I thought I would post the directions to the hang out in it's own thread so it wouldn't get lost in the shuffle.
I am assuming that you can find your way to the Slade exit off the Mountain Parkway. I am giving the route to the shortest hike in to the camp site. There are longer routes you can take. If you want a longer hike in send me a PM and I will give you directions.
From the Slade exit:
Turn toward the
Shell gas station and Hwy 15 when getting off the exit. Make a right onto Hwy 15 South/East. You will go about 3.5 miles until you see Tunnel Ridge Road on your left (gravel road). Turn left onto Tunnel Ridge and drive about 1 mile until you see the Gray's Arch parking area on your right (point A on the map).
After parking at Gray's Arch, walk out of the parking lot and turn left on Tunnel Ridge Road and walk about 100 yards and you will see the Sheltowee Trace your left (Trail 100, point H on the map). Take the Sheltowee Trace until you come to a fork in the trail. You want to take the left fork onto Rush Ridge Trail (Trail 227, point O on the map). Follow Rush Ridge for about a mile and you will come to the Rough Trail (Trail 221, point D on the map). Make a right onto Rough Trail. Not long after hiking on Rough Trail you will come to a steep rock. Be careful here. Trail continues straight after rock. Follow it downhill until you come to a creek.
EDIT. ADDED INFO:
The trail will cross the creek and pass a small water fall, Footwash Falls, and then starts heading uphill again. You will want to continue to follow the creek to the right. After a couple hundred feet you will come to a flat area on your left with a fire ring. We will be camping at this spot or uphill and to your right.
RRG use white diamond blazes except for the Sheltowee Trace which uses a turtle.
GPS Waypoints:
A = Gray's Arch Parking Lot = 37.80808 N 83.65621 W
H = Tunnel Ridge Rd/Sheltowee = 37.80724 N 83.65621 W
O = Sheltowee/Rush Ridge = 37.80767 N 83.65327 W
D = Rush Ridge/Rough Trail = 37.81917 N 83.64659 W
Camp site = 37.81554 N 83.64133 W
Be sure to pick up an overnight back country pass at the shell station (about $3.00).
If you have any questions send me a PM.
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