Noah's Spout-Pachyderm Arch Hike

Noah’s Spout Waterfall & Pachyderm Arch Adventure

Starting from the Rough Trail / Swift Camp Creek Trailhead, we’ll begin our hike on the Rough Trail and make our way toward Parched Corn Creek. After a small, easy creek crossing, we’ll leave the trail and bushwhack through the forest toward Noah’s Spout. Along the way, we’ll pass several bonus waterfalls. This section is moderately difficult, with an estimated 3 miles.
From there, our route continues on the Swift Camp Creek Trail until we reach a junction where we’ll pick up the Wildcat Trail. We will have a short but another fun off-trail adventure to find Wildcat Falls—a waterfall I haven’t personally visited yet, but we’ll be using GPS coordinates to help us locate. After visiting the falls, we’ll return to the Wildcat Trail.

Pachyderm Arch (Optional)
Starting from the Wildcat Trailhead, we’ll take an unofficial trail to reach Pachyderm Arch. This is another steep section that may require butt scooting or sliding, This part is optional, you could wait for us while the rest of the group explores the Arch.
To finish the hike, we’ll have a short road walk along Highway 715 to return to our starting point at the Swift Camp Creek Trailhead.
Mileage:
Expect at least 10 miles if you complete the entire route. with some good elevation gain & loss 1200 or more.

SHORT DISTANCE HIKERS:
You’re welcome to join us for the first section of our route, where we hike the official Rough Trail and then have a short bushwhack through the forest to reach Noah’s Spout. After visiting the waterfall, we’ll return to the same trailhead we started from, so your hike would finish here.
Distance: ~3 miles
Difficulty: Moderately difficult due to elevation gain and loss

9AM
Meet at Park & Ride parking lot next to GoTime gas station. We will combine hikers and gear into a few cars then carpool to the trailhead. The carpool will leave no later than 9:15am. (A word of caution; if you haven't arrived by 9:05 and we are standing there freezing we probably won't wait for you).

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. Look for posted signs that say "Park & Ride"

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.