Blue Heron Loop and Spurs from the Top
River, Vista, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr River, Vista, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr

Blue Heron Loop and Spurs from the Top

This is one of the most beautiful loops in Kentucky. We hiked this from the top to see if we could catch changing skies at the overlooks (we didn’t), but the loop has Blue Heron Overlook, Cracks in the Rocks, plenty of mining history, access to the river, Devil’s Jump, a couple beaches, and Devil’s Jump Overlook. If I’d have hiked this with LaFonda, no question we would’ve spent an hour soaking in the river.

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Koger Arch Out and Back
Arch, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr Arch, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr

Koger Arch Out and Back

This is a short hike to an impressive arch in Big South Fork NRRA. The region is littered with arches, but this is one of the finest among them and should always be included in your itinerary when visiting this part of the recreation area. After visiting Dick Gap Overlook, stop here - parking is easier this way too!

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Sunrise at Dick Gap Overlook and Arch
Arch, Vista, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr Arch, Vista, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr

Sunrise at Dick Gap Overlook and Arch

Dick Gap Overlook sits high above a beautiful bend in the Big South Fork across from Blue Heron Mining Community. The views are spectacular year-round, but nearest the summer solstice, the sun down the seam above Devil’s Jump. When fog is thick, as it was on our visit, some patience is required to wait for the fog to lift. We enjoyed a nice halo scene as a result.

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Massengale Homestead Loop
Big South Fork Region Michael Harr Big South Fork Region Michael Harr

Massengale Homestead Loop

This forest walk leads to the historic Massengale Homesite and Spring Box in Rugby State Natural Area. Only the footers of the home remain, but the spring box is in good repair with water continuing to flow. Big South Fork NRRA is across the street to the north and Sheltowee Trace passes through town (see notes below).

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Markers Arch Out and Back
Arch, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr Arch, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr

Markers Arch Out and Back

This is an often overlooked arch thanks to its neighboring attractions at Yahoo Recreation Area. When visiting Yahoo Falls, Overlooks, and Arch, make a pit stop here to get the legs warm. And, notice there is a second opening on the east side of the rock formation. See the hiker note below about that.

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2021 Yamacraw 50K

2021 Yamacraw 50K

I wear a Road ID bracelet and on it is inscribed, “Last Place > DNF > DNS.” Translated, that’s, “Last place is better than did not finish is better than did not start.” Coming in undertrained and in conditions that I’d rather hike than run, I hiked. A lot. And got that last place finish with only seconds to spare:-)

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Princess and Julia Lynn Falls Springtime Out and Back
Waterfall, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr Waterfall, Big South Fork Region Michael Harr

Princess and Julia Lynn Falls Springtime Out and Back

I’ve always hiked here as part of longer routes, so the day before a 50K race made for a great reason to hike the short version. Princess Falls is among the more playful waterfalls in Kentucky and typically has decent flow except during significant droughts. Along the way, enjoy Julia Lynn Falls that was trickling after a dry stretch, but is gorgeous with recent rains.

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