The Parklands of Floyds Fork

[Matt Dillon]

This would be Pope Lick Park.

We haven't found a "great" trail yet--these are parks, after all, and you always feel connected to civilization--but I quite like the one that goes out under the Pope Lick trestle.

You ever hike the trails at Cumberland Falls, Will?

[Joneslab]

You ever hike the trails at Cumberland Falls, Will?

Oh yeah. As recently as last month.

Eagle Falls is the one that gets all the publicity--and it is a good one--but Dog Slaughter Falls is the better trail. It's actually one of the best I've been on in that region.

[CATHYnKY]

We went last weekend. Very nice.

Couple of weeks ago we walked the Paw Paw Trail, which is part of Turkey Run Park. Thought we were in for a leisurely stroll--the sign said about 2.5 miles there, and it looked like it would be quicker back if you stayed on the Louisville Loop section--but because you're walking at a slight incline it's not an easy walk. We ended up going about 6 miles total and were worn down by the end.

I probably like the one on Taylorsville Road the best simply because of the lay-out.

Will...we hiked from a parking lot to the Silo. It was a long haul because of the inclines. Climbed the silo before walking back to the. Worn out is putting it mildly!!! Nice to have somewhere close.

[Old School]

This park will look better and better with time as the planned landscaping grows and matures. I like to imagine that in 10 or 20 years it will look more established and green, like some of the places out in the state, or the Olmstead Parks.

It is nice to kayak or canoe through there when the water allows it. I've only done parts of it. I'd like to try the entire thing when the water allows it sometime, even though it would be an all-day excursion. If you don't own a kayak or canoe, you can rent there.

So while we're on the topic...what other suggestions do people have for places to hike and canoe/kayak?

One that I love is the land owned by Berea College, a place often called the Pinnacle. I love the views up there, and the unusual topography. I can post directions if anyone is unfamiliar with it.

[Blue Heaven]

Old School, hiking the Gorge goes without saying. As far as floats go, the one and only time I canoed was 3 years ago on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. It is a National wild and scenic river. We did the Station Camp to Blue Heron trip. I believe it was a 19 miler. We camped on a sandy beach about half way. That place is awesome! A few times, we found ourselves floating through boulders the size of small houses. It felt like we were in some primitive, uninhabited area from LONG ago. It was absolutely beautiful and without a doubt the best time I have ever had on the water, and I boat, fish, and hike quite a bit. If you ever go, just keep in mind that Devils Jump is a mandatory portage, though you can try your luck and forge through it. My partner and I, who we both had never canoed before, found out the hard way. The machismo kicked in and we didn't want to feel like pansies. We capsized and damn near drowned as well as lost our gear and the canoe we rented. YouTube that rascal and you will see why. The trip was worth it though.

[Uncle Dave]

In the past I had great luck wading and casting a gold/black 4" Rapala. There's a surprising number of "decent" Small mouth.

[Joneslab]

Old School, hiking the Gorge goes without saying. As far as floats go, the one and only time I canoed was 3 years ago on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. It is a National wild and scenic river. We did the Station Camp to Blue Heron trip. I believe it was a 19 miler. We camped on a sandy beach about half way. That place is awesome! A few times, we found ourselves floating through boulders the size of small houses. It felt like we were in some primitive, uninhabited area from LONG ago. It was absolutely beautiful and without a doubt the best time I have ever had on the water, and I boat, fish, and hike quite a bit. If you ever go, just keep in mind that Devils Jump is a mandatory portage, though you can try your luck and forge through it. My partner and I, who we both had never canoed before, found out the hard way. The machismo kicked in and we didn't want to feel like pansies. We capsized and damn near drowned as well as lost our gear and the canoe we rented. YouTube that rascal and you will see why. The trip was worth it though.

This is my hometown. My grandmother lives 5 miles from Mine 18, which is just beside Devil's Jump.

[Joneslab]

So while we're on the topic...what other suggestions do people have for places to hike and canoe/kayak?.

The best one we've done is Honey Creek Loop, on the southern tip of the Big South Fork.

You go in near Huntsville, Tennessee. We actually saw a bear on the drive down standing in the middle of the gravel road. Almost didn't go into the woods but glad we did. It's an amazing hike and has a little bit of everything. Only downside, and I mean the only negative about this trail, is that you have to walk the creekbed for 2 or 3 miles. It can get very slippery. If the water were up you'd be wading.

If you're near Cumberland Falls I highly recommend both Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. That Dog Slaughter trail is a hidden gem. You walk right along the river with Cumberland Falls at your back. Excellent trail.

Also in the Big South Fork area is a placed called "Crack in the Rock." This is near the Big South Fork overlook above Devil's Jump. There are a lot of stairs to go down--and then up--but the rock house itself is really beautiful.

[George]

The best one we've done is Honey Creek Loop, on the southern tip of the Big South Fork.

You go in near Huntsville, Tennessee. We actually saw a bear on the drive down standing in the middle of the gravel road. Almost didn't go into the woods but glad we did. It's an amazing hike and has a little bit of everything. Only downside, and I mean the only negative about this trail, is that you have to walk the creekbed for 2 or 3 miles. It can get very slippery. If the water were up you'd be wading.

If you're near Cumberland Falls I highly recommend both Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. That Dog Slaughter trail is a hidden gem. You walk right along the river with Cumberland Falls at your back. Excellent trail.

Also in the Big South Fork area is a placed called "Crack in the Rock." This is near the Big South Fork overlook above Devil's Jump. There are a lot of stairs to go down--and then up--but the rock house itself is really beautiful.

This is probably my favorite trail in the BSF. I love everything about it.

[Old School]

This is great. Thanks for the additions to my very deficient list. I need to get to these places.

__ Red River Gorge - for some reason, despite hearing about it since childhood, I've never been. Yet.

__ Big South Fork - again, inexplicably, I've never been there either. Will make a point to enjoy Honey Creek Loop and to get to Crack in the Rock.

__ Cumberland Falls - it has been a long time since I've been; I've talked with friends about going there, but we haven't made it happen. I need to change that. I knew of Eagle Falls but not Dog Slaughter Falls.

Thanks a lot.

Has anyone here visited Breaks Interstate Park?

Also, does anyone know if the trail at Tioga Falls has been fully reopened yet?

Kind of a different topic, but have any of you gone to the top of Black Mountain, or Mount Rogers in Virginia? Or for that matter, Spruce Knob in West Virginia or Hoye-Crest in Maryland (on the West Virginia border)?

[George]

Old School, a few tips for the Honey Creek Loop:

1. Give yourself about five hours or so. It's a five-mile loop and you'll probably need an hour per mile your first time - not because it's all that difficult, but because there's so much stuff to see that you'll move slowly in order to gawk and take pictures.
2. Pay attention to the weather (particularly precipitation) a week or two before you go. If it's been raining before you go, as Will said the creek will be flowing. There are numerous creek crossings that can't be avoided - the trail actually uses the creek bed as a path a few times. Water-resistant footwear is recommended, as is a good hiking pole/walking stick for balance as you rock hop.
3. Keep a close eye out for trail markers. They come in two forms ("official" wildlife management markers, and either orange or purple spray paint arrows, depending on which direction you're hiking) and are easy to overlook at times. Watch carefully.

It's a heck of a trail, man. I hope you get out there soon. Post any good pics if you have a chance.