Hood's Branch to Natural Bridge & Whittleton Arch

Join Hikers of the Bluegrass for a fun day of hiking in the Red River Gorge area. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting started this event will be a great chance to get outdoors, meet new people, and explore some great trails.

SHORTER DISTANCE HIKERS - ROUTE #1 = ~5 Miles (700ft Ascent)
Starting from the Natural Bridge parking lot, we will take the Hood's Branch trail up to Natural Bridge. Along the way we stop at a couple of rock shelters. After taking in the vistas from Natural Bridge we will descend back down to the parking lot via the Rock Garden Trail and the Low Gap Trail.

LONGER DISTANCE HIKERS - ROUTE #2 = ~2 miles (500ft Ascent)
The second hike will require us to carpool to the Whittleton Arch trailhead about a mile away. From the trailhead we will hike out to Whittleton Arch and then back.

Directions to SLADE P&R from Lexington
From the 1-64/1-75 southern split, drive east on 1-64 16.4 mi, exit 98 Combs Mountain Parkway; drive 32 mi to exit 33, Hwy 15 (Slade); from exit go left, (look for sign posted Park & Ride) then immediate left (west), then another immediate left into Park & Ride gravel parking lot next to Go-Time gas station.

Meet at the Slade Park & Ride at 9:00AM.

At 9:15AM we will carpool to the Natural Bridge parking lot with the goal of being on the trail by 9:30AM.

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.