Sheltowee Trace

[Ewker]

I was surprised to find this trail hasn't really been mentioned on here.

Has anyone hiked it?

The Sheltowee Trace is 260-mile back country trail through Daniel Boone National Forest, Big South Fork NRRA, and Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, & Pickett State Parks in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Here is a good website for info on it.

http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/

[Pennsylvania Rose]

I've hiked about 1/3 of it in bits and pieces in BSFNRRA, RRG, and points in between. We only live about 20 min from parts of the central section, so my kids and I tend to dayhike the same areas. I'd love to talk to someone who has thruhiked, or hiked long stretches at a time. It's something my two oldest and I have talked about doing.

Since we live within 90 minutes of 75% of the Sheltowee, I'd be glad to help out anyone who plans an extended hike.

[John B]

I've hiked quite a few sections of the Sheltowee but I've never met anyone who has done a thru. The main reason is that I've heard that there are large sections of the trail that go through private property and that the owners aren't terribly happy about hikers being on what they consider to be their private property (trail markings erased, brush pulled over the trail, etc). Also, other sections consist of road walking, particularly when you're out of the 'formal' D. Boone National Forest (the northern half).

I've heard talk about trying to link the Sheltowee to the newly developed Cumberland and Pine Mt. trails, and then to the AT, but so far as I know, it's just wishful talking.

[headchange4u]

There have been a few people thru hike the Trace. I think it can be done in about 18 days and would be good training for a larger trail. I have hiked many sections of it throughout the state and a little in BSF.

The reason there are not a lot of thru hikers is because large sections of the trails are on paved roads and are very dangerous to hikers. The actual trail sections of the Trace are beautiful. I like the section in the Red River Gorge and between Cumberland Falls and Holly Bay Marina campground.

I was in my local library not to long ago and I found a very low-tech (written on a type writer and the book was in a spiral bound book) trail journal from a Proffesor at Berea College who thru hiked the trail and wrote about it.

[Pennsylvania Rose]

I was in my local library not to long ago and I found a very low-tech (written on a type writer and the book was in a spiral bound book) trail journal from a Proffesor at Berea College who thru hiked the trail and wrote about it.

Which library did you get it from - Madison Co, EKU, or Berea College? Who was the professor?

I know what you mean about the road walks. They've moved it off some sections of roads in the past 15 years, but there are some narrow, winding roads that I'd rather not drive, much less walk along. Some parts of the trail itself are bad, too. We almost got run over by dirt bikes a few weeks ago near S-Tree; and the area near Livingston looked like a moonscape the last time I was there (years ago). I hear it's even worse now. Still, it would be neat to take a long hike and still be so close to home.

[Ewker]

glad to see this thread getting some hits. I was wondering if anyone would post.
What did you folks think about the website. I keep finding new info on it the more I look.

[headchange4u]

It's called On The Trace: A Walk Across Eastern Kentucky By Ray Lafollette, copyright 1988. I think he is the guy who runs the forums at http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/. I don't remember where I heard the proff at Berea College thing.

It came from the Lexington Library, Eagle Creek Branch. I still have it and I have just started to read it. I can let you know when I'm done.

[headchange4u]

Ewker,

The website is one of the slickest I've seen. I love that interactive map. You can also get GPS waypoints and maps of the trail in the forums and the photo gallery has some amazing pics.

[Ewker]

I want to hike some of it in the early spring or fall. No summer time hiking in Ky. To many ticks..yikes

[halftime]

Great site and pictures thanks for posting.

[humunuku]

It's called On The Trace: A Walk Across Eastern Kentucky By Ray Lafollette, copyright 1988. I think he is the guy who runs the forums at http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/. I don't remember where I heard the proff at Berea College thing.

It came from the Lexington Library, Eagle Creek Branch. I still have it and I have just started to read it. I can let you know when I'm done.

thanks for posting the site, It has a great map of BSF that shows some trails that Trails illustrated cut off...just what i needed

[Pennsylvania Rose]

It's called On The Trace: A Walk Across Eastern Kentucky By Ray Lafollette, copyright 1988. I think he is the guy who runs the forums at http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/. I don't remember where I heard the proff at Berea College thing.

It came from the Lexington Library, Eagle Creek Branch. I still have it and I have just started to read it. I can let you know when I'm done.


I pass that branch of Lex library every day on the way to work. Lemme know when you're done so I can check it out.

I fooled around with the website a few months ago. Seems like I linked to a FS website that gave some good info, too. I'll have to check the link when I get home.

There's a guidebook out that's pretty good. I don't have it in front of me (that work thing again :( ), but it has day and section hikes, and thru-hiking info, too.

Is there any "Sheltowee Trace Trail Club" or any such thing?

[Ewker]

I did a quick search and the book about day and overnight hikes is by Johnny Molloy.
http://www.amazon.com/Day-Overnight-Hikes-Kentuckys-Sheltowee/dp/0897325680/sr=1-1/qid=1165349999/ref=sr_1_1/104-5459116-3848707?ie=UTF8&s=books

[headchange4u]

I was looking through Sheltowee Wander's trail journal at the website. In his pictures there was a Hennessy Hammock. I think he hiked it with a HH:eek:

[headchange4u]

One of my favorite loops in the Red River Gorge is partly on the Sheltowee Trace.

