Biker Rags

DAY RIDE TO THE NATURAL ARCH

Heading out to see The Natural Arch.
Heading out to see the Natural Arch.

 

On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, we took a Day Ride- our destination was the Natural Arch in Whitley City, Kentucky.

We kick off the day with this short video:

We left our home in North Knoxville around 10:30am. It was cool, about 45 degrees- so we wore our heavy leather jackets, thermal lined chaps, and our Gerbing heated gear.

We rode north on Clinton Highway to Clinton and took 61 to Oliver Springs.

There's Jeff.
A quick photo of Jeff on our way toward Wartburg.

We took 62 to Wartburg where we stopped to fill our tanks and get a snack. We stopped at the 27 Quik Stop in Wartburg where the folks are always friendly. Plus they have a nice table to sit at inside.

The 27 Pit Stop in Wartburg.
The 27 Quik Stop in Wartburg.

After eating our breakfast snack, we got back on 27 riding north through Huntsville and on through Oneida heading toward Kentucky.

Nice scenic views traveling down 27.
Nice scenic views traveling up 27.

We then rode into Kentucky, up through Pine Knot, and into Whitley City.

The Natural Arch is 5 miles north of Whitley City. We continued north until we got to 927 which took us right to The Natural Arch located in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Entrance to the Natural Arch.
Entrance to the Natural Arch.
We stopped and paid the $3 fee.
We stopped and paid the $3 fee.

We rode to the scenic overlook parking lot then walked toward the view.

Heading to the Scenic Overlook right off the parking area.
Heading to the Scenic Overlook a short distance from the parking area.
The Natural Arch is about a half mile in the distance.
The Natural Arch is about a half mile in the distance.
The view is spectacular.
The view is spectacular.

After some debate, we decided to hike down to the Natural Arch.

Heading toward the trail to the Natural Arch.
Heading toward the trail to the Natural Arch.
More scenic overlooks along the way.
More scenic overlooks along the way.
Another view of the Natural Arch.
Another view of the Natural Arch.
The trail is steep but nicely maintained.
The trail is steep but nicely maintained.
You could make a day of it and do the five mile loop. We opted for the shorter route.
You could make a day of it and do the five mile loop. We opted for the shorter route.
We made it!
We made it!
On the other side of the Arch.
On the other side of the Arch.
Steps on the backside of the Arch.
Steps on the backside of the Arch.

We were really glad we decided to do the hike. The Arch up close is striking and very dramatic. The hike is challenging, especially going back up, but the view is worth it. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. So be sure to take the hike!

After we caught our breath, we got back on the bikes and rode back to Whitley City for lunch.

The Burger Hut in Whitley City, KY.
The Burger Hut in Whitley City, KY.
The Burger Hut is nice and clean and the staff is excellent!
The Burger Hut is nice and clean and the staff is excellent!
The food is DELICIOUS! We highly recommend The Burger Hut in Whitley City, KY.
The food is DELICIOUS! We highly recommend The Burger Hut in Whitley City, KY.

After lunch, we rode south on 27, then took 92 east to Williamsburg.

Riding down 92.
Riding down 92.

In Williamsburg, we gassed up, then took 25W south to Jellico. We continued on 25W, a beautiful winding scenic road, all the way into LaFollette.

In LaFollette, TN.
In LaFollette, TN.

After stopping briefly in LaFollette, we took 25E to Lake City. In Lake City, we took 441 to Norris Dam where we stopped briefly for a few photos.

Late afternoon sun at Norris Dam.
Late afternoon sun at Norris Dam.
View of Norris Lake from the bridge.
View of Norris Lake from the bridge.
We are still wearing full leathers at the end of the day.
We are still wearing full leathers at the end of the day.

We then continued on Norris Freeway back into Knoxville and finally back home.

Jeff relaxing in the garage after our long day on the road.
Jeff relaxing in the garage after our long day on the road.

We got home at 6:30pm and our total ride was 225 miles.

Jeff wraps up the day in this video:

You can see our entire list of Day Rides HERE.

8 comments

  1. Awesome looking ride Pam and Jeff!! I think Ill have to put this in the to do bucket list ride category!! Thank You for taking the time and effort to share these great trips ya’ll take.Much Appreciated! Ed Spangler

    • Thank you Ed for reading and commenting! Yes- do this one. It’s a great ride and simply beautiful.
      Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
      Best regards, Jeff and Pam

  2. Hi Pam! We were in the Daniel Boone forest this summer, but didn’t know about the arch. I suppose its a rather good sized forest. I enjoyed your photos; what a wonderful way to spend a day!

    • Hi Peggy! Thank you for your great comment. I looked it up and “The Daniel Boone National Forest consists of nearly 708,000 acres within a 2.1-million acre boundary.” Wow! Lots to explore.
      We had a really fun day. Thank you again for your visit. Always a pleasure to hear from you. 🙂

  3. I had never heard of the Natural Arch. You’ve got a few pictures here that are suitable for framing, Pam. -Especially “Another View of the Natural Arch.” The color of the trees made a great shot. Thanks for sharing.

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