Hikers of the Bluegrass

One of the most spectacular & popular hikes in the Gorge. We will be traveling the Auxier Ridge Trail to Courthouse Rock, we will descend the stairs by Courthouse Rock to pick up the Double Arch Trail with a visit to Double Arch as well, for a total hike of mileage 6 MILES, the hike rating is MODERATLY DIFFICULT due to total 1,036 elevation gain, some climbing, and mileage.

** leashed dogs are welcome to join

9:00 AM- Park & Ride
We will meet at the P&R at 9:00 am to combine cars then proceed to Auxier Ridge trailhead. The carpool will depart no later than 9:10AM.

Directions:
From the I-64/I-75 southern split, drive east on I-64 16.4 mi, exit 98 Combs Mountain Parkway; drive 32 mi to exit 33, Hwy 15 (Slade); from exit go left, then immediate left (west), then another immediate left into park & ride parking lot next to GoTime gas station.
**The Park & Ride isn’t the same as the Rest Area on the other side of the Mountain Parkway. You can’t leave your car parked at the Rest Area. The Park & Ride is a big empty parking lot next to GoTime gas station.

DISCLAIMER
By committing to this event, you acknowledge you have read the following Disclaimer: Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides, nor are they experts. You are solely responsible for your own safety. By signing up for and attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking is an outdoor activity that can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. By participating in this meetup event, you acknowledge that you're of good physical standing and willing to risk the inherent dangers of the activity. All attendees participate at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event.

Join Hikers of the Bluegrass for our first annual fall camping & hiking event at BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND. Blue Heron Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area, 9 miles west of Stearns, Ky. Blue Heron Campground combines the experience of traditional woods camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets, hot showers and electric hookups. Sites can accommodate both RV and tent camping.

I have reserved 3 sites, #16, #23 and #25. Each site will accommodate up to 3 tents (room for one large and two small) with a maximum 6 people per site. There is also enough parking space at each site for two cars or an RV. You can tent camp, RV or sleep in your car. I have set the attendee limit to 12, but I can open it up to more members if needed. I just need to arrange tents and people at each site. I will need to know if you are camping alone or sharing a tent. You also have the option to drive down to day hike and drive home or make your own accommodations. Blue Heron Campground is two hours south of Lexington. Donations to cover my camping reservation fees will be appreciated.

## Campground Amenities

• Accessible Drinking Water
• Accessible Flush Toilets
• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Showers
• Accessible Sites
• Campfire Circles
• Cell Phone Service
• Dump Station
• Electric Hookups
• Lantern Posts
• Non-Potable Water
• Pets Allowed
• Playground
• Recycling
• Tent Pads
• Utility Sinks
• Water Hookup
• Electricity Hookup
• Tent Pad
• Fire Pit
• Picnic Table
• Food Storage Locker

HIKING DETAILS
FRIDAY
Hike Blue Heron Loop, 6.5 miles The Blue Heron Loop Trail explores the plateau top and the river gorge surrounding the historic Blue Heron mining community and the Devil's Jump Rapids.
SATURDAY
Hike Angel Falls Overlook via John Muir Trail, 4 miles This trail offers a chance for up close views of the Cumberland River. The trail turns into a steep climb that leads to the top of a bluff, where river overlooks offer a panoramic view of the Big South Fork.
Hike Honey Creek Loop, 4 miles This scenic and rugged loop trail offers a challenging backcountry experience with rewarding views of the river, rock formations, and surrounding mountains. The route winds through remote, undisturbed terrain and includes striking features such as rock houses, waterfalls, and high bluffs.
SUNDAY
Hike Natural Arch & Chimney Arch Loop, 5 miles, in Natural Arch Scenic Area located in Daniel Boone National Forest. This trail features Natural Arch, a 100 ft Sandstone Arch and lots of interesting rock formations along the trail. Chimney Arch a beautiful landmark located along the Buffalo Canyon Loop Trail,

**if time permits we can also take a short drive to Dick Gap Overlook (1/2 mile) and Split Bow Arch (1/2 mile) both are located not far from Blue Heron Campground.

FOOD
Bring your own food for breakfast, lunch and snacks. We should have enough time for breakfast & coffee at the campground in the morning, bring lunch & snacks for the trail. Dinner will drive to a local restaurant. I will try to find the best option for restaurant location & availability. Can't have a camping event without smores & campfire. We can buy firewood nearby. I will bring items for the Smores.

CARPOOL
We will meet at Cabelas to combine gear and people into as few cars as possible. We are leaving Friday morning at 8:00 am and should return Sunday late afternoon. Cabelas is a boon docking station, so cars are permitted to park overnight. Arrive early on Friday and plan on leaving promptly.