Mapping the Sheltowee Forum Index Archive home

Mapping the Sheltowee
A Guide for the Trails in the BSF and DBNF
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist      Big Turtle Photo Club    
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 


Problems at Natural Arch Scenic Area

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Mapping the Sheltowee Forum Index -> Problems on the Trail
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Boyd
BOONE-ified GPS DUDE
BOONE-ified GPS DUDE


Joined: 18 Jun 2004
Posts: 326
Location: Lexington

PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 7:44 am    Post subject: Problems at Natural Arch Scenic Area Reply with quote

Somerset Ranger District
Daniel Boone National Forest

5-5-05

Dear Somerset Ranger District:

I took a hiking trip on the Natural Arch Scenic Area on 4-16-05 and found some conditions along the trails that I thought you would appreciate hearing about.

I first hiked a loop around trail 510 and 508. I found tracks from ATV use from the "avoidance" area on the backside of Natural Arch down to Road 5266. Although there was a "No Motorized Use" sign at the junction of Road 5266 and Trail 508, ATV tracks could be plainly seen leaving the road and entering the trail at this point. I believe a gate is needed at this intersection to prevent ATV access to the trail.

I also saw ATV tracks from DBNF Road 5266 along Cooper Creek and Gulf Fork nearly to Chimney Arch. Although it is unclear at what point the trail becomes closed to ATV use, ATV extends past the junction with Trail 509B onto trail clearly not intended for vehicles. There needs to be "No motorized vehicles" signs at confluence of Cooper Creek and Gulf Fork, or where ever that part of trail becomes closed.

Also, at both intersections between Trail 508 and Road 5266, Trail 508 is signed as closed. I continued on the trail because closure signs were not posted at any other points on Trail 508. I suspect these signs are left over from an earlier closure that has since been rescinded.

There are blazed white trails at Natural Arch Picnic Area leading both west to KY 927, and east to a gazebo and then further east into a logged area. Can you tell me if these trails are part of the "official trail system?

I also took the chance to hike Trail 528 which was in good shape, but could use a sign at its trailhead parking area.

I finally attempted to hike Trail 509. There are numerous blowdowns near the trailhead blocking the trail off the rim and down a stairway. Two spur trails are shown on map leaving Trail 509 at the bottom of stairs, but neither could be found among the fallen trees. Do you know if these trails still exist? I ended my hike at the underpass below KY 927 to avoid passing through an unhealthy pile of trash and dead animals. This area needs to be cleaned up before Trail 509 can be hiked safely.

This was my first trip to Natural Arch since I finished work on my 2002 hiking book "50 Hikes in Kentucky" (which includes a description of the Trail 510/508 loop). I was especially distressed by the ATV access to Natural Arch and Chimney Arch. It has been my experience in other areas that ones ATV's have begun to abuse an area, that area degrades rapidly. In particular the area between the back side of Natural Arch and Road 5266 has had spectacular wild flower displays in the past that would be put at risk in the future by illegal ATV use. Hopefully, you will be able to install gates and other measures appropriate to keeping ATVs off the trails they are prohibited from. Thank you for your concern in these matters.

Sincerely,


An ST User

_________________
Help map trails by submitting your waypoints and trail photos.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Mapping the Sheltowee Forum Index -> Problems on the Trail All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Map Forum: HI Quality | Map Forum: LO Quality | Home

Mapping the Sheltowee Trace, 2004 - 2015