Best places to hang on the Sheltowee Trace?

**Owlbear** · 07-15-2016, 07:28

The husband and I are planning a 3-4 day backpacking trip on the Sheltowee Trace sometime in September but can't decide which section to tackle. Does anyone here have a favorite chunk of trail or hanging spot they could recommend? Our initial thought was to put in around Cave Run Lake and head south to the gorge, but I also hear good things about the Cumberland Falls area. I'd love to see photos if you have 'em!

We're both in decent shape and can handle 10-13 miles a day, and we'll also have a dog with us.

Thanks all!

**cjayflo** · 07-15-2016, 09:20

I'm going to start either at Cumberland or yahoo and head south. Detail Information seems hard to come by about this trail.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

**emcull03** · 07-15-2016, 09:23

I'm actually going kayamping at cave run this weekend! I absolutely love the area. As far as hiking/camping I have exclusively stayed in the Red River Gorge area. Due to the fact that you can't camp on official trails you have to find campsites on unofficial trails that branch off sheltowee. One such place is Indian staircase, it directly off sheltowee about a half mile west of the bison way trail head. It may be tricky with a dog(I have seen a lot of people do it though) but the view once you summit is fantastic. Once on the ridge there is serveral large campsites just waiting for hammocks. Watch out for widow makers though there is some bigger trees that need to fall up there. If that doesn't work for you there is a ton of other unofficial camp sites it just takes some exploring to find. Also some of the trails that branch of sheltowee have even better views/sight

**KYHiker** · 07-15-2016, 09:41

Hey Owlbear, between Cave Run Lake and the Gorge I hear are a lot of 'road' sections patching the Sheltowee together. If your taking 2 cars and want to do a section I hear the Southern parts around the Falls and thru Big South Fork are good. If you want to do out and back type of hiking using one vehicle, just pick a section that looks interesting! The section thru the RRGorge has lots of hang options off the spur trails, I would just suggest not going there on a weekend due to the high volume of people. Good Luck!

**Broken Halo** · 07-15-2016, 13:55

I have not hiked the whole Trace (yet). But from the sections I've done I like the southern portion. I really enjoyed everything from the Burnt Mill Bridge to Yamacraw with the exception of a short section north of Bandy Creek Campground to Laurel Creek.

It largely depends upon what you're looking for. The section the RRG will give a look at the unique terrain but, will be much more used than other sections. I think the southern section has more of a backcountry feel. And, are you staging cars our doing an out & back?

**Ewker** · 07-15-2016, 16:46

There is lots of information on the ST. First there is a Facebook Group, then there is this website http://www.sheltoweetrace.org/
http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/
http://www.outragegis.com/sheltowee/ for the maps
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...rdb5427184.pdf

**Owlbear** · 07-19-2016, 10:46

Thanks to all for the input! It does seem like there's plenty of general info about the trail but not as much in the way of section/trip reports. Guess I need to plan on making one when I get back, eh?

I'm hoping we can get at least one other person to join us so we have the convenience of taking two cars, but it's good to know there are some nice side-trail loop options if that doesn't pan out. Most of my hiking buddies are backcountry enthusiasts, so I'll definitely be looking into the southern section a bit more.

**Rain Man** · 07-19-2016, 18:27

Originally Posted by Owlbear

... but not as much in the way of section/trip reports.....

I've done 3 section hikes on the ST and have posted photo albums (with captions) as trip reports. If interested, go to www.meetup.com/nashvillebackpacker Photos section. Or let me know and I'll post direct links. I've hiked it from Pickett State Park in TN (the old southern terminus) to Cumberland Falls State Park.

**Owlbear** · 07-20-2016, 20:51

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I've done 3 section hikes on the ST and have posted photo albums (with captions) as trip reports. If interested, go to www.meetup.com/nashvillebackpacker Photos section. Or let me know and I'll post direct links. I've hiked it from Pickett State Park in TN (the old southern terminus) to Cumberland Falls State Park.

Nice photos Rain, thanks for sharing! The section from Yamacraw to Cumberland Falls is looking better and better with plenty of water sources. I love that your hike came with a free puppy