[Pennsylvania Rose]

Here's the Forest Service site, if anyone is interested:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/recreation/sheltowee.shtml

[Ewker]

Just an FYI. There will be a map of the Sheltowee Trace coming out this Aug. It will be into two sections. The Southern section will be out first with the Northern section coming out shortly. They will be on sale at a festival in Lexington, Ky in Aug or on the outragegis.com website. If it is anything like the other outragegis maps I have it will be a good one :banana

[Cookerhiker]

Just an FYI. There will be a map of the Sheltowee Trace coming out this Aug. It will be into two sections. The Southern section will be out first with the Northern section coming out shortly. They will be on sale at a festival in Lexington, Ky in Aug or on the outragegis.com website. If it is anything like the other outragegis maps I have it will be a good one :banana
Thanks. Now that I live closer to the Sheltowee, I hope to hike most or all of it.

[Lyle]

I've hiked all of it from TN to about 50 or 60 miles north of Cumberland Falls. Parts of it several times over the years. Nice Trail, nice area. Still haven't been privileged to see a Moonbow unfortunately.

[traildust]

Friends and Fellowhikers of The Trace;

I have been in contact with state and federal officials with a voice in The Trace's future. They have a sincere interest in getting together for a dialog on The Future of The Trace. So what I need from those of you who are interested in having a seat at the table is a committment to attend a conference in Winchester at Daniel Boone NFS headquarters sometime in early September, after Labor Day. The target at this point is September 12th. It starts at 10:00 to give folks time to drive in from the southern areas of The Trace.

One of the first issues is moving The Trace off the roads a little each year when possible and how we can work more closely with land owners where the trail crosses their property. I know that everyone can't make it there, but we need to have at least 15 interested individuals to show the Park Service and Forest Service folks we are serious.

During this time, we will also work on a formal Sheltowee Trace Conference or Association and have bylaws and election of officials etc.

Check with the Sheltoweetrace.com site for more details. To register you attendance all you have to do is respond here with your name, phone number or email address. The meeting will run from 10:00 until 2:00 with lunch provided.

So please consider attending and make your intentions know here as soon as possible.

Thanks for your interest in The Future of The Trace.

traildust

p.s. - We are also looking for volunteer to lead trail maintainer teams in the future. Check that post on Sheltoweetrace.com for details.

[Bati]

It's been quite a while since I thru-hiked the Sheltowee Trace, but you might find some of the information useful. Please note that my biggest maintenance complaint was about the blowdowns in section 7 and these should have been cleared long ago.
It's a beautiful trail, but doesn't see much traffic because it has very few shelters, and getting to the endpoints can be difficult (you need to drive).
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_trail/ky/sheltowe.htm

[kythruhiker]

Search Amazon for "Kentucky's Sheltowee Trace" by Johnny Molloy. Good guide book for the area, with the trail broken into day loops, overnight and longer backpacking trips, and a thru-hiking section. The Trace is in dire need of continued love and maintenance in most regions.

[J5man]

Thanks. Now that I live closer to the Sheltowee, I hope to hike most or all of it.

Cookerhiker, when in the heck did you move to KY?!!! I lived in Louisville before I moved to Roanoke. My first overnight hike was on the Sheltowee, started across from Natural Bridge State Park, hiked 10 miles, camped out and backtracked the next day. Parked my car at that Pizza place/Outfitter place a half mile down the road. On a side note, on my 40th birthday ( a few years ago!), the night before I stayed at the lodge at the state park, and the next morning (my bday), I got up before dawn, hiked in the dark to the top of Natural Bridge and watched the sun come up. I packed my backpack with bourbon, a cigar, my journal, did some writing, comtemplating, etc.....one of the coolest days of my life. When your turn 40, you should do it! :D

[traildust]

The Trace turns 30 on the 23rd of June. Just a rough and tumble adolescent when compared to the A.T. but we face the same growing pains. Happy Birthday to The Turtle. :sun

[Cookerhiker]

Thanks. Now that I live closer to the Sheltowee, I hope to hike most or all of it.


Cookerhiker, when in the heck did you move to KY?!!! I lived in Louisville before I moved to Roanoke. My first overnight hike was on the Sheltowee, started across from Natural Bridge State Park, hiked 10 miles, camped out and backtracked the next day. Parked my car at that Pizza place/Outfitter place a half mile down the road. On a side note, on my 40th birthday ( a few years ago!), the night before I stayed at the lodge at the state park, and the next morning (my bday), I got up before dawn, hiked in the dark to the top of Natural Bridge and watched the sun come up. I packed my backpack with bourbon, a cigar, my journal, did some writing, comtemplating, etc.....one of the coolest days of my life. When your turn 40, you should do it! :D

I bought a house - a 105 year-old Victorian - in the Woodland Park area practically downtown but it actually has a pond with circulating water complete with lilly pads and cattails. Closed on June 1, moved most of my stuff from Western MD June 3 and am now pretty much settled in.

