Red River Gorge - Sat 5/3

The main club hike in May will be at Red River Gorge on Saturday 5/3. We will hike the Auxier Ridge and Double Arch trails. We will see Haystack Rock, Wizard's Back Bone, views of Raven's Rock, views of Double Arch from across the valley, Courthouse Rock and views of it. We will also visit Double Arch and there is an option of visiting Star Gap Arch. Many thanks to Lisa S who set up this hike for us (please thank her). Expect a good workout. Bring lots of water and some snacks for the hike. Some of us will also be camping, and I have set up a separate event for that.

Trail Map: http://files.meetup.c...
Close Up of Map: http://files.meetup.c...

Hike on Saturday RSVP: http://hiking.meetup....

Camp Fri/Sat Night RSVP: http://hiking.meetup....

We will split up into 3 groups. The "rabbits" who like to go really fast (~10 people). The "stop and smell the roses" group who likes to take their time and enjoy nature (~10 people), and the rest up us (~30-40 people). I need group leaders for each group.

We will have a hiker's picnic at the completion of the hike, and probably snacks along the way. Please bring some food you can share with others (fruit, nuts, cookies, chips, etc.)

We will start the hike out Auxier Ridge trail # 204 (for anybody that is not up for the whole length of the trail I recommend turning around and back tracking after the views before the next trail). Then we will connect to Auxier Branch Trail # 203 then connect to Double Arch Trail # 201. We will take a right on Double Arch Trail # 201 to go and visit Double Arch. After visiting Double Arch we will back track on Double Arch Trail # 201 to the intersection of Auxier Branch Trail (#203) and Double Arch trail (#201) we will go straight (or right) and continue on Double Arch Trail (#201) we will follow that trail all the way to the old road of Tunnel Ridge Road and continue to hike that all the way to the parking lot.

For anybody that wants to visit Star Gap Arch, that will be a possibility off of the old road on the trail road (#201) the beginning of this trail is marked with a post # of 2071. To visit Star Gap Arch you will take a right off of the old road at marker 2071, and then you will take the first worn trail on your right and follow it to Star Gap Arch. Also if you don?t take a right you could follow this trail out quite a ways to see some more nice views. This is an easy to follow, well worn ridge top trail. You will have to back track to get back to the old road and to finish the hike.

Auxier Ridge Trail #204
Estimated length: 1.80 miles one way
Hike: Moderate
Time: 1 to 1 ½ hours one way

Auxier Branch Trail # 203
Estimated length: .80 mile
Hike: Moderate
Time: 25 to 40 minutes one way

Double Arch Trail # 201 (from Auxier Branch Trail to Double Arch)
Estimated length: .80 mile (one way) round trip 1.60 miles
Hike: Moderate to some maybe strenuous
Estimated time: 30 to 45 minutes one way for a total of around 1 1/2 hours

Double Arch Trail # 201 (from Auxier Branch Trail to old Tunnel Ridge Road)
Estimated length: .20 mile to the old road
Hike: Strenuous

Double Arch Trail # 201 (from end of old road to gate and parking)
Estimated length: 1.50 mile
Hike: Moderate

Carpool details: Meijer in Florence KY is the carpool location for all southern hikes. Take I-71/75 south, Exit 182 (Turfway Rd) onto Thoroughbred Blvd, take left on Houston Rd, and left into Meijer. Park in the northern corner of the parking lot. I need a carpool leader so let me know if anyone is willing to help organize the caravan (I'll be camping). Meet at 9:30 am. Map at http://files.meetup.c...

Directions: People always arrive late, so leave early to ensure you get there on time. I-75 South about 75 miles, I-64 East 23 miles, Exit #98 to the Mountain Parkway, Exit #33 to KY-11, Left for .1 miles, Right on Campton Rd KY-15, Drive east 3 miles, take a left on Tunnel Ridge Rd. There are no restrooms, so you may want to stop at exit #22 on the Mountain Parkway and visit McDonalds (11 miles before you get to RRG) or stop at the gas station or Subway once you get off the highway.

We will park and meet at Auxier Ridge parking lot located off of Tunnel Ridge Road. It is at the very end of Tunnel Ridge Road. We will be parking in a couple of different parking lots near the area and shuttling folks. Please be patient with the volenteers who are trying to make this happen.

Call if you have questions 513-293-2684

- Scotty

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