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Ashley Stimpson

chesapeake-based backpacker and travel writer. sometimes paddler, wannabe birder. there's such a lot of world to see.

Lost the trail constantly but wow, what a place! It's hard to believe that whoever is in charge at Prettyboy hasn't blazed this trail yet. Wasn't too crowded on a Saturday afternoon. Enjoyed the fire roads on the otherside of Gunpowder as well. Everyone in the metro should see Hemlock Gorge!

Wow. They're not kidding when they say this place gets crowded. I think I hiked in behind an entire Sunday School class. But, you gotta do it. It's gorgeous!

A nice, photogenic place to stop after hiking Harpers Ferry.

Don't let the short distance fool you--this hike is legit hard! It's more of a climb/scramble than a hike. It was New Years Day when I visited and the summit was enveloped in fog. Even without the view, it was an awesome experience I was not expecting.

Drove all the way from Cincy for this one. Fell in love multiple times on this trail. There are enormous outcroppings to rest on, eat a granola bar, and wonder how Kentucky can be this beautiful.

This is a great little hike! And during the right time of year (or after a good rain) the falls can be quite impressive. I've been there in July though when it was barely a trickle. You're never far from the resort on this hike, and if I remember correctly you have to cross over a service road. But, for a one-water-bottle hike, it's totally worth it.