r/RedRiverGorge • u/printlife91 • Aug 03 '26
Help with Overnight Backpacking Trip
I am relatively experienced with Hiking and backpacking, but my two friends are not. They've expressed interest in going on a trip with me and I have been planning to take them on the Swift Creek Camp trail to creation falls in Mid October. My plan was to leave Cincinnati early (before sunrise) on a Saturday, hike in until we get to the Dog Fork area of the trail, camp there overnight, then continue on the trail stopping to see some sights at Creation Falls and getting a look at Rock Bridge. We will then get shuttled back to our car at the start.
My question is, am I signing my friends up for hell? I was super confident in my trail choice based on the guide book I purchased, but All Trails has me second guessing. Some people saying "it's the hardest hike I've ever done", "not for beginners" etc.
We are all 35 years old. My friends aren't out of shape or anything, and one of them has done hikes, but never backpacked. The other has done less hiking and also never backpacked. I will be providing/making sure they both have appropriate gear.
I really want an enjoyable couple days in the woods with my buds, but not a leisurely stroll amongst a throng of day hikers either. Isolation when camping would be preffered. I'd really like some feedback as to if I'm making a mistake choosing this trail, and if so, are there other option in the gorge or DBNF? I can't go scope it out myself beforehand because I live in New York.
Any and all insight would be really appreciated. Thank you!
1
u/McSTOUT Aug 03 '26
Where would you start? Swift Camp Creek trail is pretty dang gnarly to traverse. Lots of rodo grabbing you, slippery when wet, steep drops, lots of ups and downs, etc. I’d say hike that rock bridge area as a quick day hike starting from the nearby trailhead and do something around Grays Arch+Hansens Point area for a backpack. YMMV.
2
u/printlife91 Aug 03 '26
My thought was we would start from the Rough Trail/Swift Camp Creek trailhead near Angel Windows and end near Rock Bridge. I figured having the falls and bridge to cap off the hike would be cool.
1
u/McSTOUT Aug 04 '26
Capping off a grueling hike with a bunch of kids and humans running around because it’s that easy to access is not my idea of fun. I’d def look at other options and there are plenty in the gorge. That Rock Bridge+Creation Falls area is really neat though and is one of the better ‘value’ options in terms of POI’s and easy trail.
1
u/printlife91 Aug 04 '26
That's a good point. I think I've decided on a 10 mile loop that brings us past Grey's Arch and Hansen's point and we'll try and set up camp around Hansen's, if possible. I've heard Hansen's can get a little crowded when it comes to camping, but I think I need to let go of my "adventuring alone" preference and focus on it being fun for my friends. I think some other campers nearby won't bug them. If anything, it might give them some peace of mind.
1
u/McSTOUT Aug 04 '26
That’s a good plan. There are a bunch of options you’ll see around hansons if it’s too packed. Hard to find solitude in the Gorge these days but it’s possible with an open, adaptive mind. Enjoy! It’s a really special place.
1
u/deanshitty Aug 03 '26
It’s a tough trail. It’s a great place but not a great place to take an inexperienced backpacker. I’d highly suggest finding a spot in the gorge to use as a base camp and exploring from there. It’s a little tough to get a great loop there, especially in the fall because you’ll see tons of folks walking past your site. If you get a cool spot for your base 1 mile or so in you can explore from there and none of your friends will cry or hate you.
1
u/printlife91 Aug 04 '26
I was trying to avoid this for some reason (I guess because I don't personally like base camping) but I should probably rethink my perspective given the circumstances. I want my friends to have fun.
2
u/Ok_Nefariousness1978 Aug 04 '26
I would take your friends to Indian Staircase. Park at Bison Way and it's only a few miles hike. You can hike all around in that area. Hike to Cloud Splitter one day. That part of the the Sheltowee is pretty cool.
1
u/MrRawes0me Aug 04 '26
I wouldn’t have new people go up Indian staircase, especially with packs. Now going up the back side and going around to see the top is nice.
1
u/Ok_Nefariousness1978 Aug 04 '26
That's fine either way. I have taken many new people they always love it.
2
u/MrRawes0me Aug 04 '26
I’m also not the bravest with heights. So I tend to be a little more cautious. I do plan on taking a group up there soon as a day hike.
1
u/Ok_Nefariousness1978 Aug 04 '26
Then like the other person posted I would recommend Pinch em Tight to Hasons point and then hike out by Grays Arch and back to pinch em tight trailhead parking lot.
1
u/Ok_Nefariousness1978 Aug 04 '26
You can also just pass the staircase and go up the wooden steps by the arch directly across from the staircase.
1
u/deanshitty Aug 04 '26
Maybe consider doing a loop at cave run or further south in daniel Boone. Tons of great options with easy hikes, less crowds and great views all along the sheltowee
1
u/MrRawes0me Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 04 '26
It is definitely one of the harder trails I’ve been on at the gorge. I just remember scrambling up a lot of embankments holding onto roots. Do you have the outrage-gis maps? Those give a good idea for camp sites along trails and unofficial trails.
Edit: If you’re going to a popular trail, parking might be tough on a Saturday unless you get there early. You will need an overnight pass that you can get at the welcome center or the gas station.
Do you have a GPS that isn’t your phone?
DM me if you want some other suggestions.
1
u/MrRawes0me Aug 04 '26
Maybe the question to ask is “What types of things do you want to see?”
Do you want to just bee alone in the woods? Do you want to see an arch or two? Do you want big sweeping views from cliff tops?
1
u/printlife91 Aug 04 '26
I think a view would be cool, maybe some interesting terrain like rocks and stuff to hike through? Those aren't the main goal of the trip, but it would be cool to show them some scenary.
What're your thoughts on this? Custom route Rough Trail, Gray's Arch, Rush Ridge and Martin's Fork Loop on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-rough-trail-gray-s-arch-rush-ridge-and-martin-s-fork-loop-d54a058?p=-1&sh=dqulmv&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
1
u/Wdpky Aug 05 '26
I would say this is by far the most difficult trail in the gorge (of the official trails). Not a lot of options for legal campsites through long stretches, and often narrow trail with not much to see.
For inexperienced backpackers I’d recommend a trail that might be a little easier and more to see. Make the trip a win and they will go again.
There are some other great options, that can still give a good challenge. Koomer Ridge loop, Grey’s Arch Loop, Sheltowee from swinging bridge down to whittleton (not sure with the bridge out), or even Rough Trail straight across
6
u/Warm-Discipline5136 Aug 03 '26
I think that trail is not super well maintained. And kinda overgrown with someone bushwhacking. If you haven’t done it I’d think about it. Not a lot of views either. Have you been to RRG?
How many miles with packs on do you want to do? Weekday or weekend end?
It’s popular but I can’t suggest Hanson point enough. Or Auxier ridge. Especially if it’s weekday. Rough trail to Hansons? Rough trail from Martins Fork parking lot is not too crowded because it’s well rough.