"January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow." - Sara Coleridge
After a relatively warm winter, even for "the South", here in Kentucky, we received our first snowfall three weeks ago. Along with most of the nation we got snowed in with the Blizzard of 2016. Over 10 inches of snow fell, closing most areas nearby me for 2-3 days.
Then, as soon as it came, it was gone. In the course of one week, we had three snow days and 60 degree weather. Well, my winter in Florida last year has made me appreciate the finer things in life- like not freezing for 5 months straight! By end of the week, I was so happy to have the opportunity to enjoy warmer temperatures again.
To take full advantage of the weather, I went outside to enjoy some hiking with a friend at Red River Gorge National Geologic Area. Famous for its views and rock climbing, it also has superb hiking.
This trip was my second visit to the area. The plan was to hike to the Double Arch Trail, but although the snow had all melted at home, there was still plenty of it in the Gorge, resulting in the trailhead access roads being closed.
Luckily, Natural Bridge State Park was open for business only two miles down the road. (Pick up a map at the lodge) We hiked the Original Trail up to the Natural Bridge. The total loop was only about 1.5 miles, but took over 3 hours because the trail was mostly packed snow and ice. (I was wishing I had brought my YakTrax)
Benefits of less than ideal conditions: the Bridge and the lookout point to ourselves! We made the most of the view by testing out my selfie stick and having some hot chocolate.
Afterwards we checked out the overlook at Lover's Leap and began our descent via Balanced Rock trail. The other descent options were Needle's Eye or Devil's Gulch, both incredibly steep.
(Use caution if you choose to hike either route!)
