July 2016 Cumberland Gap National Park
This adventure brings us back to the beautiful Cumberland Gap National Park! Day-hikers and Backpackers are welcome.
There are plans for both types of hiking, so please review carefully. If you have a question about the difference between day-hiking and backpacking, you can visit our website FAQ or just ask here for more information.
Cumberland Gap State Park is one of the most underrated parks in the area! All the beauty of the Smokies without the crowds! We will be visiting Skylight Cave, Gibson Gap, Butchers Gap, Hensley Settlement and Cemetery.
Midlife Hiking Club will cover all permit costs related to backcountry camping for this event! Please let me know if you’re a backpacker or day-hiker.
This is a Fur-Baby Friendly area, so bring along your four-legged hiking pals to enjoy nature with you. If you have issues with dogs, please take that into consideration when planning on participating. All dogs must be leashed and under physical control by their owner.
Park Location (NOT TRAILHEAD):
91 Bartlett Park Road
Middlesboro, KY 40965
Official Park Map:
Cumberland Gap National Park Official Map
ITINERARY
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SCHEDULE CAN CHANGE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE LEADER (BUGWHISPERER – JAMES) FOR UP TO THE DATE INFORMATION. THE FACEBOOK PAGE WILL ALSO BE UPDATED AS LONG AS WE HAVE SERVICE!
SATURDAY July 16th, 2016 – 9:00 am
Meet at the Wilderness Campground in Cumberland Gap Park
Google Map
Hike Skylight Cave Trail to Ridge Trail – 1.0 mile, Gain 925ft, Rating Strenuous – We will explore the Skylight Cave about halfway through this portion of the hike.
Hike Ridge Trail to Gibson Gap Camp – 3.2 miles, Gain 1070ft, Rating Moderate/Strenuous – We will setup camp at Gibson Gap Campsite
Optional Hike Ridge Trail to Butcher’s Gap, Hensley Settlement and Cemetery – 12.0 miles RT, Gain 1000ft, Rating Strenuous – We will explore the gap, settlement and cemetery then return to camp for the night.
Day-hikers will exit Gibson Gap Trail – 5.4 miles, Rating Moderate
SUNDAY July 17th, 2016 – 10am
Hike Back via Gibson Gap Trail – 5.4 miles, Rating Moderate/Strenuous
TRAIL TOTALS & RATINGS (BACKPACKERS & DAY-HIKERS)
Backpackers Day 1, ~4.2 miles OUT MIN (3 to 12 miles optional), MHC Rating 13.31 (Strenuous)
Backpackers Day 2, ~5.4 miles BACK, MHC Rating 9.79 (Moderate/Strenuous)
Day-Hikers Day 1, ~9.6 miles RT MIN, MHC Rating 13.31 (Strenuous)
If you want information about our rating system, please visit this link
If you are a day-hiker, please check out the day 1 itinerary as the main objectives will be completed during that day-hike! You have a option to exit the trail by hiking out Gibson Gap Trail to return to your cars. Backpackers will be camping at Gibson Gap Camp and need not exit on Day 1.
Please use good judgment in taking the following into account:
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Equipment– Trails here are often steep, rocky, uneven and slippery. Hikers should wear sturdy boots and carry a day pack with food, water, first aid supplies, rain gear, flashlight, cellular phone and trail map. Please do not attempt these trails wearing sandals, street shoes, flip flops or smooth-soled footwear.
Lightning– Peaks, ridges, ledges and shallow overhangs are all high-risk areas for lightning strikes. Stay alert for changing weather patterns (thunderstorms can arrive suddenly in the afternoon) and stay clear of risk areas in an electrical storm.
Hypothermia– A cold summer rain can be as dangerous as an arctic wind storm. Carry appropriate weatherproof garments, even in summer months.
Trail Conditions– Backcountry trails can be slick, muddy and treacherous. Upper trails in winter often glaze over with ice. Hiking under these conditions falls in the domain of well-equipped experts.
Water– All untreated water should be purified. Giardia, bacteria and other contaminants cannot be easily detected. You can purify water by boiling it for 10 minutes, by using purification chemicals or through use of a filtering device.
Watching Children– Adults should lead and follow their hiking groups with young children in the middle. If the hiking party decides to split up, make plans to rejoin at a prearranged time and place to avoid confusion and the possibility of after-dark searches for lost hikers.
Health Considerations– Hikers with breathing or heart conditions should be cautious of strenuous activity, especially at higher altitudes. In Case Of Emergency, Dial 911!
Remember this is the Southeast and the weather can change every 7 minutes. Be prepared for cooler nights, thunderstorms, rain, snow, sleet, hail, and icebergs just kidding of course, but be prepared for anything when hiking or backpacking! BRING PLENTY OF WATER. You should have enough food / snacks for 1 night and 1.5 days.
Maps and directions to the trail-head and waypoints will be posted in the event, so please pay close attention and contact me if you have any questions. Please let me know your intention to join us, so I can plan accordingly. Remember to click the GOING button if you intend to participate
The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation – MHC Provided
2. Sun Protection
3. Rain Protection and/or Insulation
4. Illumination
5. First-aid Kit
6. Fire Starter
7. Repair Kit/Tools
8. Nutrition (1 night, 1.5 days + 1 day extra emergency)
9. Emergency Shelter (bivy, tent, tarp or reflective blanket)
10. Hydration (Lots of water and purification)
MHC group leaders have these and more to provide members, in the case of necessity. Please always be prepared for the worst!
We practice the LEAVE NO TRACE Principles. Please make sure you are fully aware of our club principles when participating in our official events:
1. Plan ahead and prepare!
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND!
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife!
7. Be considerate of other visitors!
If you need any details on the leave no trace principles, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly!