The Arches of Copperas Creek

TRAIL OVERVIEW
Location: DBNF Clifty Wilderness
Distance: 6-8 miles (estimated)
Elevation: 1200 ft
Route Type: Out & Back with Spurs
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Estimated time: 6-7 hours
Trail Conditions: expect some mud.

ROUTE
We’ll start at the Douglas trailhead and hike an unofficial Copperas Creek trail. As we hike up Copperas Creek we will take "Spurs" that will lead us to the hidden Arches. Part of our adventure will require us to bushwhack thru the woods over to the Osborne Bend Trail where there are few more hidden gems to find.

Highlights include...

• Hopewell Arch
• Snow Arch
• Double Deer Arch
• Wolf Pen
• Sandy Arch
• Copperas Creek Waterfall
• Copperas Creek Arches
• Brewer's Natural Bridge
• the Grotto

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 (30-50 degrees)
• Trekking poles (optional)

Experience Level: for hikers who are comfortable with distances longer than 5 miles, uneven terrain, rock scrambling, bushwhacking and creek crossings.

9AM
Meet at Park & Ride parking lot next to GoTime gas station. We will combine hikers and gear into a few cars then carpool together to the trailhead.

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.

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.