Arch Overload
This 4-5 mile hike is the best way to get the Red River Gorge experience.
Where to meet
This adventure meets at the Slade Welcome Center Gazebo where guests will meet their guide and 'check in'. Cell service is spotty at best in Slade, so calling to find your guide may not be an option. An exact map will be provided to the location in the customer portal, with the link in the confirmation email.
From here, guests will drive their own vehicle about 2 miles away to the entrance of the private property where the adventure takes place. Once on the property guests will follow an old gravel logging road into the field where vehicles will be parked and guests ready themselves for the adventure.
What we will do
Once on property, guests will have plenty of time to 'gear up' as everyone is making introductions and the adventure is being discussed. This is a loop trail meaning once we leave the vehicles, we will not be back to them until the adventure is over. Guests will follow their guide through the forest on old logging roads and newly developed trail systems, working their way around and up the mountain to find each of the 10 arches on the tour. There are several inclines including 4 sections of staircase to summit the ridge. The party will follow the ridgeline a bit before scrambling off the rock and down a sandy hill to find a logging road that will lead back to the vehicles.
What's the trail like?
- To begin the adventure, guests will cross a grassy field to reach a treeline where an old logging road waits. Guests will eventually veer off the logging roads onto newly developed trails/access trails to find each of the ten (10) geological destinations along the route.
- This adventure does require walking on uneven terrain, maneuvering trail debris such as loose leaves, tree roots and branches and climbing over and under rocks for some stops.
- The trail should be classified as moderate to difficult.
- The total distance of the trail is 4.2 miles. Any exploring around the arches or overlooks adds to the total mileage.
- Total elevation gain is about 853 feet.
- Tallest point on the tour is about 1368 feet.
- Total tour time is 4-5 hours although smaller groups and more experienced hikers may finish a little earlier. Larger groups and less skilled adventurers may take a bit longer.
What should I bring?
- Hiking appropriate clothing
- There a field that gets almost knee high (about .02 mile)
- There are greenbriers, stinging nettle, holly bushes, blackberry briars and many other potentially painful plants that litter the route.
- Venomous snakes, bees, wasps, and ticks are VERY likely to be encountered.
- Water bladder (required)
- Each person needs to have at least 2 liters of water when starting this adventure. There is no water supply available along the route. Without a water supply, guests will not be permitted to attend.
- Trekking poles/walking sticks
- some folks find the extra stability helpful when on uneven terrain.
- Snacks/Lunch
- Friends
- Camera
- LNTA staff will take photos of your group on tour; you are more than welcome to bring your own device for photos as well.
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses
- Hiking hat
How to go on the tour
1.
Make a reservation online (or call)
2.
Sign the waiver before arriving
3.
Have proper gear
4.
Arrive on time
5.
Enjoy the adventure!
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