The Ascent of Cloudsplitter
Hike description:
We will begin at the parking area for the Sheltowee Trace suspension bridge, join the Sheltowee at the bridge and hike north on the Trace; we will cross over Hwy 715 and climb to the junction with the Nowhere Trail then cross over to the back side of Cloudsplitter for our ascent; afterwards we will continue a short way on the Sheltowee before descending a shortcut trail to 715 and a brief walk along the road back to the suspension bridge.
The total hike is approximately 4 miles and includes some vertical rock scrambling aided by rope (optional); lots of drop-offs. Moderate to challenging difficulty. We will reschedule for inclement weather.
A few additional comments
- This hike is fairly short. After we finish it, we can look at options to get in a few more miles if anyone is interested
- If anyone is worried about getting lost or would like to car pool, i can meet people in the Hamburg Meijer’s parking lot near the Tesla charging stations I drive a silver minivan with kayak racks on top and a bicycle rack on the back. I plan to depart there at 7:45. I have room for several people in my van
- I am not married to the starting time. Depending on where you are coming from, 9:00 may be a bit early to be in the gorge If you would prefer, a 10:00 start time, let me know.
Directions:
From the I-64/I-75 southern split, drive east on I-64 16.4 mi, exit 98 Combs Mountain Parkway; drive 32 mi to exit 33, Hwy 15 (Slade); from exit go left (see Shell station just to R of the intersection), then immediate left(west), follow Hwy 11/15, 1.5 mi; turn R onto Route 77. Go 5.3 miles (thru the Nada Tunnel) to the intersection with Hwy 715. Drive 1.5 miles on 715, turn R down a short gravel road to a parking area (Suspension Bridge parking). The hike will begin at 9:00AM. The total distance from the 64/75 split is 60 miles, or approx 1:15. Extra time should be expected for those not familiar with travel in the RRG.
Map of the trailhead:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=37.823819,-83.628187&sll=37.937905,-84.068555&sspn=0.28303,0.88077&num=1&t=p&vpsrc=0&z=
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.