Red River Gorge March 22-24

[Home Run]

I love the Gorge, but that weekend is booked for rehearsals and performance of an Easter cantata. Sorry, wish I could be there, too.

Hey Scott...arghh, well maybe next time....we go there a few times a year. I love the place, too.

[L.D. Cakes]

LOL!....we can have anything, my beans were just an example. We can run it around the barn a time or two, see what others may like. (BTW, the cobbler is really good. Cakes made some at Mt. Rogers. It was a big hit!)

I was just kidding. I happen to make a mean Dirty Rice with Blackeyed Peas. Course then we'd have to fix some collard green and cornbread....Right!

[Home Run]

I was just kidding. I happen to make a mean Dirty Rice with Blackeyed Peas. Course then we'd have to fix some collard green and cornbread....Right!

Now you're talkin! This is what they mean by "dining out!"

[Thirstybear]

I am going to do my best to make this one. With only having shop vehicles it is hard on the gas. If I can talk someone into going/driving I will be there!

[Mountnman]

Red River Gorge!

Some of us are getting together for a weekend at the Red River Gorge in Kentucky March 22-24. The plan is to set up base camp on top of the Indian Stairway and do some day hiking from there. Nice campfires to relax by in the evening. High cliff lines and ridges, recessed caves, beautiful sunrises and sunsets make it a special place.

Directions- You can get to the Gorge by taking the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway to exit 33 at Slade. (*BE SURE to stop at the Shell Station to pick up your weekend parking pass-just a few $, a trail map-free, and any last minute needs. See *below)

Directions from the Shell Station:
-Go west on Rt 15 for a couple miles.
-Turn right on Rt 77 at Nada.
-Go through Nada Tunnel (very cool!)
-Turn right after crossing the Iron Bridge....still on 77 for a couple miles.
-Turn slight right on Rt 715. Follow until you come to the Bison Way Trail Head. Parking for maybe 15 cars. If we need more, we'll work on it. Total time from Shell Station to trail head maybe 20 minutes.


*Parking pass- Overnight parking at trail heads requires a pass (weekend for just a few bucks which you can buy at the Shell gas station in Slade. Just hang it on your rear view mirror. Get a trail map (free.) Detailed topo can be had there too....$ required.

No water is available at base camp, so bring what you need for a weekend. It's only a couple miles from car to camp, so you can also keep some reserve water in the car.

Day hikes- Lots to do in the area.
-One of the largest recessed caves east of the Mississippi is just a short walk away.
-The Indian Stairway is a fun challenge for those who enjoy heights.
-A 4 mile out and back will get you a couple sandstone arches.
-Rooster Point and the Stairway itself provide for some excellent vistas.
-Large sandstone cliffs with drop-offs are everywhere.

-Hanging spots. There are tons of options here, so no worries.

The Gorge is a great place to visit, and for the most part you can't find anything else quite like it in the east. Bring your camera!

Home Run

Hey everyone this is the address for the shell station is 12187 Campton Rd, Stanton, KY 40380 it's called Natural Bridge Shell. Campton Rd is ROute 15. The passes are $3.00 for a 1 day, $5.00 for a 3 day or $30 for an annual pass. Hope this helps out if you use a GPS

[Home Run]

I am going to do my best to make this one. With only having shop vehicles it is hard on the gas. If I can talk someone into going/driving I will be there!

Hope you can make it Thirstybear. The Gorge is a great place!

[L.D. Cakes]

Hey everyone this is the address for the shell station is 12187 Campton Rd, Stanton, KY 40380 it's called Natural Bridge Shell. Campton Rd is ROute 15. The passes are $3.00 for a 1 day, $5.00 for a 3 day or $30 for an annual pass. Hope this helps out if you use a GPS

Ahh, Thank you Mountainman that will certainly help!

[coolhndlke]

Any definitive on a group meal yet? Im already hungry just thinking about the options thrown out there!

[Home Run]

Hi All.

As much as I love our group meals, hauling extra weight on a "hike in" is tough. I want to be sure my friends all have a good time and enjoy the scenery with every step. It's so much better with a light pack. With only 2 weeks before we meet, everyone is thinking about what to take. Simple is fine. Pack with your delight in mind.
We can leave the door open if you have something you'd like to bring as potluck. I'm happy to help. Just PM me and we'll organize.

So, let's get back to planning!
-Who's coming in when? We can have help ready if anyone needs directions...either to the trail head or to camp.
-Bear bag it. Although I've never seen our furry friends, they do live in those parts.
-Water/purification. With all the snow and precip, we should have water available. Still, take a little extra. And be sure to have backup water in your car.
-Firewood. I'll be bringing my bow saw. If anyone has a new 4-Dog or other, you'll be welcomed to make shavings with me.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone and relaxing in this beautiful place. It's one of those spots you look around, take a deep breath, and think....now this is living.

Home Run

[ka8yiu]

Planning on walking in on Saturday for a quick visit. Hoping to find you as I've never been on that trail or at the staircase.

I need my G'friend to see some setups to sell her on it.