STA 2012 Hiker Challenge

JOIN ONE OF OUR MONTHLY
OVERNIGHT SECTION HIKES

April 20 - 22 Mouth of Laurel to Hwy 80 Trail Head.  (28 miles)
May 18 - 20  Hwy 80 Trail Head to S-Tree Campground  (33 miles)
May 25 -28 Section Make Up Hike
June 22 - 24 S-Tree Campgroud to Hale Ridge Road  (29 miles)
July 20 - 22 Hale Ridge Rd. to Natural Bridge SP (33 miles)
August 17 -19 Natural Bridge SP to U.S. 460  (21 miles)
September 21 - 23 U.S. 460 to Clear Creek Trail Head (25 miles)
October 19 - 21  Clear Creek to Eagle Lake Trail (25 miles)
November 9 - 11 Eagle Lake Trail to North Terminus (24 miles)
November 30 - Dec 2 Section Make Up Hike
Dec 8 - Hiker Challenge Celebration 

2013 Hiker Challenge

January 18-20  N. Terminus to Morehead U.S. 60
 

CHALLENGE TRAIL JOURNAL

The weather was better than anyone could expect for the middle of February as 19 hikers took on the February Section of the 2012 Hiker Challenge.  Gathering on Friday night, February 24, at the Sheltowee Trace Outfitters, Starr Cabin, the group got a warm nights sleep before heading out on Saturday for the first ten miles of the hike. 

High water on the first leg forced the hikers to take an alternate route down the road to the old railroad bridge at Yamacraw where they picked up the trail down to Yamacraw Bridge.  A pleasant surprise was waiting at the base of the bridge when the group found the Old Big South Fork store had reopened and they could grab some snacks and take a short break in the sun before moving on to Alum Ford Campground for the night. 

Trail conditions were excellent in the Big South Fork with only a few troublesome blowdowns to crawl under.  With the group stopping at Cotton Patch shelter about 3 miles from days end, the hikers took a rest some cooking some lunch, some eating a cold lunch while a few just to the time to grag some rest in the shelter or leaning against a tree.

The shelter is in great shape but the privy has been damaged with the privacy walls gone and the toliet showing signs of vandalism.

Walking into Alum Ford the group had the chance to experience varied scenery from tiny waterfalls to narrow trails to views of the Cumberland.  Once the path turned to pea gravel, everyone knew it was a sign that the campground was not far off.  At Alum Ford, the privy was in excellent shape as were the six campsites.  Each hiker sharing with others got set up and fires were seen in most all the sites, providing warmth against a breeze and cold temps.

Awaking on Sunday to 18 to 20 degree temps, most hikers struggled with cold tents and pads trying to roll them with ice crystals still on the inside.  But after a quick breakfast, groups of two and three started to drift on up the trail toward the finish at U.S. Route 27.

Again the trail was in excellent condition for this section with only a few blowdowns.  Within the last three miles as the trail goes up one last hollar, you cross a small stream many times which can make navigating a challenge because of the need for a few more blazes.  The last climb of the hike was the most challenging for the weekend as you come out of the low area and head toward the last mile of ridge and road walk into U.S. 27.  Crossing the road at the church and going on up the road for a mile, the blazes take you to a right turn which runs you across one last ridge, parallel to Rt 27 into the parking lot.

Thanks to all 19 who made the journey.  Several first time hikers were with us and several first time section hikers made the journey. We hope to see all of you in March and more.

For more photos of the section, please go to the photo gallery click on 2012 Hiker Challenge.

STA CHALLENGE REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS Participants must fill out a release of liability for each section. The form and equipment list can be downloaded from here. Participants are required to complete the checklist and bring it to the jump-off point.

Release of Liability PDF
Release of Liability Word

Equipment Checklist PDF
Equipment Checklist Word

The STA 2012 Hiker Challenge is sponsored in-part by our partners;

The Practical Defense Academy! 

Practical Defense Academy was formed with the sole purpose of teaching responsible, law abiding citizens safe, practical defensive techniques.

There classes range from basics such as the Kentucky CCDW course and NRA Basic Pistol course to more specialized training involving the use of firearms, edged weapons, and empty hand combatives.  Visit their website for information http://www.practicaldefenseacademy.com/   .