Weekend Gem-KY’s Rugged and Sheltowee Loop

Gray’s Arch

After a crazy summer, I finally ended up in Kentucky with a swirling head full of hard life altering decisions to be made. So consequently, I really needed to head out into the wilderness of the dirty south to help settle my thoughts. This 12 mile loop has enough thought provoking scenery to stir up contemplation in the hardest of soles. Start out at Koomer Ridge CG and head out on TR #200 as it ventures further into the Daniel Boone Wilderness. This lovely trail is more or less flat as it rolls along this gentle ridge, passing a couple of intersections for Hidden Arch and Pinch Em’ Tight #226, your return TR on this loop. Pass the 22 Windows viewpoints that has nice, but dry primitive camp spots before dropping down to Bug Head Rock and Left Fork Chimney Top Creek and more scenic camps. Rock hop the Creek a couple of times before making a left on the legendary Sheltowee Trace/Rough TR and start a slow accent to higher ground.

The ocean echoes in the limestone cliffs

This is one of the coolest trail markers I have seen, the Sheltowee Trace runs the length of Kentucky into Tennessee

Enjoy the great views as this trail rides a ridge line passing Signature Rock, good camps and amazing views of the Red River Gorge’s radiating ridges in all directions. Hit TR #221 and make a right as the Rough TR flows on deeper into the wilderness. Continue past TR #227 joining King Br. as the tread changes from a quaint deciduous forest to a slot canyon of sorts before opening up to vies up to amazing Gray’s Arch. I took my lunch break here because it is about halfway in the loop and drop dead gorgeous! Tall cliff cradle the arch in a poetic manner, inviting imaginations to drift to the many other arches that dot this wilderness area. Climb up now to the as the trail hugs the cliff’s edge and a chance to get closer to the top of the Gray’s thin top.

Assorted small ledges and caves inspire

Drop down to a TH, keep to the left on the road and keep your eyes peeled for a unsigned trail taking off to the left. This is another segment of the Sheltowee, which you realize by now is never going to disappoint you. Make a right onto TR #226 as it drops to meet up with Koomer Ridge TR, make a right and retrace your steps back to the campground and TH. This was mike first hike this part of the country and I found it highly rewarding! With diverse forests, interesting limestone formations and great ridgelines separated  by babbling brooks and creeks. After 16 years of exploring all over the Pacific Northwest, I am turning another corner to live in Kentucky with my brother as he starts a family of his own. Expect to see trail reports from the Appalachians and other east coast treasures for a while as I settle in here. Thank you all so much for standing behind Get Out Backpacking, stay tuned…