293-5 Accessibility and Survey of a Portion of the Sheltowee Trace trail in Red River Gorge Geological Area, Kentucky

Session: Deliver the Message: Harness Diverse Media and Divergent Methods to Describe and Depict Geoscience Information (Posters)

Presenting Author:

Authors:

Abstract:

Having sufficient infrastructure for persons with disabilities is a primary principle of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, the broad impact of accessibility goes beyond those with disabilities and extends to all aspects of society. Positive economic impacts of creating accessible areas can be driven by accessible tourism as groups will choose vacation and recreation sites based on accessibility. The demand for accessible tourism areas will likely increase as the number of retirees increases. This research was conducted by obtaining quantitative and observational data over the course of roughly a half a mile of the Sheltowee Trace trail in Red RIver Gorge, a protected geological area in Kentucky. By measuring a total of 30 sites and measuring the degree of slope, width, approximate erosion depth, and observations of potential hazards, the means of increasing accessibility can be researched. The quantitative data resulted in an average slope of about 2.3 degrees (Range 0 to 12.5), an average width of 58.4 inches (range 28 to 242, 7.7 inches of erosion by average (range 0 to 44), as well as an estimated 15-20% of the trail being affected by larger roots, terraced trail parts due to roots, treefall, and bedrock exposure.  No overhanging vegetation obstructed the trail. Additionally, the results of the research lead to some possible solutions; leveling the path and implementing erosion control in order to make an appropriate slope for use of off-road wheelchairs, adding benches and shelters along the trail for resting, creating accessible overlooks along the trail using existing width and view that already exist on the trail, and providing paving. A volume of approximately 100 cubic yards of native derived packed sand and aggregate would be needed to fill and buffer existing erosion. Two locations would be ideal for poured concrete and rigid shelters. Implementation of many of these solutions would require approximately $40,000 using extensive volunteer labor. Funding from either a private or federal group, as well as park interest and collaboration, would be required for implementation. This investigation builds on previous work and collectively demonstrates the need for limited infrastructure development for the Red River Gorge Area. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

© Copyright 2025 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.