Hike Blue Heron in BSF

Located in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Stearns, Kentucky is an abandoned coal mining town Blue Heron. From 1937-1962 Blue Heron coal mining town where hundreds of people worked in an isolated community on the banks of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The underground mines closed in 1962 due to lack of profitability and the town was abandoned. Later in the 1980's the community was recreated as an outdoor museum; it offers a glimpse of what life was like in a company owned coal mining camp.

The Blue Heron Loop Trail explores the plateau top and the river gorge surrounding the historic Blue Heron mining community and the Devil's Jump rapids. The Blue Heron Loop is rated in the top five best day hikes in the BSF. The Blue Heron Loop combines history, geology, and scenery into one moderate 7-mile hike.

Another great hike nearby in Daniel Boone National Forest, is Natural Arch Loop, 1.5 miles. We will add this to our itinerary and hike it on the way back.
This in an interesting trail with lots of cool rock formations along the way. It is fairly easy but expect some sections with stairs and steep elevation.

TRAIL OVERVIEW
Location: Big South Fork Natural River and Recreation
Trail: Blue Heron Loop
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation: 984ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 3-4 hrs
Trail Conditions: Good

Highlights Include

• Crack in the Rocks
• Devils Jump Overlook
• Blue Heron Mining Camp & Outdoor Museum
• Natural Arch
• Rock Formations & Rock Shelters

Essential Hiking Gear

• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction
• 3 Liters of water, snacks & lunch
• backpack to hold gear
• Weather-appropriate layers (70-90 degrees)
• Trekking poles (optional)

Experience Level: This is a great hike for both new and experienced hikers. We will maintain a comfortable pace and take breaks as needed.

7:00 AM Carpool The trailhead is about a 2-hour drive from Lexington. Let's meet at Cabelas to ride share to the trailhead, leaving no later than 7:10 AM. To find us park at the far end of Cabelas Parking lot behind the new Firebird Restaurant.

BREAKFAST-We will stop on the way to the TH for breakfast and bathroom break. Most likely McDonalds

LUNCH-On the trail bring your own.

DINNER- will be on the way home at a Mexican Restaurant Santa Fe in Corbin.

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.