But I can't make the Sept.12 meeting on the Sheltowee -Got permits to start the John Muir Trail (again) on Sept. 14. That's the one in CA, not the one in TN.

[humunuku]

But I can't make the Sept.12 meeting on the Sheltowee -Got permits to start the John Muir Trail (again) on Sept. 14. That's the one in CA, not the one in TN.

The one in TN is a great 2-3 day trail, its up there with the foothills trail

[scooterdogma]

The outfitter/pizza place is called Miguels, best meal off the trail. Welcome to Lexington CookerHiker, is u need referrals on good workmen for your 105 yr old house let me know, Woodland Park is great, lots of events to enjoy.

[kythruhiker]

I bought a house - a 105 year-old Victorian - in the Woodland Park area practically downtown but it actually has a pond with circulating water complete with lilly pads and cattails. Closed on June 1, moved most of my stuff from Western MD June 3 and am now pretty much settled in.

But I can't make the Sept.12 meeting on the Sheltowee -Got permits to start the John Muir Trail (again) on Sept. 14. That's the one in CA, not the one in TN.

Welcome to KY, I used to live right down from Woodland Park in an old house on Maxwell Street when I was at UK. Large house transformed into 7 or 8 1-room apartments, all sharing the same bathroom and microwave - my favorite college dive that I've lived in! I'm about 10 miles from the Sheltowee at Heidelburg, and 20 miles from the Gorge - give a shout if you are ever down this way and need info.

[Cookerhiker]

Welcome to KY, I used to live right down from Woodland Park in an old house on Maxwell Street when I was at UK. Large house transformed into 7 or 8 1-room apartments, all sharing the same bathroom and microwave - my favorite college dive that I've lived in! I'm about 10 miles from the Sheltowee at Heidelburg, and 20 miles from the Gorge - give a shout if you are ever down this way and need info.

My house is on Oldham so we would have been neighbors, perhaps meeting at the Common Grounds.

[jbd123]

Just an FYI. There will be a map of the Sheltowee Trace coming out this Aug. It will be into two sections. The Southern section will be out first with the Northern section coming out shortly. They will be on sale at a festival in Lexington, Ky in Aug or on the outragegis.com website. If it is anything like the other outragegis maps I have it will be a good one :banana
The event is the Woodland Park Arts Fair which will be August 15th & 16th, 2009. Not sure where he will be set up in the park.

[Pennsylvania Rose]

I'll be there - I left an RSVP on sheltowee.com

[traildust]

thanks for signing up for the meeting. still room for others interested in the future of the trace. just send me an email or pm me here. that's all there is to it.

[traildust]

Join us on Facebook in groups under The Sheltowee Trace and on twitter where you can follow at SheltoweeTrace.twitter.com.

[traildust]

I will start my thruhike north to south on August 1. Will post reports on trailjournals, facebook and twitter. IF you are looking to do some hiking on The Trace the first 18 days of August, please let me know. Maybe we can hook up and hike a few miles together.

[Cookerhiker]

Have a good hike. I hiked a small portion of the Sheltowee in the Red River Gorge area on July 3 and enjoyed it, especially the unseasonably nice weather.

[Cookerhiker]

Join us on Facebook in groups under The Sheltowee Trace and on twitter where you can follow at SheltoweeTrace.twitter.com.

I just joined the Facebook group and posted a few photos of the ST from Red River Gorge.

Again, I'm sorry I can't make the Sept. 12 meeting with the Forest Service.

[Doctari]

I was on the STT today (& yesterday) from The Bison Way to the Lost branch trails. There is a horseman/women (at least 2) trying to turn that section of Hiking ONLY trail into a horse trail. From what I have seen this has been an ongoing project for a few years. 2 years ago there was a sign at the limit of the horse area "no horses past this point" last year, that sigh had been chainsaw cut down. Also last year or early this year, some branches at about head level for a horse rider had been lopped off, not broken, but with a set of long handled loppers (they were large branches, cleanly cut). Yesterday & today, there is yet more cleanly cut rider level branches AND many horse foot prints. This trail has sections that are tough for someone on foot: one car sized boulder to descend / ascend. A (about) 3' high bolder, same thing. several sections of trail that are 7 - 10" wide, with a SEVERE drop off, The horses obvoiusly nearly fell several times on these.

I advised the rangers of these trespasses, lets hope it is stopped before it gets any further. There is already significant trail damage, just from the latest visit by the horse bound crew.

[traildust]

I have forwarded your report to the head of the Ky Horse Council who is with us in our efforts in forming The Sheltowee Trace Association. This type of activity will be part of the discussion in September at the meeting with the USFS on the 12th.

Still time to register to come and be a part of this new organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of Ky's Long Trail.
I advised the rangers of these trespasses, lets hope it is stopped before it gets any further. There is already significant trail damage, just from the latest visit by the horse bound crew.

