Trail Info
The Sheltowee Trace Trail is a 319 miles (513.38 km) National Recreation Trail that was created in 1979 and stretches from the Burnt Mill Bridge Trail Head in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee to northern Rowan County, Kentucky. The trail is named after Daniel Boone, who was given the name Sheltowee (meaning “Big Turtle”) when he was adopted as the son of the great warrior Chief Blackfish of the Shawnee tribe.
The trail is primarily in the Daniel Boone National Forest, but also takes visitors through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, two large recreation lakes (Cave Run Lake and Laurel Lake), and many wildlife management areas. All but the southernmost 45 miles (72.42 km) are in Kentucky.
The trail is multi-use with certain sections, allowing horses, mountain bikes and all-terrain vehicles in some designated sections. Using Off road motorcycles, SUVs, 4×4, ATV’s and even mountain bikes in certain areas can result in equipment confiscation and/or fines. While the southern terminus was moved in 2014, the trail into Pickett State Park remains open for those that wish to exit on that trail or wish to walk further down the scenic Rock Creek.
TRAIL CONDITIONS
CURRENT TRAIL REPORTS – In general the Daniel Boone, Big South Fork, and State Parks are still snow
covered with forest roads unclear and covered in ice or snow. Even 4-wheel drive vehicle owners are advised to refrain from going into the woods. As the snow and ice melts, the roads will be soft and muddy and overuse by vehicles etc. will produce ruts, and unfavorable conditions that can last all summer. Thanks for your cooperation.
Location: (3/4/2015) WINCHESTER, Ky., March 4, 2015 – The U.S. Forest Service has temporarily closed four gravel roads in the Red River Gorge to prevent further road damage and promote visitor safety. “The recent snow, ice and heavy rains have created very poor conditions for dirt and gravel roads,” said Tim Eling, Acting Ranger with the Daniel Boone National Forest. The following roads will be closed to motorized vehicles until further notice – Tunnel Ridge Road, Chimney Top Road, Rock Bridge Road, and Indian Creek Road.
“These road surfaces are currently soft and muddy, and vehicle traffic is causing significant road ruts,” added Eling. “There have also been several incidents of vehicles sliding off the road, getting stuck, and even some accidents.” These Forest Service roads are not plowed or treated for snow or ice. Excessive rain and strong winds in the forecast may also lead to trees falling across road.
The paved state roads through the Red River Gorge, including Highway 77 and 715, will remain open.
All hiking trails remain open but caution is advised.
Location: (3/3/2015) North of Cumberland Falls SRP to Dog Slaughter. Trail tread in some places is missing from recent flooding of the Cumberland River. We strongly recommend you use the high water route on Trail 7 in the Park. There are signs to point the way. It will be spring or summer before we can get into the area and get the Trace reopened in this area.
Location: Seasonal closings are in effect in the Cave Run area. Horseback riding is prohibited until May on the Caney Loop and on the Sheltowee south of Clear Creek.
Location: Between Dry Branch and Big Perry, Cumberland District. There are numerous trees down in this section. One large tree blocking the Trace as you come down the hill into Dry Branch and several trees down as you dome off the private land through the red gate and head into Holly Fork area. Crews will be out in late February to clear these blowdowns. Till then use caution if on bike and take your time as you scramble over these trees.
Location: Holly Fork in the Cumberland District to Big Perry Road. The Forest Service has advised us that this section of the Trace will be closed temporarily in January to March for timber removal. This is an on-going effort to recover the trees that are down on the ground follow a major ice storm over 6 years ago. Visit this link for a map of the area. Map
Location: Trace between Dog Slaughter Creek trail and Starr Shelter. Annually this section, exposed to signficant sunlight because of lack of tree cover, is beginning to overgrow the Trace. The STA will have it annual visit to this section in September.