Timeless Trails-Sheltowee Trace

From the first time I set foot on this trail, I was intrigued and wanted to see more of it. Climbing between deep hemlock gorges and piney, craggy summits with a few arches in there to boot, the Sheltowee is certainly Kentucky’s trademark long distance trek. The complete trail is a 319-mile National Recreation Trail that spans the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee. Thinking that this spring would fit in to my schedule, I have started to plan a thru hike of this amazing trail. The name “Sheltowee” honors the history of early pioneer Daniel Boone, who in 1778 was captured by Shawnee Indians while making salt in an area close to this historic route. Chief Blackfish, his adopted Shawnee father, renamed him Sheltowee, which meant “Big Turtle” for his stocky build. The delightful blaze commemorates his name along this amazing trail while it rambles across the Bluegrass State.

Fall is probably the best time to hike the trail due to mild weather and great fall colors!

Inspecting Indian Arch

This Sheltowee generally follows a higher route rather than lower river passages, that is why the Sheltowee Trace is often described as the backbone to the Daniel Boone National Forest. There are several places to access the trail, and many of these locations are working on enhancing their trailheads and services offered to trail users as the popularity of the trail grows . Some of the communities the Trace goes near include Morehead, McKee, Slade, Livingston, and Stearns that thru hikers frequent and in turn boost their local economies by supporting local businesses. The trail was put together in 1979, which follows a north to south route which includes parts off the historical Wilderness Road and Warrior’s Path trails. The Wilderness Road was originally cut by Boone to bring settlers into the state while the American Colonies were still part of Great Britain and the Warrior’s Path has been traveled for centuries by Native Tribes. The sections I have traveled personally reflect other legendary trails I have hiked on, like the JMT, PCT and the AT in respects to their amazing natural features and overall epic feel. Do yourself a favor and hop on a short segment today for a short day hike or a longer backpacking excursion.

Assorted small ledges and caves inspire

In the Red River Gorge, textures in the cliffs delight the wilderness traveler