Cincinnati Area Backpackers

Cumberland Falls Camping/Hiking:

Where: Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort

What: Cumberland Falls area base camping and day hiking

GPS: Google Maps: search for Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort (KY)
(approx. 170 miles from Cincinnati, allow 3 hours)

Group Size: 6 (1 campsite: B8 for Fri and Sat nights)

Cost: approx $35 per person to cover campsite, firewood and shuttles if needed (will collect around the campfire - final cost depends on number attending, firewood amount and whether we need a shuttle or not).

Car Pooling: On your own, use Meetup to ask for a ride or offer a ride. A good place to meet is out past the garden center at Meijer on Houston Road in KY.

Communication: Once I know who is attending, I’ll ask for your cell phone number so I can set up a group chat the day before the trip.

The campsite at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort has its own parking, just follow signs at end of main parking area that say “Primitive Camping”. B8 is the very last campsite away from the others. We can walk to the bath house, showers, camp store, and water spigot. They sometimes have a small breakfast café with coffee and biscuit sandwiches.

We will be doing 2 day hikes: Bark Creek Trailhead to Cumberland Falls (9.3) and then Laurel Dam to Bark Creek Trailhead (8.3).

If we don’t have enough cars to stage a car at Bark Creek or Cumberland Falls, we’ll hire one of the Sheltowee Resort shuttles $60 one way for 6 people for each day (if needed).

Everyone is on their own for food, cooler, and ice. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring (no grill if I remember correctly). I will be bringing a gas grill which I will be willing to share. I will have a large cooler for anyone who wants ice or cold storage. The camp store has ice, drinks, snacks and firewood.

Participants on this trip should have all of their own camping gear and food. None of the hikes have water crossings.

If you have any questions about what you need to bring, you can email me using Meetup, or call/text me at 513-608-2921.

TRIP RULES:

1. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on leash.
2. Please only RSVP “yes” if you actually plan to attend as space is limited on this trip.
3. Cost: The cost of gas to be shared with your driver.
4. Difficulty level: Moderate.
5. Distance: Day hikes will 8.3 and 9.3 miles.
6. Pace: Moderate (we usually break up into hares and turtles).
7. Travel time: About 3 hours driving time from Cincinnati
8. The trip limit and RSVP deadline can change without notice.
9. PLEASE READ: The trip leader is guided by the doctrine of assumed risk by all participants: you are responsible for knowing the risks of camping/hiking and agree to assume those risks. Full disclosure: I am not a professional hiking, backpacking or mountaineering guide - participate in this activity at your own risk!

HIKE PLAN:
Day 1 (Saturday): Carpool to Cumberland Falls parking lot (restrooms) and leave a car there. Drive to Bark Camp Creek trail head (no restrooms). Hike the Bark Camp Creek Trail to the Moonbow Trail (Sheltowee Trace Trail) and then Moonbow/Sheltowee back to the cars at the falls 9.3 miles). (Lodge and restauant are closed but the gift shop/snacks is open).

Day 2 (Sunday): Carpool to Bark Camp Creek and leave a car there. Drive to Laurel Dam parking lot. Hike Sheltowee Trace to Bark Camp Creek trail and then back to cars at Bark trail head (8.3 miles).

If you have any questions....contact Terry. (cell 513-608-2921)

Great Smoky Mtn Camping + Day Hiking:

Where: Smokemont Campground in Smokies Natl. Park

What: Smokies area base camping and day hiking

GPS: Google Maps: search for Smokemont Campground
(approx. 310 miles from Cincinnati, allow 6 hours)

Group Size: 8 (2 campsites: D6 and D10 for Sun, Mon, Tue and Wed nights)

Cost: approx $25 per person to cover campsite, firewood and shuttles if needed (will collect around the campfire - final cost (> $25) depends on number attending, firewood amount and whether we need a shuttle or not). Also, each driver will need to purchase a 1 week Smokies parking pass ($15) available online (see web link later) or at kiosks at the visitor centers.

Car Pooling: On your own, use Meetup to ask for a ride or offer a ride. A good place to meet is out past the garden center at Meijer on Houston Road in KY.

Communication: Once I know who is attending, I’ll ask for your cell phone number so I can set up a group chat the day before the trip.

The campsites are near the bath house. Flush toilets but no showers. I am still trying to determine if there are public fee based showers in nearby Cherokee NC (7 miles).

We will be doing 3 long day hikes (10 to 12 miles) plus a shorter one (or none) on the last day to allow for time to drive home. Detailed hike info to be posted later.

Everyone is on their own for food, cooler, and ice. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring/grill. I will be bringing a gas grill and a small charcoal grill which I will be willing to share. I will have a large cooler for anyone who wants ice or cold storage. There is a camp store with firewood at the Smokemont Stables (other items unknown at this time).

Participants on this trip should have all of their own camping gear and food. Some of the hikes may have water crossings so carry water shoes with your day pack.

