Date |
Outing |
Leader |
Location |
Difficulty |
April
(Sundays)
Ongoing
April-October |
Bicycling, Wildflowers & Wine Tasting
|
Mia Schmitt
859-261-5314 |
Little Miami Trail
Loveland, Ohio |
Moderate |
| Join Mia Schmitt several Sunday afternoons of each month, April through October, for a leisurely (10 mph), 22 mile total, road bike ride on the flat, paved, and scenic (!), rail-to-trail Little Miami Trail. We’ll meet in Loveland, Ohio (20 miles east of Cincinnati); follow the bike trail as it meanders beside the lovely Little Miami River, enjoying the wildflower display of each season; ride to Valley Vineyards for wine tasting; then back to Loveland. 11 miles each way; weather permitting. You can even rent a bike and helmet in Loveland, from Loveland Bike & Skate Rental, 513-683-0468. Call early. There is a 10 rider limit each ride.
E-mail or phone Mia for details no later than Thursday evening of each week before a Sunday you’re interested in riding. Check-out the Sierra Club “Cumberland” newsletter’s monthly Northern KY Group News, or our Northern KY Group website for more information. Happy (Bike) Trails!!!!
Rating: Moderate – This is a moderate, (riding experience and fitness required); adult-only outing. A bike helmet and water bottle(s) are required for each rider in order to participate. Riders must be able to make their own repairs, if necessary, to their bikes. |
April 4-6
(Fri-Sun) |
Car-camp/dayhike |
Martha & Darren Payne:
(859) 498-5894 |
Frozen Head State Park
Wartburg, TN |
Easy to Moderate |
| Get away from it all for a mini spring break at a jewel of a state park tucked away in the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. We have reserved a spacious, yet private, group campsite at the park. There are numerous trails of varying length and difficulty to explore which were largely constructed by the CCC in the 1930’s.
Everyone is free to enjoy the park at his or her own pace. You may want to strike out on your own or join others in our group as we explore the park’s many trails. At any rate, this park is noted for its fabulous display of wildflowers. Bird watchers will also be delighted at the abundance of species to be found.
Friday night offers an evening of musical entertainment at the Rocky Fork Jamboree adjacent to the park where the “house band” entertains the locals every Friday night of the year with spirited bluegrass music. We look forward to unwinding and enjoying springtime in the Cumberlands.
Join us!! Your leaders will arrive a day early (Thursday, April 3). Participants have the option of arriving a day early as well.
Rating: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners. |
April 5
(Saturday) |
Dayhike |
Jerry Redden:
(606) 768-2400 |
Red River Gorge
Slade, KY |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| Red Byrd Arch is seldom visited in that it isn’t on a beaten path and is moderately hard to find. After lunch at the arch (if the river is crossable), we will go back down the Douglas Trail. If not, we will find some other interesting way back. There will be at least one take-off-your-shoes type stream crossing and some off-trail hiking.
Rating: Moderate to strenuous, 6 miles, suitable for beginners if in good shape. |
April 5
(Saturday) |
Dayhike/Photography |
Chris Comte:
(859) 586-9043Donna Becher
(859) 291-8405 |
Devou Park, Covington, KY to
Eden Park, Cincinnati, OH |
Moderate |
| Join us for a revival of our popular Urban Historical Hike! As in previous years, we plan to begin at the Devou Park overlook with fantastic views of the Cincinnati skyline and our destination on the other side of the river.
We will walk through Covington’s historic Main Strasse district with its newly-refurbished carillon and the Goose Girl fountain, then visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Mother of God Church, and the historic homes along Riverside Drive. We’ll visit the Peace Bell, stop in Newport on the Levee’s Pendleton Art Gallery, and cross the mighty Ohio River via the Purple People Bridge.
In Ohio, we’ll tour Mt. Adams, then move to Eden Park and another fabulous view of the Ohio River and the Kentucky skyline! Pending stairs access, building access, etc. itinerary may vary slightly!
$$$ Bring lunch money— We’ll be stopping along the way!
