I took the day off of work to drive down to the Daniel Boone National Forest to volunteer with Bluegrass Trout Unlimited and stock trout from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. We shared stories and laughs waiting for the stock truck to arrive and I am grateful to have met such good people. Once the fish were netted and put into bags, we carried 500 trout in backpacks to release into Swift Camp Creek as freezing rain and high winds whipped through the area.
The group left for lunch at Miquel’s Pizza but I stayed to look for an arch that I had just learned was in the area. I’ve been fishing this creek for a few years but had no idea Castle Arch was just up the hillside across the creek. When I say up, I really mean UP. It’s been said this is the hardest .4 mile uphill hike in Clifty Wilderness and I tend to agree. With screenshot notes from Kentucky Hiker Project saved to my camera roll, I set off to find this hidden gem.
Crossing the stream wasn’t too hard in my waterproof boots and I found the first landmark which is a camp just across the water. Straight up the hill and through the rhododendron until I hit the rock face which I then skirted until finding the spot where some climbing is required. I wasn’t absolutely sure this was the correct point of ascent but after a few minutes of gut checking, I pressed on and was rewarded with a view of a truly impressive rock arch. The wind was incredible as it rushed through the arch so I crossed over to the other side of the ridge and continued up to the top where there is a small camp and an expansive view of the valley.
The weather continued to worsen so I didn’t stay long and made my way back to the truck thinking how lucky I am to have my health and the ability to still scramble through this rugged countryside. Once back to the truck I drove to a roadside pullout that has a waterfall and boiled up some lunch and coffee as the sleet and wind howled around me. Spring is surely coming soon and I can’t wait for the next adventure. If you have the desire and the ability to volunteer, please do. Public lands need the help and the organizations dedicated to protecting them can’t do it without our support.