forest trail. Location seen:__________________________________ Date:_______________________ 56 3 Points: The red-tailed hawk, so-named for its distinctive red tail, is one of the largest birds of prey found in the park. In addition to the red tail, look for a dark band across it’s whiteish belly. They are often seen around felds, soaring or perched on top of trees and telephone poles looking for prey. Location seen:________________________________ Date:______________________ 57 3 Points: The indigo bunting is a small bird of the cardinal family found in the park from late April into October. The males can be identifed by their vibrant blue coloring during the summer months which turns to brown over the winter. They are found around the edges of clearings and in brushy felds. Location seen:__________________________________ Date:_______________________

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED10

58 3 Points: The rose-breasted grosbeak is a neotropical migrant found in the park during the late spring and in the fall. These members of the cardinal family are notable for their large, stout beak which is well suited for cracking open seeds. The males are black and white with a red bib while the females are streaked with brown and white. Their call is a sharp pick sound somewhat similar to the call of a woodpecker. Location seen:____________________________________ Date:______________________

59 3 Points: Which four birds did the Stearns Coal & Lumber company use to promote their product? ___________ __________ __________ __________

BIRDING AFTER DARK

Some of the most interesting birds in Big South Fork are the nocturnal ones. Their calls are some of the most notable sounds of the night. So, head out to your favorite spot in the park after dark and see if you can hear them. Always use caution and be prepared when heading out into the park at night.

60 3 Points: The Eastern whip-poor-will is a type of nightjar found in the park during the summer. This highly camoufaged bird is actually named after the sound of its call. So, listen for whip-poor-will. Location heard:____________________________ Date:_______________

61 3 Points: The barred owl makes its home throughout the wooded areas. Their call is commonly heard after dark all over the park. Listen for series of eight rising hoots ending in oo-aw. One mnemonic device for remembering the call is “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.” Location heard:_________________________________ Date:_______________

62 3 Points: The Eastern screech owl is the smallest of the owls found in the park. The call of these robin-sized owls is actually not a screech at all. Listen for a trembling, descending wail; soft purrs and trills. Location heard:__________________________ Date:__________________

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 11

SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE During the Go Big 2019 Challenge we will be having #TriviaTuesday on the frst Tuesday of every month on Facebook. These questions will not be found in the challenge book but will be different and unique in nature. To participate, record the posted questions below, the date it was posted, and the correct answer to receive your points! Questions could be web based questions or require the participant to venture outside and into Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area to fnd the answers.

DATE ANSWER POINTS

__________: TOTAL POINTS EARNED 12

13

14

15

16

GO BIG 2019 CHALLENGE POINT LOG Add up the points on each page of this booklet and log them onto the corresponding lines below.

Total points for page 3: ________________ Total points for page 4: ________________ Total points for page 5: ________________ Total points for page 6: ________________ Total points for page 7: ________________ Total points for page 8: ________________ Total points for page 9: ________________ Total points for page 10: _______________ Total points for page 11: _______________ Total points for page 12: _______________

GRAND TOTAL: ________________________

Those who wish to be considered for an award must have their booklets turned in to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center no later than December 1, 2019. There will be a “Go Big Celebration” on December 14, 2019 at Bandy Creek Visitor Center for everyone who participated. Those present will be considered for an award in various categories, however, employees and their families are not eligible to compete.

AWARD CATEGORIES • Most Hiking Miles • Most Biking Miles • Most Paddling Miles • Most Equestrian Miles • Youth Award: Most Overall Points • Most Overall Points: Male & Female • Largest Team to Complete the Challenge • Most Challenges Completed: Male & Female

17

It is

hig

hly

rec

om

men

ded

fo

r vi

sito

rs t

o u

se a

Nat

ion

al G

eog

rap

hic

Map

of

Big

So

uth

Fo

rk N

RR

A a

lon

g w

ith

th

is m

ap t

hat

sh

ow

s th

eg

ener

al lo

cati

on

of

the

colo

r-co

ded

qu

esti

on

s.

18

19

This

cer

tifca

te is

pro

udly

pre

sent

ed to

plea

se p

rint n

ame

for c

ompl

etin

g th

e

Big

Sout

h Fo

rk N

atio

nal R

iver

& R

ecre

atio

n A

rea

GO

BIG

201

9 CH

ALL

ENG

E

D

ated

this

da

y of

Park

Ran

ger S

igna

ture