This is a great local race with exactly zero frills, hand timing, and about as laid back an atmosphere as you’ll ever find. Coming off a new distance PR last week at Hawthorn Half Day Relay and Ultra, I added this race to round out my recovery week, and it was just what the doctor ordered.
Read MoreLast year’s Big Turtle 50K was my trashiest run of 2018. I was undertrained and paid the full price. This year was redemption time! Oh, and wildflower season was in full effect too!
Read MoreThis is a nice walk in the woods that will take you out toward the Mountain Parkway that you’ll be able to hear, but not see. We followed this trail out to the end and did a little bushwhacking to reach some bearing trees before heading back. There is a side trail 1/2 mile into the hike that is worth exploring, and I’ve made plans to return using a different route in the winter to explore the large rock shelter that lies below.
Read MorePioneer is a camping area complete with bear-proof trash bins and pit toilet. This hike is short and sweet, heading back to a pair of decent sized camping areas, some limited views into the Gorge, and a water source to the south.
Read MoreOf the many unmarked trails off Tunnel Ridge Road, this is among the best, providing an excellent view above Nada Tunnel Road. With views to the west and a short hike in and out, this is a great place to take in sunset.
Read MoreThe wife and I rented Amy’s A-frame on Airbnb to celebrate our anniversary. She’s always wanted to stay in an a-frame, and Red River Gorge is our happy place, so here it was. We really enjoyed the stay and our host and property manager, Wendy, was awesome! As a bonus, renting the cabin came with access to Torrent Falls.
Read MoreAccording to legend, Pilot Knob is where Daniel Boone took in his first views of Central Kentucky’s rolling hills. Whether or not this is true doesn’t matter much today, but you can still expect a beautiful view without breaking into too much of a sweat.
Read MoreEasily one of the best hikes at Red River Gorge, this loop will give you an easy sunrise hike with an equal dose of ups and downs on Rough Trail as you make your way to Gray's Arch. You’ll get one of the best sunrise views in Kentucky while showing off one of the most impressive arches too. If you have a modicum of nighttime hiking experience, this hike will give you all the love.
Read MoreThis was the third year in a row that I ran Yamacraw, and I continue to be impressed with race management. We brought back the same crew as last year, and rented a pair of cabins nearby to host the weekend's festivities. It was a wonderful time as usual, and if I'm able to register in time, I'll lace up for the 50K in 2020.
Read MoreIt was a rainy, muddy run at Land Between the Lakes this year, but it wound up being a great start to my running season and a new personal best in the trail marathon. Oh, and I took a nice, hard, twisting fall:-)
Read MoreI never thought a DNF could be so fun! In the inaugural running of Breaks 40, there were more DNFs than finishers with one aid station claiming a third of the field.
Read MoreAn easy hike on unmarked trail to one of the largest arches in Red River Gorge - Star Gap Arch. Along the ridgeline, there are some nice views that are best directly above the arch.
Read MoreAmong the best hikes in the Commonwealth, enjoy Cumberland Falls, Dog Slaughter Falls, and Eagle Falls on a single day hike. Along the way, take in sweeping vistas from Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower.
Read MoreThe Topo Summer Trail Series kicked off this year at Big Bone Lick, my home trail system where I do most of my training.
Read MoreIn November, the Rough Trail 50K and 25K trail races will bring hundreds of runners to Red River Gorge. We scouted the 25K course and thoroughly enjoyed the hike that included Hidden and Gray’s Arch along with some great views of the gorge.
Read MoreLocated in Morehead, Big Turtle 50 travels the most northern sections of Kentucky’s longest trail - the Sheltowee Trace. It’s a well managed, solid spring race and is well suited to runners moving from road to trails or looking for a first ultramarthon finish.
Read MoreYamacraw is the #1 ultramarathon in Kentucky, and for my money, the most beautiful course in the Commonwealth.
Read MoreThis is among my favorite Spring hikes on a trail with plenty of water crossings, stunning rock shelters, and a pair of impressive waterfalls - Lick Creek and Princess Falls.
Read MoreSpring is for waterfalls in Big South Fork. This hike includes a pair of them - Dick Gap and Big Spring Falls - and a sweeping view of the river and mining community below from Catawba Overlook.
Read MoreThis is among the best hikes in Big South Fork that will take you to see Kentucky's tallest waterfall, a pair of gorgeous arches, and finish up with a quiet walk along the river.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
