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. Two interesting features along the trail is Devils Jump rapids overlook and Crack-in-the-Rock.
The fun isn't over yet! On our way back to Lexington we will be very close to the Natural Arch Scenic Area. Natural Arch is one of Kentucky's most impressive arches. The Natural Arch Loop is an easy short hike covering 1.4 miles. We should have enough time to hike the loop but there is also the option to just to hike to the overlook of the Arch.
Forecast for Saturday is sunny low 69 with high of 84. Bring plenty of water, at least 3 liters. We will make one stop on the way down for a bathroom break and grab a quick breakfast. Also, bring lunch or snacks for the trail. On the way home we'll stop for dinner. (to be determined later)
What time will we be back? This is a long day away from Lexington so expect to arrive home later that evening but not too late.
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 7:15 AM. Park at the far end of Cabelas parking lot, look for my Kentucky blue colored car Honda Fit. My number 801-628-2116 should you need to reach me the morning of the hike.
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.
