Gray’s-Papa Bear-Sexton Arch Hike

Join Hikers of the Bluegrass for a bushwhacking off-trail adventure to find two hidden Arches-Papa Bear and Sexton Arch.

Our rugged and rewarding route will start from the Martin's Fork Trailhead hiking the official Rough Trail with our first stop at one of the most recognizable & popular arches in the RRG, Gray's Arch, an impressive 50 ft tall and 80ft wide sandstone arch. We will get off trail just beyond Gray's Arch and bushwhack thru the woods to find Papa Bear & Sexton Arch. The difficult and steep terrain will make this a more challenging hike. After exploring the area, make our way back to the Rough Trail with another stop to a lesser known but rewarding overlook "The Veranda" where we take in the great view it offers. Once leaving the Veranda we will pick up Rush Ridge trail to complete our loop and head back to MF Trailhead.
This hike is moderately challenging with estimated mileage 5-6 and elevation gain & loss total 1100.

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 parking lot next to GoTime gas station. Meet here 9:00AM, depart for the trailhead no later than 9:15AM

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.