Catawba Overlook. Photo by Big South Fork National Park Service.

ONEIDA, TN — Earn points towards your 2017 GO BIG patch by joining a park ranger Wednesday, August 30, on a healthy hike along the Kentucky trail. We will travel through historic remains left by the area’s mining legacy, then summit at one of the best overlooks in the park, Catawba overlook. This is an easy to moderate hike, but there is a set of steep stairs.

Meet at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center’s train depot at the end of Kentucky Route 742 for the 3.4 mile hike. This three hour out-and-back hike will take visitors along an old tram railroad bed through coal mining sites and over interesting land formations. Answer questions in your GO BIG booklet and enjoy one of the more remote trails in the park on Wednesday, August 30, at 2:30 p.m. (ET). Please wear weather appropriate clothing and bring water and snacks. Hikers are encouraged to bring well-behaved dogs; however, leashes are required.

The GO BIG 2017 Challenge is a year-long park-wide event designed to motivate visitors to go out and explore their park. Participants will earn points by answering questions about the park, becoming a volunteer, taking part in National Park Service programs and events as well as hiking, biking or paddling in the Big South Fork NRRA. If you earn 100 points, you will receive a GO BIG 2017 Challenge patch, and awards will be given at the GO BIG 2017 celebration on December 9. To learn more or to download your GO BIG booklet, go to www.nps.gov.

For directions or additional information, please call the Blue Heron Interpretive Center at (606) 376-3787.