Mapping the Sheltowee

Yamacraw · cub Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Russell Springs

Helllo all

I am new to he forum, though I have been lurking for sometime. I would like some recommendations for Day Hikes in the Big South Fork NRRA. I have a 7 yr old and plan on taking him with me.

Thanks

Yamacraw

Boyd · Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:46 pm Post subject:

Welcome Yamacraw,

I can tell by your handle that you appreciate the more eclectic place names in the area.

This time of year it is nice to hike around Leatherwood Ford. The wildflowers might be past their peak, but the river makes a nice pond there and I've seen many a kid play along the shallow banks. You can hike the John Muir Trail down river and back, probably 3 miles total. There's a wooden bridge before you ascend to the Angel Falls Overlook that would be a great turn-around spot.

Blue Heron has a few impressive views within an easy walk of the road. As an adventure you could hike down to Cracks in the Rocks. Probably 1 mile there and back. Alternatively, you could park along river and tour the open air museum at Blue Heron. Any kid would be awed to walk across the pedestrian bridge there.

Bandy Creek of course is the good since you could visit the historic Blevins Farm. That might remind the bugger how good he has it compared to how folks lived 50 years ago. If he didn't quite get the message, you could hike to the John Litton Farm; a more austere homestead. I think both hikes would total about 5 miles in the shortest configuration. That's an easy 5 miles.

Twin Arches Loop will amaze a youngster with the switchbacks and wooden stairs. You could overnight at Charit Creek Lodge or just arrive for a backcountry lunch/dinner. I think reservations are required to eat or lodge at Charit Creek, but the kid will be impressed with the feast this place serves....not to mention the stories the lodge hosts can tell about bears, frogs, pigs, etc...

Boyd

Yamacraw · cub Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Russell Springs

Thank You for the info.

Right now I am planing a camping trip of 3 to 5 days in the DBNF. We are going to camp at Great Meadow . With this info I think my son and myself will have a terrific time.

Thanks again

Yamacraw

Boyd · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 11:49 am Post subject:

I was going to mention Rock Creek (and Great Meadow Campground) since it has a lot of nice swimming holes. If you cross the creek and hike up the ST to the John Muir Trail, you pass quite a few deep clear pools. It's a Kentucky trout stream and wild/scenic creek. There's a trailhead on the state line that has a nice ford and 6-mile loop to a cemetery too. Across Hemlock Grove, there's a 1-mile trail up to Mark Branch Falls.

Yamacraw · cub Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Russell Springs

Thanks Boyd, you've been very helpful

Yamacraw · cub Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Russell Springs

Boyd · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:08 pm Post subject:

Yamacraw,

If you cross the Rock Creek anywhere between Great Meadows and the state line, you'll hit the ST and you take a right to eventually find the John Muir trail.

At Great Meadows cross the creek and take a right on the ST. Hike about 3 miles and you'll intersect the John Muir Trail. Here you have two choices: continuing straight (west) the JMT and ST share the same trail for 3 miles up Rock Creek; to the left (east) JMT hooks around the bend and up Massey Creek.

If you go west, in 3 miles you intersect the Rock Creek Loop, which heads up a ravine to the left. If you go east, the RCL cuts up to the ridge in about a mile. Either way is good, but it's probably better to do it clockwise (east at the first intersection with the ST and JMT). The Rock Creek Loop simply connects the JMT via Blevins Cemetery.

From Great Meadows to complete the Rock Creek loop I'm guessing it's about 14 miles. If you park at the state line parking area, it's about 8 miles.

Boyd