Sheltowee Trace Trail
Hiker crossing the Red River
Length333 miles (535.91 km)
LocationKentucky and Tennessee
DesignationNational Recreation Trail
TrailheadsBig South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee
Rowan County, Kentucky
UseHiking
DifficultyEasy to strenuous
SeasonYear-round
HazardsSevere weather
American black bear
Tick-borne diseases
Mosquitos
Yellowjackets
Biting flies
Chiggers
Steep grades
Limited water
Diarrhea from water
Poison ivy
Venomous snakes

The Sheltowee Trace Trail is a 343-mile (552.00 km)[1] 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 (36°23′14″N 84°37′47″W / 36.38722°N 84.62972°W / 36.38722; -84.62972) to northern Rowan County, Kentucky (38°23′7″N 83°24′58″W / 38.38528°N 83.41611°W / 38.38528; -83.41611). 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.[2]

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, 4x4, ATVs and even mountain bikes in certain areas can result in equipment confiscation and 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. The movement and addition of 10 miles of trail onto the Kentucky Trail in the Big South Fork in 2019 added 10 miles to the Trace's previous length of 323 miles.

References

  1. ↑ "The Trail".
  2. ↑ Manning, Russ (2000). 100 Trails of the Big South Fork: Tennessee and Kentucky. The Mountaineers Books. p. 204. ISBN 9780898866384.
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