Sheltowee Trace Coming to Guthooks Soon

[Gambit McCrae]

After some persistent requests Atlas guides has been working with the STA to transfer, compile and create data to have an Atlas Guide of the Sheltowee Trace.
All data transfer is scheduled to be complete by mid December.

[JC13]

Interesting, I may have to move the Trace up my list.

[Venchka]

In 25 words or more,
What’s a good to best week long Section of the Sheltowee Trace?
For a Geezer?
Thanks!
Wayne

[Gambit McCrae]

In 25 words or more,
What’s a good to best week long Section of the Sheltowee Trace?
For a Geezer?
Thanks!
Wayne

Wayne,
I have very little experience on the ST thus far but I would say that it would be hard to go wrong with starting at southern terminus and walk north for a week. First 30 miles had 2800 ft of gain and the entire trail is similar....Its a stroll

Also....Your not a geezer, just experienced

[Venchka]

Thanks Gambit!
After reading your trip report, I realized that I should explore closer to home.
My wife can shuttle me to a myriad of trails within a 1 hour radius of the house.
All I have to worry about is if she picks me up when I am finished!
Good luck on the ST!
Wayne

[Elkins45]

December would be fantastic. I’m starting the hiker challenge in January.

[Gambit McCrae]

December would be fantastic. I’m starting the hiker challenge in January.

Elkins mind you, this is when data transfer from the STA to Atlas Guides(guthooks) will be expected to be complete.
Then it is up to Atlas Guides to format that data into their app and set up for purchase.

This ball got rolling because I emailed atlas guides about once a month for a year asking if they had any update on putting the Sheltowee trace on their available guides list. Their response was always: We do not have the data for that trail. So I got into contact with the STA who has all the data that is available for something like this and they were happy to start compiling it and sending it over to atlas guides. NOW, that all being said, the downfall was going to be pictures and micro points along the trail like water sources and camping spots. SO I volunteered to document all of that the best I could during my completion so others would benefit after me. Atlas Guides was on bourd with this and we kept good communication through September and then....nothing. The replies quit coming in and I through my hands up as a volunteer. I inquired with STA after that and STA's statement was "we are planning to have the data transfer complete to Guthooks by mid December"


I will keep this posted on any info I hear from either party

[TNhiker]

I’m starting the hiker challenge in January.

tell me more about this challenge, please.....

[Gambit McCrae]

tell me more about this challenge, please.....

What is the Hiker Challenge? ​Take 340 miles, the current length of the Trace, divide those miles by 11 and then walk that distance once a month and you have the Challenge. The goal is to hike the entire Trace from end to end over 1 year. Each month, two opportunities are planned for you to join a team of like-minded adventurers on a Saturday and Sunday hike of the Trace. To keep the miles at a level everyone can complete and find somewhat enjoyable, we have added one more hike to make it 12 monthly hikes. The 2 day schedule is posted below. Friday night campouts are planned near the shuttle point to enable participants who are over 3 hours away to come in early and avoid a long drive before dawn. The first Saturday in December, we all come together to share some stories and celebrate those who have completed the Challenge and become End to Enders.​ The history of the Hiker Challenge dates back to the earlier years of the STA. During a weekend hike out to Furnace Arch, south of Clear Creek, Steve Barbour, Executive Director of the STA, and members Dave Dummer and Mike Campbell from Morehead were forced to stop at the Arch to get out of the pouring rain. While sitting around that evening, Dave Dummer mentioned the idea of hiking a piece of the Trace, one weekend a month for 11 months and calling it the Hiker Challenge. Over 400 participants have completed the Challenge. After 9 years, enthusiasm is still strong as each January a fresh group of backpackers (and a few who have already completed the Challenge) arrive at the starting point.

2021 Participation Costs The Hiker Challenge offers shuttle services for every hike. There will also be a support vehicle to aid in occasional trail magic. The STA volunteers will give clear directions and instructions for every section. In the winter months, a "5-pound-drop" is in effect in order to lighten the load in the months where one's pack would be heavier. Along with these services, the hiker challenge offers the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Pre-​Hiker Challenge Registration $30 (One Time) 2-Day Weekend $40 (Per Weekend) 1-Day Only $20 (Per Day) ​ Orientations Go Online To limit Covid exposure we are moving all our orientation sessions online. A list of dates is included in the registration. All are from 7 to 9 pm. Waivers are available for past end to enders and those with extensive backpacking experiences.

Its not for everyone....but is a nice option for those that it is for

[Gambit McCrae]

I have been told December 5th will be the live date for the app on Atlas Guides, by the STA as well as Atlas Guides. Communication has been very very slow going and the initial guide will more then likely need lots of updating for pictures and locations along the way. We will see