Announcing a new Meetup for Dayton Area Backpackers & Hikers!

What: MLK Weekend: Backpacking Trip to Mammoth Cave ~ 21 Miles

When: Saturday, January 16, 2010 6:00 AM

Where: Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

Spend the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday weekend on a winter backpacking trip at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. The plan is to hike roughly 21 miles over the three days. The exact route, mileage and campsites will be determined later. The mileage may be shortened or the route changed based on prevailing weather conditions.

The itinerary is:

Day 1 - (Saturday, Jan 16) - Depart Dayton at 6am. The drive is ~3.5 hours. Obtain backcountry permit. Park at Good Springs Church in north side of Park. Hike 7 miles. Camp in a designated backcountry campsite.

Day 2 - (Sunday, Jan 17) - Hike 9 miles. Camp along the flood plain of the Green River.

Day 3 - (Monday, Jan 18) - Hike 5 miles. Return to vehicles at Good Springs Church and return home.

Mammoth Cave National Park contains more than 70 miles of backcountry trails through forested Kentucky hills for hikers. Twelve peaceful and scenic backcountry campsites offer opportunities to find solitude and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mammoth Cave National Park’s rugged hills and majestic woodlands. Hike here and you may not see another person. Seek solitude in the rugged hills and deep valleys, camp by river, lake or waterfall, explore bluffs and ridge tops.

Participants should be prepared for the weather conditions including rain, snow and cold temperatures. This is not a beginner backpacking trip because of the distance covered and winter weather. Campfires are permitted.

Event Rules: No dogs. Leave Fido at home. Leave No Trace. Pack It In - Pack It Out. This means pack out your trash. Don’t burn it. Organizer reserves the right to limit participation. RSVP yes only if you actually plan to attend this hike.

Any questions? Need help preparing for the hike? Contact the Trip Organizer – Andy N.

Live To Hike … Hike To Live

We don't stop hiking because we grow old, we grow old because we stop hiking.

Learn more here:
http://www.daytonhike...