Jay, Justin, Jeff & Dave on Swift Camp Creek Trail
Yeah, The Clifty Wilderness Area of Kentucky was so
cool the first time around (1996) that Jeff and I decided to
return the following year and this time take our brothers. This
time we were smarter. Instead of lugging our backpacks through
the same trails we did a year before, we set up basecamps and
dayhiked the same trails. This proved to be quite time efficient
and allowed us to see and explore so much more of this awesome area of Kentucky! In this 3 day
weekend we saw more than in the 5 days Jeff and I spent there
the previous year! This by itself made a repeat visit just as
enjoyable as the first time around. Click any of the thumbnails to view larger image
Photos of the brothers (Justin & Jay; Dave & Jeff)
The shots above were taken on the first day as we hiked
along Rough Trail.
These two pics of Justin & I were taken on Rough Trail
also.
After our first day hiking the Rough Trail up to the
Grays Arch and back to our campsite, the next day we hiked down
Swift Camp Creek Trail to set up basecamp. Before dinner we decided
to do a little off-trail bushwacking. Our initial goal was to
locate a listed cemetary just outside the Clifty Wilderness Area.
After searching up & down an old logging road, we turned around
to head back. This little adventure allowed us to discover some
wonderful things we would've never seen on the regular trails.
Although I was reluctant to go at first, I'm definitely glad I
did. This made the whole trip worth it! Next time, some off-trail
time will surely be added to the plans.
These photos were taken during our bushwacking adventure
The final day we hiked down Swift Camp Creek Trail
that Jeff and I really enjoyed the previous year. This year
we got a lot farther down the trail and saw some things we missed
the first time. Saw some splendid falls and killer campsites in
the southern area of the trail.
Shots from our hike on Swift Camp Creek Trail (click to view)
Overall, despite having been there before, this was
a great trip. Being able to see and do a lot more this time
around was very nice, but having our brothers there this time
made the hikes through Kentucky's Clifty Wilderness Area and Daniel
Boone National Forest truly memorable.
Each of us: Jay, Justin, Jeff & Dave (click to view)
For more information on the Clifty Wilderness Area
or Daniel Boone Forest, feel free to email
me. Or if you'd like to just know more about our trip, please
drop me a line. Again, this area of Kentucky makes for great day
hikes in a most gorgeous area of the blue grass state.
