Hikers of the Bluegrass

Join Hikers of the Bluegrass for a day trip to hike in Cumberland Gap.

The Hensley Settlement is an Appalachian living history museum on Brush Mountain, in Bell County, Kentucky. The settlement is part of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The settlement contains twelve homestead log cabins, a one-room school house, and a blacksmith shop.

TRAIL OVERVIEW
Location: Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
The Trail: Hensley Settlement via Chadwell Gap
Distance: 8-9 miles
Elevation: 2191 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Challenging Route
Estimated time: 4-5 hours
Trail Conditions: a few rocky sections
Dogs: are welcome but must be on a leash

No Guests: due to the difficulty level-members must have their own membership to rsvp

Experience Level This hike is best suited for hikers who are comfortable with longer distances and uneven terrain. We’ll move at a steady pace and regroup at key points along the route.

Essential Hiking Gear

• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction
• 3 Liters of water, snacks & lunch
• backpack to hold gear
• Weather-appropriate layers (70-80 degrees)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Bug Spray, Sunscreen, & Hat,
• First Aid Ki

On the way to our trailhead we will stop for breakfast at McDonalds

Post Hike Dinner at Cracker Barrel on the way home.

If time permits we stop at Pine Mountain State Park to hike Chained Rock. (1/2 mile rated moderate)

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/hensley-settlement?p=-1&sh=nnytjk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

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.

TRAIL #1 OVERVIEW
Location: Lily Mtn Nature Preserve
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation: 600ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 1-2 hours
Trail Conditions: good

TRAIL #2 OVERVIEW
Location: Berea College Forest-The Pinnacles
Distance: 5-6 miles
Elevation: 1400ft
Route Type: Lolli Pop
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 3-4 hours
Trail Conditions: good

We are starting at Lily Mtn Nature Preserve then driving to the next trailhead in Berea. If you want to hike both trails then meet at Cabellas to carpool. If only want to hike #2 The Pinnacles then meet me in Berea. My best guess for time to meet in Berea is 12:00pm See trailhead links for driving directions. I can update with ETA once we are in route to the TH

ROUTE
Starting at 9am LMNP-Located near Irvine. Hike the Lily Mtn trail to the overlook enjoy the gorgeous views and then return the same way we hiked in. A short route with steep sections.

Maybe start at 12:00pm The Pinnacles-located in Berea We’ll start at the trailhead for Indian Fort Theater and ease into the hike as we make our way toward East Pinnacle. We’ll take a short break at the East Pinnacle Overlook enjoy the views. before hiking over to Indian Fort Overlook, another great overlook!
Our final stop will be West Pinnacle, where some light rock scrambling adds a little extra fun to the adventure. from the West Pinnacle, we’ll make our way back to the parking lot and return to our cars.

Essential Hiking Gear

• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction
• 2-3 Liters of water, snacks & lunch
• backpack to hold gear
• Weather-appropriate layers (53-78 degrees)
• Trekking poles (optional)

Experience Level: This is a great hike for both new and experienced hikers. If you’re looking to build strength, improve endurance, and gain confidence on longer routes, this hike will be a solid challenge in a supportive group setting.

Dogs welcome to join. Must be leashed

Post Hike Dinner-Dona Maria's Tamales, need to be off the trail by 4:00pm, restaurant closes at 5:00pm

Trailhead Links

Lily Mtn NP
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/lily-mountain-nature-preserve?p=-1&sh=nnytjk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

The Pinnacles
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/east-and-west-pinnacle?p=-1&sh=nnytjk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

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.