Rating: Moderate; suitable for beginners. The trip is approximately 10 miles. It’s relatively easy, but there is a steep stair climb to get up the hill to Mt. Adams. We’ll go slowly! |
| The Bluegrass Group’s beginning backpacking class will take their “graduation trip” this weekend. Anyone interested in a beginner’s level backpack is welcome to join us, subject to available space in addition to students. (If you are interested in the class as well, please see listing under March 25th). Our hike will be about 2 miles to a scenic area of the Daniel Boone Forest. This will leave plenty of time to set up camp and relax or do additional dayhiking.
Rating: Easy, suitable for beginners. |
April 5-6
(Sat-Sun) |
Rock Climbing: Learn to Climb |
Ron Dierolf:
(270) 442-9214An assistant leader is needed for this trip |
Drapers Bluff & Cedar Bluff, Ferne Clyffe State Park, IL
|
Moderate |
| Enjoy the vertical environment. Learn about climbing gear and how to use it, and climb on some of the best rock in the Midwest.
This program will be conducted at Drapers Bluff and Cedar Bluff in Ferne Clyffe State Park in Illinois. The trip leader is an American Mountain Guide Association Certified Top Rope Site Manager.
This is a beginner-friendly environment with many beginner and intermediate routes. All participants will be required to sign a standard Sierra Club waiver. Bring your own gear (subject to approval by the trip leader). Some harnesses, helmets, and shoes will be available but sizes will be limited. Primitive camping is available on site and developed camping is available at nearby Ferne Clyffe State Park. In case of bad weather an alternate date will be established prior to the trip. Pets are not allowed on climbing trips.
Prerequisites: All participants must be Sierra Club members and must have had some previous basic instruction in rock climbing techniques. The required instruction can be provided by the trip leader prior to the trip. Contact the trip leader at least one week prior to the trip to obtain approval to participate. All participants must complete and submit a medical approval form at least two weeks prior to the trip. Contact the trip leader or the Chapter Outings Chair for the form.
Rating: Moderate; suitable for beginners ages 12 and up (the leader is 58 and afraid of heights) minimum age–12; maximum age–none |
April 6
(Sunday) |
Wildflower day hike |
Dave Cooper:
(859) 299-5669
|
Jessamine Creek Gorge
Jessamine Co., Kentucky |
Easy |
| Jessamine Creek Gorge, at the Kentucky River, is one of the prettiest places to see spring wildflowers that I have ever seen. We will do a slow-paced walk, stopping to locate and identify spring ephemeral wildflowers such as bloodroot, larkspur and Virginia bluebells. We will have lunch at a small scenic waterfall. This is a beautiful way to spend a spring Sunday.
Rating: Easy, suitable for beginners |
April 6
(Sunday) |
Day hike |
Lewis Brown:
812-364-4453
|
Jackson Washington State Forest
south of Brownstown, IN |
Strenuous |
| Hike the Starve Hollow Loop that is east of the lake. Our route passes two outstanding vistas that have visibility for several miles.
Rating: Strenuous, 6 miles, many steep inclines; suitable for beginners in good shape |
April 12
(Saturday) |
Nature Walk/Experiential:
“Take a Walk on the Spiritual Side” |
Holly Shipley:
859-381-9818
Donna DePenning:
859-268-2968 |
Cedar Hill Retreat Center
Carlisle, Kentucky |
Easy |
| Do you feel more spiritual when you are outdoors? Want to explore the connections between your love for the outdoors and your spirituality? This walk will include some nature trails at the Cedar Hill Retreat Center in Carlisle, KY (www.cedarhillretreats.org) and the prayer labyrinth there. No particular religion will be emphasized. This is for individuals to experience within their own spirituality or curiosity. The group will meet on Saturday morning and conclude with lunch together in Paris, KY.