[quote=Doctari;868719]I was on the STT today (& yesterday) from The Bison Way to the Lost branch trails. There is a horseman/women (at least 2) trying to turn that section of Hiking ONLY trail into a horse trail. From what I have seen this has been an ongoing project for a few years. 2 years ago there was a sign at the limit of the horse area "no horses past this point" last year, that sigh had been chainsaw cut down. Also last year or early this year, some branches at about head level for a horse rider had been lopped off, not broken, but with a set of long handled loppers (they were large branches, cleanly cut). Yesterday & today, there is yet more cleanly cut rider level branches AND many horse foot prints. This trail has sections that are tough for someone on foot: one car sized boulder to descend / ascend. A (about) 3' high bolder, same thing. several sections of trail that are 7 - 10" wide, with a SEVERE drop off, The horses obvoiusly nearly fell several times on these.quote]

[Doctari]

Thank you very much!


I have forwarded your report to the head of the Ky Horse Council who is with us in our efforts in forming The Sheltowee Trace Association. This type of activity will be part of the discussion in September at the meeting with the USFS on the 12th.

Still time to register to come and be a part of this new organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of Ky's Long Trail.
I advised the rangers of these trespasses, lets hope it is stopped before it gets any further. There is already significant trail damage, just from the latest visit by the horse bound crew.

[quote=Doctari;868719]I was on the STT today (& yesterday) from The Bison Way to the Lost branch trails. There is a horseman/women (at least 2) trying to turn that section of Hiking ONLY trail into a horse trail. From what I have seen this has been an ongoing project for a few years. 2 years ago there was a sign at the limit of the horse area "no horses past this point" last year, that sigh had been chainsaw cut down. Also last year or early this year, some branches at about head level for a horse rider had been lopped off, not broken, but with a set of long handled loppers (they were large branches, cleanly cut). Yesterday & today, there is yet more cleanly cut rider level branches AND many horse foot prints. This trail has sections that are tough for someone on foot: one car sized boulder to descend / ascend. A (about) 3' high bolder, same thing. several sections of trail that are 7 - 10" wide, with a SEVERE drop off, The horses obvoiusly nearly fell several times on these.quote]

[mrhughes1982]

I figured that this would be a good place to ask. Not to do with the trace but it runs through these places. I know the Red River Gorge like the back of my hand but I just moved to Somerset so I guess I'm going to start going to Big South Fork now. Haven't made it yet. Any good recommedations on some trails?

[kyhiker1]

I'm getting ready to start checking out areas of the ST from Hwy 80 South to BSF.

[Cookerhiker]

I figured that this would be a good place to ask. Not to do with the trace but it runs through these places. I know the Red River Gorge like the back of my hand but I just moved to Somerset so I guess I'm going to start going to Big South Fork now. Haven't made it yet. Any good recommedations on some trails?

I haven't done a lot of hiking in BSF (yet) but I've been to the arches. Don't miss them! Check out this photo gallery (http://www.nps.gov/biso/photosmultimedia/photogallery.htm?eid=101411&root_aId=22#e_101411) from the Park website. You don't often see geological formations like this in the Eastern half of the country.

In addition to the Sheltowee, BSF also has the John Muir Trail (http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/public-lands/national-parks/big-south-fork/john-muir-trail.html), the eastern version that is.

[Midway Sam]

I figured that this would be a good place to ask. Not to do with the trace but it runs through these places. I know the Red River Gorge like the back of my hand but I just moved to Somerset so I guess I'm going to start going to Big South Fork now. Haven't made it yet. Any good recommedations on some trails?

Yahoo Arch/Falls area (http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/documents/rogs/stearns/603ste.pdf)is great. Easilly accesible via HWY700 out of Stearns. Also, I've heard great things about the Honey Creek Loop.

Get one of these maps:

http://www.outragegis.com/store/product.php?productid=6

[Ewker]

I ordered the Sheltowee Trace map (southern section 0-150 miles) and hopefully it will be at my house this evening :)

[Midway Sam]

I ordered the Sheltowee Trace map (southern section 0-150 miles) and hopefully it will be at my house this evening :)

I bought it at an art fair in Lexington, KY they were at a couple of weeks ago. It's a nice map. I am now finally able to visualize how much of the Sheltowee Trace is road walking. :datz

[Cookerhiker]

I bought it at an art fair in Lexington, KY they were at a couple of weeks ago. It's a nice map. I am now finally able to visualize how much of the Sheltowee Trace is road walking. :datz

Damn, I missed that. Was it the Woodland Art Fair in Woodland Park? I was there; it's only one-minute walk from my house.

[Midway Sam]

Damn, I missed that. Was it the Woodland Art Fair in Woodland Park? I was there; it's only one-minute walk from my house.

Yup. They had a booth over in the Christian Church's side lot. It was near the drum circle:

:dance :banana:clap:jump

[mrhughes1982]

Did get to do some hiking on the Trace yesterday. I did the Hidden Branch Trail Loop which follows the Sheltowee a little ways. It was a pretty cool trail but there had been some fire damage and pine beetles hit it pretty hard in spots. This is where the ST starts (correct me if I'm wrong).

