Koomer Ridge
Just the Facts
Location: Red River Gorge Geological Area - Slade, KY
General Rules and Regulations: Overnight permits are required (available at gas stations in Slade). No camping within 300' of a marked trail or road. No camping or fires within 100' of rock structures. Fires are permitted unless there s a fire ban in place - No cutting standing timber (dead or alive). Bear precautions are required.
Please see the USDA website, which is over Red River Gorge, for details on the rules.
Trip Highlights: 2 days/1 night; temp ranged from upper 30s to upper 50s; approximately 10 miles
Menu: Oatmeal, Mexican Chicken & Rice & Snacks
Shelter: Warbonnet Black Bird hammock, Underground Quilts Top & Under Quilts, Warbonnet Mamajamba Tarp w/DIY Door Kit
Location: Red River Gorge Geological Area - Slade, KY
General Rules and Regulations: Overnight permits are required (available at gas stations in Slade). No camping within 300' of a marked trail or road. No camping or fires within 100' of rock structures. Fires are permitted unless there s a fire ban in place - No cutting standing timber (dead or alive). Bear precautions are required.
Please see the USDA website, which is over Red River Gorge, for details on the rules.
Trip Highlights: 2 days/1 night; temp ranged from upper 30s to upper 50s; approximately 10 miles
Menu: Oatmeal, Mexican Chicken & Rice & Snacks
Shelter: Warbonnet Black Bird hammock, Underground Quilts Top & Under Quilts, Warbonnet Mamajamba Tarp w/DIY Door Kit
I had been watching the 10 day forecast for well over 10 days out anticipating a good weekend. I was excited to see low temps projected in the upper 30s and low 40s in Kentucky…It was settled, I was going backpacking!
Now, who could I find to go with me? My mom had been helping me make a down vest for my dog, Max. So, I decide that if we could get the vest finished Max would be my partner this trip. If not, it was looking like a solo trip. On Friday night we finished the vest…Saturday morning my best friend would be headed for The Gorge with me!
We arrived at the Koomer Ridge trailhead around 10:30, loaded up and hit the trail. This was my first time in this section of Red River Gorge. But, I knew enough to understand that my planned route of approximately 10 miles would not be an easy stroll. Our plan was to hike Koomer Ridge Trail to Buck Trail To Pinch-em Tight Trail to Rough Trail back to Koomer Ridge Trail. Camp would be somewhere around the trailhead of Kommer Ridge Trail and Rough Trail.
Now, who could I find to go with me? My mom had been helping me make a down vest for my dog, Max. So, I decide that if we could get the vest finished Max would be my partner this trip. If not, it was looking like a solo trip. On Friday night we finished the vest…Saturday morning my best friend would be headed for The Gorge with me!
We arrived at the Koomer Ridge trailhead around 10:30, loaded up and hit the trail. This was my first time in this section of Red River Gorge. But, I knew enough to understand that my planned route of approximately 10 miles would not be an easy stroll. Our plan was to hike Koomer Ridge Trail to Buck Trail To Pinch-em Tight Trail to Rough Trail back to Koomer Ridge Trail. Camp would be somewhere around the trailhead of Kommer Ridge Trail and Rough Trail.
I don't think this area of The Gorge has as many geological features visible or the expansive views as some other areas but, rather it seems to have more of a forest feel. What it may be missing in rock formations and impressive views is not from lack of elevation change. This route will have your quads & hammies barking with the loss and gain of 300-400' multiple times.
Day 1: We did most of our miles on Saturday by making the loop with Buck Trail first. Buck Trail is a nice trail that descends a few hundred feet to a creek crossing before climbing back up toward Pinch-em Tight Trail. Once we made it to Pinch-em Tight we took our first real break where Max & I both had some snacks and water.
After a short break we continued on Pinch-em Tight Trail toward Rough Trail, both of which overlap the Sheltowee Trace. Rough Trail offered the only real overlooks before making another decent off the ridges. After we got to the bottom we shortly came to the trailhead where the Sheltowee splits from Rough Trail. The original game plan was to camp somewhere off Rough Trail between the Sheltowee and Koomer Ridge Trail. Unfortunately, the area I had in mind would not have been a legal site (300' off the trail). Although, it doesn't look like it has stopped very many people. After taking a short break and gathering some water at the renegade site, we pushed on. The new plan was to continue to look for a good site and if we didn't find a site we liked we could pretty easily hoof it to the truck and go camp off Tunnel Ridge Rd. Just before climbing back up Koomer Ridge we spotted a good wet campsite. After finding a decent spot to cross the creek we made the short hike to the site and assessed the options for hanging. There were only a few options to hang but, not an issue for one or two hammocks.
While I set up camp Max took a siesta. After camp was set up I tried to get a fire going but the area was so heavily used that there was not much firewood and what was available was pretty wet. We went ahead and had dinner and retired early. I read for a little while before nodding off. When I dozed off it was pitch black. But, when I woke up it was like someone had turned a night-light on…The moon had broken the ridge top and was illuminating everything.
I was warm enough through the night but, slept very light keeping an eye on Max to make sure he didn't get cold. I hung my hammock about as low as I could without fear of the quilt dragging the ground. This allowed Max to sleep against me, which he did most of the night. Max slept in a sweater with his down vest and I put my poncho over him as a wind break. I don't know what the temps hit in the creek valley we were in, I'm guessing mid to upper 30s. I don't think Max ever got cold though.
I was warm enough through the night but, slept very light keeping an eye on Max to make sure he didn't get cold. I hung my hammock about as low as I could without fear of the quilt dragging the ground. This allowed Max to sleep against me, which he did most of the night. Max slept in a sweater with his down vest and I put my poncho over him as a wind break. I don't know what the temps hit in the creek valley we were in, I'm guessing mid to upper 30s. I don't think Max ever got cold though.
Day 2: Since I went to bed pretty early I was ready to get the day started early (as was Max), even though I had a fairly restless night. I got up before light and got water heating for coffee while we went to retrieve the bear bag. After a cup of joe I broke camp while Max enjoyed the tranquility of the babbling creek. All packed up we climbed back up to Koomer Ridge and head toward the truck. Along the way we detoured to Hidden Arch. There are a few sets of stairs that were all up except the first and we navigated them all with no issues.
Once we made it to the arch we took a water & snack break before making the last trek back to reality. Back at the truck I fixed some oatmeal before touring the Koomer Ridge Campground and heading back north. I'm pretty sure Max was asleep before the got out of the campground!
This was another great trip. I really enjoyed being able to take this man's best friend. Max made a great hiking companion, even though he is not much for conversation. He is a great listener though. And, he's kind of like having a personal trainer on the trail - he climbs ahead, pauses to look back as to say "you can do it!" and pushes on. If you lag too far behind he comes back to offer even more motivation.