To reach the cache location, you must hike to the scenic
overlook inside Raven Run. The trails are well-marked and
maintained, and the distance from the Nature Center to the overlook
is one mile with some elevation change. Finding Raven Run is the
trickiest part for visitors. For more information, visit their
official site at http://www.lfucg.com/parks/raven.asp.
The Kentucky River Palisades crosses and can be seen from six
major highways: at Clay's Ferry near I-75, from Camp Nelson at
US-27, at the Brooklyn Bridge on US-68 and at Tyrone on US-62, The
BlueGrass highway prior to Lawrenceburg, and I-64 near Frankfort.
Another notable man-made feature is the railroad bridge at High
Bridge, which spans the Kentucky River and was the tallest bridge
east of the Mississippi at the time it was built.
A prominent attribute of the gorge is the sharp change in
elevation, rugged topography, and the vertical cliffs along the
river. Although the view from Raven Run is impressive, the
elevation change becomes much greater as you approach the High
Bridge area. The site selected for Camp Nelson was based upon its
naturally fortified and easily defended position.
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The primary reason for the formation of the gorge and the
surrounding palisades is due to the relative hardness of the High
Bridge limestone and dolomites formed during the Middle Ordovician
age, which are quite resistant to erosion as compared to the
surrounding rock. These are the oldest rocks brought to the surface
in Kentucky, residing on top of the Jessamine Dome. Its river
tributaries are quite steep and narrow, with large cliffs and
waterfalls as a result. several unique formations are located in
the palisades. Chimney Rock is a candlestick-looking rock formation
near Polly's Bend and shown below. Chimney Rock is listed at Marker
17 on the above map. Chimney Rock was a major landmark to those
navigating the river. Devil's Pulpit is found south of Logana and
displayed to the left. This 60-foot free-standing rock column was
first recorded by Daniel Boone in 1770. Devil's Pulpit is noted as
Marker 37 on the above map. Elk Lick Falls is a "petrified
waterfall" located 10 miles southeast of Lexington and a half mile
west of Richmond Road. |
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Once you see the palisades from other spots along the river, you
may notice that not all of this area is steep and rugged. This is
due to the fact that the Kentucky River crosses the Kentucky River
Fault System nine times. As a result, the steep palisades give way
to more gentle, sloping areas where fault displacement has taken
the rocks of the High Bridge group below the drainage level in
several spots. |
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Logging Requirements
In order to log this cache and keep the smiley, you must do two
things:
- First, you must have your photograph taken at the cache
location with the palisades and river in the background. The cache
zeroes out at a cliff overlooking the Kentucky River. Please be
aware and obey the park signs regarding safety. Keep your eyes on
small children, should they come with you on this hike. Post
your photograph with your log.
- Using your best judgment, estimate the vertical distance from
the cliff to the river below. Do not attempt to climb down to the
river bed. First, the park rules do not allow you to climb down,
and secondly, it would be best if you stayed safe and enjoyed your
time at Raven Run. I want your best guess, not an accurate
measurement, so I will be lenient on your answer. Email me with
your answer via my geocaching profile.
Each requirement (photo and estimate) must be completed
within 7 days of posting your Found log or else your log will be
removed.
This cache placed and maintained by a Geocky member.
LFUCG P & R approval RR05e