I did this trail about 10 years ago when me and my friends tried to hike the from the beginning to Laural Lake. We had no idea what we were doing and ran into some tornadoe damage and the land of 10,000 downed trees. It was miserable but somehow we made it out and. Then after getting to Yamacraw and taking a wrong turn and ending up in Stearns Ranger district that was another big mistake. Gotta learn somehow. Anyway we got a ride up around Cumberland Falls and made it to Laural Lake. Reallized I knew nothing about backpacking but it taught me a whole hell of a lot. Wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

[Doctari]

The fire damage was a "Scheduled burn" earlier this year, to clear up a lot of undergrowth. The signs of fire damage are somewhat of an eyesore for now, but next year it will be so nice. yea, the beetles are bad, hope they find a way to treat for them soon. They are hitting the Shawnee area in Ohio too, at least a bunch of pines are dying up there.
You were at about the middle of the STT.



Did get to do some hiking on the Trace yesterday. I did the Hidden Branch Trail Loop which follows the Sheltowee a little ways. It was a pretty cool trail but there had been some fire damage and pine beetles hit it pretty hard in spots. This is where the ST starts (correct me if I'm wrong).

I did this trail about 10 years ago when me and my friends tried to hike the from the beginning to Laural Lake. We had no idea what we were doing and ran into some tornadoe damage and the land of 10,000 downed trees. It was miserable but somehow we made it out and. Then after getting to Yamacraw and taking a wrong turn and ending up in Stearns Ranger district that was another big mistake. Gotta learn somehow. Anyway we got a ride up around Cumberland Falls and made it to Laural Lake. Reallized I knew nothing about backpacking but it taught me a whole hell of a lot. Wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

[Captain Blue]

Today I finished a 4 day, 62 mile, backpacking trip on the Sheltowee Trace. I started at the southern terminus in Pickett State Park, TN and finished at Cumberland Falls State Park in KY. It was a great hike! Most of the trail in this section is not maintained. Lots of overgrown weeds and downed trees. There were lots of trail markers though. Expect some confusing and obscure turns and occasional backtracking. I had the latest ST South map from OutrageGIS.com. The map is worth the money if you plan to hike this section.

[SmokeEater]

How many miles is there of road hiking?

[Cookerhiker]

Today I finished a 4 day, 62 mile, backpacking trip on the Sheltowee Trace. I started at the southern terminus in Pickett State Park, TN and finished at Cumberland Falls State Park in KY. It was a great hike! Most of the trail in this section is not maintained. Lots of overgrown weeds and downed trees. There were lots of trail markers though. Expect some confusing and obscure turns and occasional backtracking. I had the latest ST South map from OutrageGIS.com. The map is worth the money if you plan to hike this section.

Good report - thanks. Glad you had a good hike even with the less-tha n-ideal maintenance.

[traildust]

Today I finished a 4 day, 62 mile, backpacking trip on the Sheltowee Trace. I started at the southern terminus in Pickett State Park, TN and finished at Cumberland Falls State Park in KY. It was a great hike! Most of the trail in this section is not maintained. Lots of overgrown weeds and downed trees. There were lots of trail markers though. Expect some confusing and obscure turns and occasional backtracking. I had the latest ST South map from OutrageGIS.com. The map is worth the money if you plan to hike this section.

Sounds like you had an interesting experience. Sorry that the trail was not well maintained. Was it so filled with briars and weeds that you couldn't pass or could you see a foot path?

Thanks for hiking it through. The best trail maintenance is to use the trail. The Sheltowee Trace Ass will get with the USFS and NPS to see if we can clear this section a little better.

Volunteers are always welcome.

[Captain Blue]

Yes, it was an interesting experience. We could follow the trail on the overgrown areas. It was just tough going. There were confusing turns too. The trail was marked alternately with white diamonds and the turtle shell icon. However most trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest are marked with a white diamond too. So seeing a white diamond didn't always mean we were on the right trail. Check out this photo of the burrs on my friends pants. This was common occurrence.

http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target50.html

These are photos of the actual trail in overgrown areas near SR-700:

http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target143.html
http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target146.html

Lots of blown down trees too.

The horse riders got confused too and erected their own signs. You could tell because they used horse shoe nails to fix their signs to the trees:

http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target140.html

It is great trail. It just needs some maintenance.

Captain Blue

[mrhughes1982]

For you guys in and around KY if you haven't checked out kywilderness.com its a forum for hiking and suchl. Check it out and join up!!!

[traildust]

Yes, it was an interesting experience. We could follow the trail on the overgrown areas. It was just tough going. There were confusing turns too. The trail was marked alternately with white diamonds and the turtle shell icon. However most trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest are marked with a white diamond too. So seeing a white diamond didn't always mean we were on the right trail. Check out this photo of the burrs on my friends pants. This was common occurrence.

http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target50.html

These are photos of the actual trail in overgrown areas near SR-700:

http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target143.html
http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target146.html



Lots of blown down trees too.

The horse riders got confused too and erected their own signs. You could tell because they used horse shoe nails to fix their signs to the trees:

http://www.niekamp.org/stt2009/photos/target140.html

It is great trail. It just needs some maintenance.

