Hiking Indian Staircase

But it will be another several miles back up the road to the Bison Way Trailhead, so if you're going to do this you need to plan ahead and park another vehicle over there. There are two trails that can take you the direction you need to go. Finishing the steep ascent to the ridge top where most of the days landmarks reside, we quickly reach the gorgeous span of Indian Arch. Running all along the inside edge of this formation are a series of fractures that are actively splitting Sheltowee Arch away from the cliff wall. As a matter of fact, it didn't go at all. With that in mind comes a note of CAUTION: This is an unmarked trail, not registered on any official map of Red River Gorge Geological Area. We celebrated by taking some engagement photos. Red River Gorge boasts some of the most unique and rugged scenery in the region and is also home to over 100 natural rock arches from the small but interesting, to large and magnificent. Be prepared for the steep cliff edges and sheer drop offs. From April through October, weekend parking may not be available. Continue until reaching the Indian Staircase Loop marked by a wide user trail and just past an official sign post that has been painted up.

1. Indian creek road red river gorge
2. Indian creek lodge red river gorge
3. Indian staircase red river gorge trail
4. Red river gorge indian staircase

Indian Creek Road Red River Gorge

I'm not sure what's on deck for April, but March's adventure at Red River Gorge will be tough to beat. If backcountry camping, be sure to stop at the Shell Station or the Gladie learning center to get a permit. Read more of their stories here. Added by Jen Kachinski. March 2019, we went back for a fourth and final try. Some will climb with ease while others may be slow and deliberate. A group of grade school kids can climb the Staircase, but there are adults who cannot.

A hike on the ST, Bison Way, and Suspension Bridge TrailsFrom the Bison Way parking I toured the pleasant grounds of Gladie Creek, where the USFS has a preserved cabin and Native American encampment on the Red River. It's located right before the stone bridge near the Gladie Learning Center. The third attempt, and the worst for me, Ethan and I took another summer hiking trip to the RRG. What you get with Avenza Maps. Our trip started early Friday morning as we left the Library about 8:15 and headed to Slade.

Indian Creek Lodge Red River Gorge

From the Ohm Hole to Indian Arch and then a short trip out to Adena Arch for the group just as the a light, mist of rain started to fall on us. Bison Way is an easy trail that is quite level for the most part. There are a lot of websites and blogs out there that boast "the staircase is so easy even kids can do it". 5 miles you will begin a short but steep climb up to the ridge where you will find several trails intersecting. I struggled to get a footing on the first bouldering move of the scramble. Route 66||Cities||Beaches|. This year, instead of drinking green beer on a patio, I traveled to Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky with two friends for an overnight hiking trip. Map of Indian Arch and vicinity. © Todd D. Nystrom and Todd the Hiker, 2015. No way could I do this. This is NOT meant to be an instructional article, but a recollection of my own journey. You can also opt to climb up the side instead.

This is the southern end of Indian Staircase Trail. I could provide more specific direction, but actually finding this gem is part of the fun, so good luck (: This one felt like an obstacle course, demanding and dangerous at times but totally worth the effort. Other attractions near the Indian June 16th, 2005. Don't be impatient with those who are slower, and if possible, move out of the way of those that are moving faster. But the trail is very steep. There's no trail sign tjhat says "Indian Staircase" with a large arrow. There is a lot of nice views and formations to see on this trail. From there, continue around a short distance before finding a large bald area at the top of Indian Staircase.

Indian Staircase Red River Gorge Trail

You, my son, are my hero. Another reason I wanted to take on this trail was for the famous "frog knob". There are several ways to access Indian Staircase if you know the unofficial trails. There are several beautiful overlooks, and even an awesome side view of the Indian Staircase! All things considered, this St. patrick's Day celebration may have been my best one yet.

For me I prefer the quiet and solitude that winter brings to the area. Driving through the Nada Tunnel was a fantastic experience, but I had no clue the beauty that lies just beyond that narrow path through the mountain. You need to brace yourself in advance about the Fence Lizards (left) which scamper back and forth across the boulder face. Starting at the Bison Way Trailhead #210. I had multiple opportunities to return to the gorge in between these attempts, and I turned them down. At the junction with Bison Way, turn right (south) and descend to KY-715. I was determined to make it to the top.

Red River Gorge Indian Staircase

If you get halfway down and freeze during the descent, you're going to be very difficult for others to help. This will take you along the ridge. "I can't do this, Ethan. You can just as easily retrace your steps counterclockwise around the rim for a safer descent. If you're not confident in your ability to do this, then take the upper trail, which begins at the left corner of the parking lot. While this trail is found on many maps, it is not an official USDA Forest Service trail. Matt got down on one knee and asked Carson to marry him. No matter how comfortable you might feel on exposed rock slopes, I would not recommend this climb if it is wet or icy!

You'll walk along massive boulders, and eventually start your way up the rocks, you will walk up several "stairs" worn into the rocks, before you reach the main set! Frog's Head Rock, sadly defaced by budding sculptors over the years. CAUTION - DANGEROUS SCRAMBLE. They used the picture to confirm with the owner that the hikers had seen their lost pup. Then you follow the trail around to the northwest. Keep Louisville interesting and support LEO Weekly by subscribing to our newsletter here. Retrace your steps to make your way back to Sheltowee Trace and turn left. With your back to the staircase, you will want to go right, walking along the ridge.

At least one of these rockshelters are blocked off for restoration and protection of the White-haired Goldenrod, the only place in the world you can find this plant, so be careful when exploring!

Thu, 02 May 2024 08:59:02 +0000