Princess Arch at Red River Gorge EarthCache
Princess Arch at Red River Gorge
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Difficulty:
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The number, size, and variety of natural stone arches in the Red
River Gorge contribute to its uniqueness. The Red River Gorge
Geological Area has over 100 natural arches,the greatest
concentration of arches east of the Rocky Mountains. Although not
the largest, Princess Arch is well worth the short hike to see its
beauty!
From the Chimney Rock Trailhead follow Trail #233 Princess Arch
Trail to Princess Arch. You will be on top of Princess arch in 0.3
miles. There are some easy unmarked trails before you get to the
arch that will take you underneath. Be sure to look at the arch
from both sides!
The defining geologic strata of the Red River Gorge were formed
when sediment, sand and pebbles eroding from the ancient
Appalachian Mountains were carried by a great river and deposited
as a delta at the edge of a shallow inland sea. In time, the
mountains were worn down, the sediments turned to rock and the
inland sea receded. Gradually, streams began cutting down through
the relatively flat layers of sedimentary rock. Because sandstone
is a harder rock, it resisted erosion better than the shale and
siltstone layers above and below. Both wind and water have sculpted
the striking sandstone cliffs and intriguing geologic features that
we see today in the Red River Gorge.
To receive credit for this EC, please email answers to the
following questions & post a photo of the arch with your gps
unit:
1. Which is hardest? Sandstone, shale, or siltstone?
2. What type of rock is Princess Arch composed of?
3. What primary weathering force formed this beautiful arch?
*Information included in this EC was obtained from the USDA Forest
Service website (www.fs.fed.us), and permission for this EC was
obtained from DBNF, Cumberland Ranger District.
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