Captain Blue


=============
Yep it can be confusing. We had a meeting with the USFS this past Saturday and we talked about blazing. So you know, we are forming a volunteer group - The Sheltowee Trace Ass. Inc. where members will be more active in maintaining the Trace. Our first goal it to have the entire Trace reblazed by next May. We hope the Forest Service will agree to use more "turtle blazes" and directional arrows, especially where they have other trails crossing The Trace. Thanks for the photos. We will see if we can get some maintenance pointed in this area. Stay up with our progress by checking sheltoweetrace.com.

traildust

[traildust]

There are only three shelters on the S.T. - All on the southern end.
I wanted to remind you of our need for volunteers this weekend - November 6 & 7. Will you consider giving one day - one weekend to help us improve the Sheltowee Trace Experience?
Sure the weather calls for cool temps. But plenty of sunshine and the leaves at their peaks will make for some great photos, great working conditions and a perfect opportunity for you to spend a weekend in the woods.
So hear is the scoop.

FRIDAY - November 5th - Early bird camping for those of us who have a long distance drive to get to the site. Our friends at the Sheltowee Trace Outfitters, near Corbin Ky. (see Outfitters website listed below for directions) will let us stay on the grounds at the STO, use the bathouse, warm by the fire for just $15.00 for six people if you want to tent with us. What a deal. They have other indoor facilities if you are interested, contact Dania at the Outfitters.

SATURDAY - November 6th - Two shuttle opportunities. For the early birds the first shuttle leaves at 9:00. For those who can't get there until later in the morning, there is an 11:00 shuttle. This will take you to within a mile of the shelter. If you can't spend the night or choose to head home on Saturday, the shuttle will leave around 5:30 to 6:00. If you are inclined, you can join us for a night out at the shelter where you can enjoy the views, listen to river as it rolls past the site, admire the great work that has been done.

Overnighters are reminded that this is a self-sufficient campout. You need to bring your food, clothing, sleeping gear etc if you plan on spending the night.

SUNDAY - November 7th - Depending on the work that needs to be done to finish up, the first shuttle on Sunday will be at 11:00 ish. For those who want to take advantage of the predicted sunshine, you can hike out to the Outfitters. It is about a 3 to 4 hour hike down the trail to Dog Slaughter Creek and the Falls (great photo op) and then up the trail to the FS road, follow the road to the blacktop and left to the outfitters.

Weather Predictions - So dress accordingly!
Friday - High 48 Low 27 with Partly Sunny skies
Saturday - High 54 Low 30 with Partly Sunny skies
Sunday - High 58 Low 38 with SUNSHINE!!!!!

Again, please dress for the conditions. Bring a hard hat please - can be purchased for a few bucks at Home Depot or Lowes. Bring you own food supply. Water is available near the shelter.

To register, respond on the group site, send email to director@sheltoweetrace.org (director@sheltoweetrace.org) or send message to Steve Barbour, director, STA.

See event site for directions or visit Outfitters site for directions.
http://www.ky-rafting.com/accom.htm (http://www.ky-rafting.com/accom.htm)

[Red Hat]

Scot "Taba" Ward has a manual out on the Trace. Check out his page at www.Thru-hiker.us or write him at C.R.A.S.H. Publications POBox 55536 Lexington, KY 40555-5536.

[Cookerhiker]

Scot "Taba" Ward has a manual out on the Trace. Check out his page at www.Thru-hiker.us (http://www.Thru-hiker.us) or write him at C.R.A.S.H. Publications POBox 55536 Lexington, KY 40555-5536.

It's also described on this WB thread:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=64357

[Taba]

Scot "Taba" Ward has a manual out on the Trace. Check out his page at www.Thru-hiker.us (http://www.Thru-hiker.us) or write him at C.R.A.S.H. Publications POBox 55536 Lexington, KY 40555-5536.

Thanks for the mention. Just wanted to add that I had thru-hiked the ST earlier this year to document the entire trail and all the resources available along the trail whether in the woods or in towns. The new book for the ST is called "The Thru-Hiker's Manual for the Sheltowee Trace - Kentucky's Long Trail". It is written by a thru-hiker for thru-hikers with 8 maps for the towns closest to the trail for resupply. The maps outline where all the retailers are that have products that hikers need. Hotels, gorcery stores, restaurants, outfitters and so on. It is a great guide for anybody who uses the trail.

I started writing these Thru-Hiker's Manuals in 2008 when I hiked the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) in North Carolina. There are 2 versions of the MST Manual. An eastbound version and a westbound. All are available at www.thru-hiker.us (http://www.thru-hiker.us)

[Taba]

The Starr Creek Shelter in the Cumberland Falls area is being renovated this weekend. It was damaged by fallen trees and will be better than new when the trail crew is finished. They are spending the whole weekend out there.

To the trail crew have fun, be safe and thank you!

Taba

[58starter]

When is the best time to hike this trail? I have some time in March and want to know if that is too early in the year for a KY hike.

[M1 Thumb]

March is not too early in Kentucky. The trees will not have started budding yet so don't expect much color unless you came towards the very end of March. Have fun on your hike.

[Cookerhiker]

When is the best time to hike this trail? I have some time in March and want to know if that is too early in the year for a KY hike.

I'm new to KY but I've been on the ST a few times and yes, I think March is fine. You could have some cold nights but not likely single digits.

