Upcoming Events
Trail Friends & Tall Tales: Greater Cincinnati
We hope our NKY, Cincinnati and Indiana friends will join us for an evening built around one thing: bringing trail people together. We’ll meet at Larosa’s Independence in the Buddy Room, 2047 Harris Pike, Independence, KY 41051 for this pay your own way event. Whether you have hiked miles of the Sheltowee Trace or are just starting to hear about it, this is your chance to learn more about the trail we all love. You will also hear about our yearly Hiker Challenge, and you’ll have alumni of the challenge and board members there to answer any questions you may have.
Space is limited so please RSVP by emailing our Membership Team Leader at nancy.schultz@sheltowee.org.
Rugby Extension Trail Work Day
We Need August 28 Volunteers!
We are really pushing to get this section of the trail finished and the next opportunity to volunteer on the trail extension is August 28, 2026. Use this link to register and help extend the trail!
Rugby-Burnt Mill Bridge Trail Extension
Volunteers are needed to help us with the Rugby-Burnt Mill Extension of the STNRT. Our next workday is Friday, August 28. from 8 am to 4 pm. Volunteers can come in the night before for free camping at Brooks Campground and Store. Hearty breakfast will be served to volunteers before heading out to the trail area. Volunteers will need to complete waivers for the Park Service and the STA which will be available on site. Be prepared for the weather, wear long pants and shirts. bring gloves and wear closed toed shoes. Sorry no pets.
Location: RM Brooks Store, 2830 Rugby Pkwy, Robbins, TN 37852
Date and time: Fri, Aug 28, 2026 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Organizer: Steve Barbour, (606) 308-0625, director@sheltoweetrace.org
Thank you for volunteering to help us complete the extension of the Trace into Rugby on Friday, August 28th from 8 am to 4 pm. Free camping in Thursday night and a free breakfast on Friday morning at Grey Gables Bed and Breakfast. Tools provided.
Trail Friends & Tall Tales: Louisville
After the success of our inaugural Trail Friends & Tall Tales gathering in June, the Sheltowee Trace Association is excited to host another evening of fellowship, stories, and trail camaraderie in Louisville!
Our first event was a tremendous success with a fantastic turnout, and we’re hoping to welcome even more hikers, volunteers, and trail enthusiasts this time. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the Sheltowee Trace or simply curious about the trail, this is a great opportunity to learn more, ask questions, meet fellow hikers, and share your passion for Kentucky’s premier long-distance trail.
We’re especially excited to welcome Lynn Drybrough Morrow as our featured speaker. Lynn has an incredible story that you won’t want to miss. In 2025, she made the bold decision that her very first hike ever would be the Sheltowee Trace Association’s Hiker Challenge, beginning in the Leatherwood Ford section. Her journey is inspiring, entertaining, and a testament to what can happen when you step outside your comfort zone. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could complete the Hiker Challenge, Lynn’s story may be just the encouragement you need.
Now is the perfect time to start preparing for the 2027 Hiker Challenge. If you’ve been thinking about participating, bring a friend who might be interested. They’ll have the opportunity to get their questions answered, meet experienced hikers, and begin building friendships with others who share a love for the outdoors.
Join your host Floyd Schanz on Thursday, September 17, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Roosters, 10430 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Kentucky. We look forward to another evening filled with trail stories, laughter, and new friendships. We hope to see you there!
Rugby Extension Trail Work Day
Rugby-Burnt Mill Bridge Trail Extension on National Public Lands Day
Volunteers are needed to help us with the Rugby-Burnt Mill Extension of the STNRT. Volunteers can come in the night before for free camping at Brooks Campground and Store. Hearty breakfast will be served to volunteers before heading out to the trail area. Volunteers will need to complete waivers for the Park Service and the STA which will be available on site. Be prepared for the weather, wear long pants and shirts. bring gloves and wear closed toed shoes. Sorry no pets.
Location: RM Brooks Store, 2830 Rugby Pkwy, Robbins, TN 37852
Date and time: Sat, Sept 26, 2026 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Please join us for our AUGUST workday and more information will be coming soon for this September workday! We are SO CLOSE!
Membership Hike: Van Hook Falls
Join us for a membership hike to Van Hook Falls in October!
Visit https://sheltoweetrace.org/organizedhikes for more information.
15th Annual Gathering & Annual Meeting
Come one come all for the 15th Annual Gathering and Annual Membership Meeting!
You’re invited to join us as we celebrate the Hiker Challenge Class of 2026 and their remarkable accomplishments.
A Silent Auction will take place and the online store will also be onsite where you can purchase a lot of the great Sheltowee Trace items you see online.
This is a potluck event held at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset KY. Everyone brings a dish and we get to try delicious food from all across Kentucky and our neighboring states. The meat dish and drinks are provided by the STA.
The Gathering is open to the public but we ask participants to register. More information and a registration link will be provided as this event gets closer.