If you have any questions about what you need to bring, you can email me using Meetup, or call/text me at 513-608-2921.

TRIP RULES:

1. The national park does NOT allow dogs – leave pup(s) at home.
2. Please only RSVP “yes” if you actually plan to attend as space is limited on this trip.
3. Cost: The cost of gas and parking pass to be shared with your driver.
4. Difficulty level: Moderate.
5. Distance: Day hikes will 10 to 12 miles with several significant elevation changes.
6. Pace: Moderate (we usually break up into hares and turtles).
7. Travel time: About 6 hours driving time from Cincinnati
8. The trip limit and RSVP deadline can change without notice.
9. PLEASE READ: The trip leader is guided by the doctrine of assumed risk by all participants: you are responsible for knowing the risks of camping/hiking and agree to assume those risks. Full disclosure: I am not a professional hiking, backpacking or mountaineering guide - participate in this activity at your own risk!

If you have any questions....contact Terry. (cell 513-608-2921)

Sponsored by Outdoor Adventure Connection and Kentucky State Parks.

Registration fee: $35
For full information and to register visit: https://outadvcon.com/trailcrew

Escape for a rewarding weekend at Kentucky’s hidden gem—Carter Caves State Resort Park—and join the Carter Caves Trail Crew for a hands-on trail adventure! 🌲🥾 Learn the art and science of trail maintenance while helping keep these scenic paths safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for all who visit.

You'll work side-by-side with experienced volunteers on meaningful projects like repairing eroded sections, maintaining side-hill trails, installing water bars, improving drainage, and even helping with footbridges and boardwalks. Specific projects are planned about a month in advance, so every trip brings something new!

This three-night campout includes 2 1/2 days of trail work, balanced with fun and relaxation. No experience? No problem! No heavy lifting required either—just bring your enthusiasm. This opportunity is open to men and women of all ages.

All tools, safety gear, and instruction are provided. You’ll learn valuable trail skills and put them into action right away. After a fulfilling day of giving back, unwind with evening activities and great company.

Come make a difference, learn something new, and enjoy a memorable weekend outdoors—bring a friend and be part of something meaningful! 🌟

Registration fee: $35
For full information and to register visit: https://outadvcon.com/trailcrew

Great Smoky Mtn Camping + Day Hiking:

Where: Elkmont Campground in Smokies Natl. Park

What: Smokies area base camping and day hiking

GPS: Google Maps: search for Elkmont Campground
(approx. 282 miles from Cincinnati, allow 5 hours)

Group Size: 8 (2 campsites: B30 and B32 for Sun, Mon, Tue and Wed nights)

Cost: approx $25 per person to cover campsite, firewood and shuttles if needed (will collect around the campfire - final cost (> $25) depends on number attending, firewood amount and whether we need a shuttle or not). Also, each driver will need to purchase a 1 week Smokies parking pass ($15) available online (see web link later) or at kiosks at the visitor centers.

Car Pooling: On your own, use Meetup to ask for a ride or offer a ride. A good place to meet is out past the garden center at Meijer on Houston Road in KY.

Communication: Once I know who is attending, I’ll ask for your cell phone number so I can set up a group chat the day before the trip.

The campsites are near the bath house. Flush toilets but no showers. I am still trying to determine if there are public fee based showers in Gatlingburg (10 miles - 30 minutes).

We will be doing 3 long day hikes (10 to 14 miles) plus a shorter one (or none) on the last day to allow for time to drive home. Detailed hike info to be posted later.

Everyone is on their own for food, cooler, and ice. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring/grill. I will be bringing a gas grill and a small charcoal grill which I will be willing to share. I will have a large cooler for anyone who wants ice or cold storage. There is a camp store with firewood and a limited number of food items, camping gear and souvenirs.

Participants on this trip should have all of their own camping gear and food. Some of the hikes may have water crossings so carry water shoes with your day pack.

If you have any questions about what you need to bring, you can email me using Meetup, or call/text me at 513-608-2921.

TRIP RULES:

1. The national park does NOT allow dogs – leave pup(s) at home.
2. Please only RSVP “yes” if you actually plan to attend as space is limited on this trip.
3. Cost: The cost of gas and parking pass to be shared with your driver.
4. Difficulty level: Moderate.
5. Distance: Day hikes will 10 to 12 miles with several significant elevation changes.
6. Pace: Moderate (we usually break up into hares and turtles).
7. Travel time: About 6 hours driving time from Cincinnati
8. The trip limit and RSVP deadline can change without notice.
9. PLEASE READ: The trip leader is guided by the doctrine of assumed risk by all participants: you are responsible for knowing the risks of camping/hiking and agree to assume those risks. Full disclosure: I am not a professional hiking, backpacking or mountaineering guide - participate in this activity at your own risk!

If you have any questions....contact Terry. (cell 513-608-2921)