One thing I've discovered in KY which hit home again last weekend when I day-hiked down around Cumberland Falls including portions of the ST: the huge rock houses/rock shelters in KY are quite unique, fascinating, and scenic. But hiking in winter or early Spring, icicles hanging from them can be very hazardous i.e. you wouldn't want one to fall on your head. Some of these ice formations are substantial in weight and size. While there are icicles of some sort anywhere where there's winter, the angles and overhangs of these rock houses allows for huge icicles like I've never seen on the AT in my winter hikes. Sometimes they fall as they're melting, other times from the sheer weight. So be careful!

[BSF-Hiker]

... Some of these ice formations are substantial in weight and size. ...

Here's a photo I took of Bill last Saturday on the Sheltowee Trace. This had fell earlier and landed in middle of trail.

[Cookerhiker]

Here's a photo I took of Bill last Saturday on the Sheltowee Trace. This had fell earlier and landed in middle of trail.

Yup - thanks for posting Doug. This doesn't look real big in the picture but it was at least 30 lbs. It's a typical example of what can fall from those overhangs.

[58starter]

Thank to all who responded. Is there a list of camping sites and gps coord.?
Everytime I ask this question on ST forum someone wants me to buy a book.

[Cookerhiker]

Thank to all who responded. Is there a list of camping sites and gps coord.?
Everytime I ask this question on ST forum someone wants me to buy a book.

Sorry, I can't improve on that. Taba's new guidebook, described on this WB thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=64357) which has links to his site - has camp sites, water sources, road crossings, and other info but of course it's not free. Johnny Molloy also has the Sheltowee in his guidebook series but again, you pay.

Perhaps you can find some on-line trail journals of hikers who have thruhiked the entire Sheltowee and note where they camped.

Personally, I'd buy Taba's book - in fact, I already have.

[traildust]

The Sheltowee Trace is no where as organized at the A.T.. It is just as rugged and difficult but you will find less restrictions while on the trail. There are three shelters south of London and that is all. There are many places where you can camp for the night under the stars. Bill's suggestion about reading some of the hiker journals on the ST Forum is an excellent idea if you are not interested in buying the book. Rick McQuerry's journal is perhaps the best and most current of the one's posted.

[Taba]

When is the best time to hike this trail? I have some time in March and want to know if that is too early in the year for a KY hike.

Are you planning a thru-hike, a big section or a short weekend hike?

[58starter]

I am planning on a week long section hike sometimes this summer. Have not decided if I am going north or south. My nephew in KY is going to pick me us a copy of your book. I am doing 6 weeks on the AT starting March 20th going North this year. I alway like to hike the last week of June into the July 4th weekend, so I was thinking about the Sheltowee this year for a change. I am from Calhoun, Ky and went to UK and WKU

[mweinstone]

coolest thing on that trail is george washingtons initials on the far wall of natural bridge he made when he survayed it. he was standing on the ground when he wrote on the rock but the river has carved out so much material his initials are now 20 feet off the ground. its like a time line and graffetti and our founding fathers mark all in one. love natural bridge. aint been their since i was 9.

[Cookerhiker]

I am planning on a week long section hike sometimes this summer. Have not decided if I am going north or south. My nephew in KY is going to pick me us a copy of your book. I am doing 6 weeks on the AT starting March 20th going North this year. I alway like to hike the last week of June into the July 4th weekend, so I was thinking about the Sheltowee this year for a change. I am from Calhoun, Ky and went to UK and WKU

So you changed your timeframe from your previous post? Late June into early July, you could have some hot weather.

[58starter]

Yes, I changed my time frame. My Nephew in KY and his son (13) have hiked 3 sections of the AT with me and want to do 5 or 6 days in March during their spring break. I think we can do Hwy 40 to Sam's gap (65miles) in 6 days.

[garbanz]

Me and a friend in our hiking club thru hiked the Sheltowee several years ago. We were newbies and it was my very first long distance hike! I can remember following alongside the scenic Cumberland River for miles, coming to a falls and a park and the arches of RR Gorge towards the end. I got lost coming off one of the road walks.

[Taba]

58Starter: in the southern sections you will have a lot of water with a number of fords. The northern sections have some dry ridgelines so bring extra water.
Camping in the south shouldn't be too hard to find for an experienced hiker. Camping in the north can be more challenging.
Blazes can be a good distance apart from each other and can make it hard to follow.
Good luck on your hikes both on the AT with your nephew and his 13 year old son (that's fantastic) and on the Trace.

[Ox97GaMe]

It has been several years since i thru hiked it. Did what some would consider a speed hike through it, just under 2 weeks. There were a lot of road walks back then, which allowed for pretty decent pace while hiking. I have been in the southern area several times since that hike and see where new trail has been built to get it off the paved roads in the southern section. Still a bit of road walking in BSF and still a lot of ATV trail between I-75 and Cumberland Lake. But rest of that section is pretty nice.

[Ox97GaMe]

anyone know where I can purchase a Sheltowee Trace patch. I bought one when I thru hiked at one of the ranger stations. It was red with a white turtle blaze. My pack got stolen and I havent been able to find a replacement patch. :(

[Cookerhiker]

anyone know where I can purchase a Sheltowee Trace patch. I bought one when I thru hiked at one of the ranger stations. It was red with a white turtle blaze. My pack got stolen and I havent been able to find a replacement patch. :(

Contact Traildust on WB. He usually checks this thread.

