June 29, 2008 01:25 am
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Stressed at work? Tired of chores at home?
If you’re ready for some major relaxation — and maybe even a great adventure to go with it — then pack your bags and head to the wilderness.
But prepare yourself for culture shock. Imagine a place with no air conditioning, no television, no e-mail — and hopefully no cell phones. Just get outside. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll enjoy not being plugged into the rest of the world. And if you’re not ready to sleep under the stars, then try putting some earth under your shoes and go for a day hike.
Our staff outdoor enthusiasts, page designer Roni Montgomery and photographer Kevin McGloshen, put together this guide to make your trip more enjoyable. Learn about nearby destinations and what to do there.
Here are just a few of their favorite places:
Red River Gorge Geological Area
The Red River Gorge is located in eastern Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest. It contains hundreds of miles of sandstone cliffs that were carved by the Red River millions of years ago. I’ve always described it as a scaled-down version of the Grand Canyon, but with lush vegetation such as rhododendron and towering hemlock trees.
The gorge is rugged, with steep forested ridges, narrow valleys, rock overhangs and more than 100 natural arches. A few can be seen from the driving route, and others are located off well-maintained trails. But, people who adventure into the gorge on day hikes and backpacking excursions will find some of the most spectacular sites. It is a truly unique area — something everyone should see.
Besides hiking, The Red River Gorge is a popular place for rock climbing, picnicking, canoeing and camping. Primitive camping areas exist along Tunnel Ridge Road, Chimney Top Road and Rock Bridge Road. Backcountry camping is allowed, but permits are required for parking overnight. Permits can be purchased from the Stanton Ranger District Office, Gladie Historic Site and many local stores.
If car camping is more your style, Koomer Ridge Campground — located on the south side of the Red River Gorge — is one the best campgrounds I’ve been to in the United States. The secluded campsites are in wooded areas, and some have great views. The tent pads and fire rings are always well maintained. Amenities include a clean bathhouse, water and vault toilets. There are a few RV/camper sites available, but there are no hookups.
For more information about Red River Gorge or Koomer Ridge Campground, call Stanton Ranger District Office at 606-663-2852.
— Roni Montgomery
Knobstone trail
With a trailhead at Deam Lake State Recreation Area in Borden, Knobstone Trail is one of my favorite places to day hike. No extensive plans are required. Just grab a pack, fill it with food, water, a few other necessities and let the journey begin.
But, don’t let Knobstone’s Southern Indiana location fool you. The 58-mile backcountry hiking trail is Indiana’s longest footpath. It passes through Clark State Forest, Elk Creek Public Fishing Area and Jackson-Washington State Forest. The trail follows the Knobstone Escarpment — with many steep climbs and decents — and can be quite grueling. Even avid hikers find respect for the rugged trail that is nationally known as a training ground for the Appalachian Trail.
Primitive backpack camping is allowed along the trail (at least one-mile by trail from roads, recreation areas and trailheads), but you must be out of sight from the trail and lakes. Most of the creeks are usually dry, so hikers need to carry their own water. Maintained campgrounds are located at Deam Lake, Clark State Forest and Delaney Park.
For day hiking, the trail can be accessed by 6 car to car segments. I’ve hiked the 10-mile round trip from Deam Lake to Jackson Trailhead, then back to Deam Lake, in a day. I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners or those with small children, but it is doable.
Trail maps are $4 and can be purchased by calling the DNR at 317-232-4180. For more information on Knobstone Trail, contact Indiana Streams and Trails Coordinator Dale Briar at 317-232-4070.
— Roni Montgomery
Great smoky mountains national park
I’ve been to the Smokies at least once a year for the past 12 years and it continues inspire and amaze me every time I return. I can’t seem to get enough of the smoke-like fog that hangs over the mountains, the roaring streams, lush vegetation and miles and miles of trails.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. With high rainfall totals each year, some areas of the park qualify as temperate rain forests. With hundreds of waterfalls, the woods are misty and covered with bright green moss. The trees tower overhead and large boulders and rhododendron thickets line the trails.
If your idea of going to the Smokies is staying in a hotel and dining at restaurants in Gatlinburg, then you’re really missing out. With 800 miles of maintained trails, the park is a hiker’s paradise. But, if backcountry camping is not your gig, there are many other reasons to visit the park. There are nicely maintained campgrounds, picnic areas, fishing streams and auto tours with plenty of vistas.
The park has so much to offer, it just can’t be summed up in a few short paragraphs. Everyone should go there at least once in their lifetime — if not every season, every year.
For more information, call visitor information at 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm/
— Roni Montgomery
Big South fork
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is located in Southern Kentucky near the Tennessee border encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs as well as a powerful river system which makes for great paddling.
The Big South Fork is part of the Cumberland River and its tributaries and offers a wide variety of whitewater paddling. That being said, you cannot take this river lightly.
During my first visit to the river, and following a very rainy summer, a friend and I were attempting to paddle the middle and lower sections of the river, a distance of about 27 miles. When we arrived at out entrance point, called Leatherwood, we found the river was running at 5,000 cubic feet per second (CFS), which puts the majority of the trip at Class II and III rapids, with two points at Class V. This may not mean much to some of you, but I can tell you I was hesitant to get in the water. We managed, made two quarter mile portages around the Class V sections called Devils Jump and Angel Falls, and the trip turned out more fun than I ever could have imagined.
The river makes for great paddling, but not for a novice paddler. There are tons of outfitters who can help you plan a trip, such as Sheltowee Trace Outfitters. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/biso. Or visit Sheltowee Trace Outfitters at www.ky-rafting.com.
—Kevin McGloshen
Mammoth cave national park
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest cave system with more than 365 miles explored. The cave system offers a unique experience for kids and adults, with a variety of tour packages ranging in price from $5 to $48. However, if you are just out for some camping fun, I would recommend a paddling trip down the Green River.
The Green River runs for approximately 25 miles through the park and offers a gentle ride for beginning paddlers. Hop in your canoe or kayak and you can paddle past dramatic bluffs, majestic trees and a large variety of birdlife.
The river averages about 200 feet wide and 10 feet deep, and contains no whitewater conditions. My typical weekend trip would involve putting in at Dennison Ferry and taking two days to reach Houchins Ferry at the opposite end of the park, a trip about 22 miles. The coolest part about paddling the Green River is you can camp just about anywhere. Stop by the ranger station and pick up a backcountry pass, and you are all set. There are sandbars and islands that make for great, unique camping spots. Also, keep a lookout for hidden caves and fresh springs.
If you only have a day to spend, the park also boasts 70 miles of backcountry trails, as well as horseback riding and nature programs.
For more information about Mammoth Cave National Park and paddling the Green River, visit the park’s Web site at www.nps.gov/maca.
—Kevin McGloshen
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