Rating: Easy, suitable for beginners |
April 12
(Saturday) |
Dayhike: Highland Cemetery Nature Preserve |
Ron Colwell
859-261-5314 |
Dixie Highway,
Ft. Mitchell, KY |
Easy |
| Join us for a great hike to see the wonders of the spring wildflowers. These beauties are a fleeting show, and we have to get out and see them while they are here. This is a fun hike with waterfalls, streams, and a bit of area history included. Stick with us afterwards and we’ll have lunch at a fun, local eatery. Our destination is easily accessed off Interstate 75 at the Ft. Mitchell exit.
Rating: Easy, suitable for beginners. There could be wet weather and it may be a little muddy this time of year, so rain gear, good hiking footwear, and walking sticks are recommended. |
| Eat and walk at our monthly social gathering. Join us for a meal at one of Louisville Originals (locally owned restaurants) followed by a short walk. Check the Greater Louisville Sierra Club website for details.
Rating: Easy, suitable for beginners. |
April 19
(Saturday) |
Dayhike |
Jerry Redden:
(606) 768-2400 |
Red River Gorge
Slade, KY |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| The scramble up Indian Staircase is often a rewarding and long remembered experience. But, it is not for everyone! If you have a strong tendency to panic in high places, this outing may not be for you. On the other hand, if you consider yourself borderline afraid of heights, this would be a good hike to face your fears. This ancient path is thought to have been created by the Adena Indians over 1000 years ago.
Rating: Moderate to strenuous, 6 miles, suitable for beginners in good shape. |
| Attend this exciting training to learn about leading trips in the backcountry. This a daylong event so sign up early!
Prerequisites: This training requires that participants have completed OLT101. Please contact the leader if you would like information about completing OLT101 prior to the training.
Rating: Easy, suitable for beginners |
April 20
(Sunday) |
Dayhike |
Barbara Hedspeth
(502) 896-0242 |
Charlestown State Park, IN |
Easy |
| We will hike among a dazzling display of wildflowers in beautiful southern Indiana. This 2.2 mile forested loop will take us past moss-covered limestone outcroppings, and along Fourteen Mile Creek. There are also several sinkholes along the trail as well as some old bridge formations. This is an interesting, beautiful hike with a few rough spots, but otherwise an easy trek.
Rating: Easy to moderate; suitable for beginners who are in good shape |
| Join us for an environmental-themed movie and a potluck dinner. Host will supply the main course.
Rating: Easy, suitable for beginners. |
April 25-27
(Fri-Sun) |
Kayak/Canoe Camping |
Larry Ridenour:
859-299-9470 Co_leader:TBA
|
Mundfordville to Houchins Ferry at Mammoth Cave National Park, KY |
Easy-Moderate |
| This will be a 2-day float trip running through the Mammoth Cave National Park. The scenery is made up of beautiful forest and rock formation lining the river. This is “cave county” and 2 caves are located along the river’s edge. Primitive camping both Friday and Saturday nights
Rating: Easy-Moderate, suitable for beginners. Class 1 and II waters, total distance 18.5 miles |
April 26
(Saturday) |
Day Hike:
Lilly Cornett Woods |
Patty Draus:
859-299-5669 |
Cherokee Park
Letcher County, KY |
Moderate |
| Lilly Cornett Woods is one of the largest protected tracts of old growth forests in Eastern Kentucky. It is a Registered National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Dept of Interior. We’ll do a 4 hour guided hike.
Rating: Moderate, suitable for fit beginners; (no dogs, sorry) |
April 26
(Saturday) |
Tyke Hike:
Otter Creek Park |
Panaena & Alex Bina:
(812) 923-6974 |
Brandenburg, KY |
Easy |
| Introduce your kids to nature through a short hike, picnic lunch and outdoor exploration. Enjoy the hike while your little one rides in a front or back carrier or treks along with us. We plan on stopping at the nature center to learn about local plant and animal life. Please bring water, snacks, lunch and appropriate footwear for you and your child(ren).
Rating: Easy, suitable for kids and the young at heart.
|
More Outings...
Top
| Chapter Home
|Sierra Home
| Become a Sierra Club member.
Privacy
Policy
| Copyright
|About us
| Contact us