[traildust]

That red patch was produced by the Forest Service. I haven't seen it around the District offices when we have had meetings. The only patch they have is a volunteer patch.

The Sheltowee Trace Association is producing a new thruhiker - section hiker patch. When we get them in in the next week or so we will put a picture up on our website www.sheltoweetrace.org (http://www.sheltoweetrace.org).

[Cookerhiker]

As of today, the Star Creek Shelter is ready with the last of the new roof installed this afternoon along with some additional clearing of brush. Star Creek Shelter is a little over 5 miles north from Cumberland Falls and is now easily visible from the Trace. The creek, about 100' beyond the shelter, provides an excellent water source and features a waterfall from the cliffs above visible during wetter seasons.

This completes repairs started last November. The shelter is in fine shape now, waiting for some hikers!

[58starter]

How much of the trail from the northern starting point to 30miles of Morehead area is road hiking?

[Taba]

I have started hiking the Trace again this year about a couple of weeks ago. I am hiking it with a machete and a small camp saw. My plans are to clear the trail of all the small blowdowns, debris and cut back the thorns. I have already gone through Sections 1 and 5. Those sections, with the exception of some larger blowdowns that I couldn't clear with the tools I have, are passable. Most of the blowdowns can be climbed over or ducked under. I will be going back out to clear Sections 2, 3 and 4 on Monday or Tuesday. Then I will skip ahead and continue on Section 6 and go north to finish up the Northbound hike. I will be turning around at the end and will hike the Trace south as a yo-yo hike. I will be releasing an updated 2012 version of the Northbound Manual and will have an addition one published for Southbound.

[58starter]

Thanks Taba, I am trying to get my nephews in KY to hike with me 5-7 days in Sept.
I have a brother who lives in Maysville so it would be easier for us to start at the north and go south. Is you book available in book store in KY? I will be up there for a reunion in July and want to pick one up.

[traildust]

Hello,
You can buy Taba manual from his website or from the Sheltowee Trace Association site www.sheltoweetrace.org (http://www.sheltoweetrace.org).

To answer your question, the Sheltowee Trace from the Northern Terminus to Morehead is not on any hard surface roads. There are a couple places where you walk on Forest Road, especially when you transition south of I-64 overpass. If you want to go past Morehead and Rt 32 trailhead, there is about an 8 mile walk around Morehead on Rt 32 to Bluestone Rd over to U.S. 60 then back on the trail at Triplett creek over to Cumberland District Hqrs. Then a mile or so on the road across the dam and Cave Run before you are back in the woods.

Visit our webpage to view the current status of trail conditions. It is downloadable on the Trailcheck page.

steve barbour
Executive Director
The STA
606-584-7744

[The Solemates]

headed to big south fork area thursday. gonna base camp out of yahoo area with the family. any suggestions?

[Dobie Swift]

headed to big south fork area thursday. gonna base camp out of yahoo area with the family. any suggestions?

Alum Ford Campground is nice if you need a tent pad / picnic table / fire ring type setup. They also have pit toilets. A nice backpacking loop it to park at the Negro Creek trailhead and hike the Negro Creek trail down to the Sheltowee, hang a right on the Sheltowee and take it into Alum Ford campground for the night. The next day continue on the Sheltowee until you hit the Yahoo Arch Trail and take it back to your car.

Alum Ford Campground info:

http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/alumfordcampground.htm
(http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/alumfordcampground.htm)


Here is a map link:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/stearns/612ste.pdf



(http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/stearns/612ste.pdf)

[Ox97GaMe]

headed to big south fork area thursday. gonna base camp out of yahoo area with the family. any suggestions?

Sole, Not much at Yahoo falls. You can do the falls and the arch in a single day. Not sure how long you are going to be in the area. From that area, you can drive over to Cumberland Falls pretty easily and hike over to Oxbow and back. If you dont mind a little bit of a drive, the 5 mile loop around Twin Arches is pretty nice too.

[The Solemates]

Alum Ford Campground is nice if you need a tent pad / picnic table / fire ring type setup. They also have pit toilets. A nice backpacking loop it to park at the Negro Creek trailhead and hike the Negro Creek trail down to the Sheltowee, hang a right on the Sheltowee and take it into Alum Ford campground for the night. The next day continue on the Sheltowee until you hit the Yahoo Arch Trail and take it back to your car.

Alum Ford Campground info:

http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/alumfordcampground.htm
(http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/alumfordcampground.htm)


Here is a map link:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/stearns/612ste.pdf



(http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/stearns/612ste.pdf)


Sole, Not much at Yahoo falls. You can do the falls and the arch in a single day. Not sure how long you are going to be in the area. From that area, you can drive over to Cumberland Falls pretty easily and hike over to Oxbow and back. If you dont mind a little bit of a drive, the 5 mile loop around Twin Arches is pretty nice too.


are there any decent places to camp around yahoo falls?