Events
Havasu Falls Field Trip
Havasu Falls Backpacking Adventure
Havasu Falls is an amazing, magical place and we had a great field trip there last year. The STA has been able to secure permits for this coming October to return!! Tali Hunt and Matthew Clements will serve as guide leaders. There are 11 spots available for this bucket list trip October 19- 24. The cost this year will be $850. This is higher than last year partly due to Havasupai increasing their fees, and partly to prevent logistical difficulties that were encountered last year.
Because of the level of interest in this trip these spots will be available by lottery. The sign up window for the lottery will be open May 1-5 ONLY. It will close on May 5 at 10 pm. There is no cost to enter, but you must be an active member of the Sheltowee Trace Association.
Every name that comes in during that time will have an equal chance of being chosen. Once this window closes, names will be randomly selected for one of the eleven open spots on May 6th. All names will continue to be drawn, with subsequent names placed on a wait list in numerical order (wait list #1, #2, etc). If you are one of the 11 people chosen, a deposit of $400 deposit will be due by May 15; If your deposit is not paid by May 15, your spot will be opened to the first person on the waitlist.
LOTTERY REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1ST AND ENDS MAY 5TH
Intro to Backpacking - Big South Fork
May 31-June 2 Guide Tali Hunt Big South Fork area Fee $75, $50 for STA members. Limit 8 participants. Registration opens April 20th.
Location: Sheltowee Trace in the Big South Fork. Meet at Bandy Creek Visitor Center
Dates: May 31-June 2
Length: 3-day/2 Night
Cost:$75, $50 for STA members
Difficulty Description: Beginner
Overview
This weekend course is designed for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who have little or no overnight camping experience in a mountain or wilderness environment. By the end of the weekend, students will have acquired the skills to plan and carry out an enjoyable multi-day backpacking trip using established trails and campsites, and will have a foundation upon which to build more advanced wilderness skills.
Meet at Bandy Creek Visitor Center on Friday, May 31 at 2pm.
The afternoon will be spent in instruction about backpacking, how to pack your pack and pack shakedowns. We’ll leave some cars here and carpool others down to Leatherwood Ford. We’ll camp just south of the bridge to test out our gear and practice backcountry procedures.
Saturday, June 1: We will get an early start from Leatherwood Ford to allow us plenty of time to get used to full packs and to “lollygag”. We’ll start out along the Cumberland river and then climb up to the Angel Falls Overlook where we will take a long lunch break and enjoy the views. We’ll then journey on to a backcountry campsite where we will practice setting up camp, gathering water, cooking dinner, and other camp chores with an eye to LNT principles. We will also talk about how to plan a backpacking trip on your own. We’ll also review some other hikes in the region to help us learn map reading skills that can help us in planning day or overnight hikes About 6 miles hiking
Sunday, June 2: We have a nice leisurely morning today to enjoy breakfast, camp coffee, and practice breaking camp before heading down the trail back to Bandy Creek campground. We’ll take a mid-morning break for photo ops at one of the Big South Fork’s famous Rock Houses before continuing on to our waiting cars. We only have about 4 miles total today. Once we retrieve cars from Leatherwood, you may want to stick around the area and explore some of the trails at Pogue Creek Canyon, Pickett State Park, or Twin Arches. We will use these trails to talk about trip planning on Sat night and if you have time before heading home, you can test your map reading and timing skills while seeing some really beautiful country!
STA Member Exclusive at Blair Creek Resort
Hey there, STA Members! 🌄🏞️ Get set for an epic weekend, May 10 - 12, filled with camping and hiking in the stunning Big South Fork. 🏕️🥾 But guess what? This time, we're blazing a new trail – not on the Sheltowee, but right through the gorgeous Big South Fork itself!
Sign up at the link will open April 1st.
Springer Mountain - Neels Gap AT Hike
Appalachian Trail: Georgia!! April 18-22 Guide: Beth Monarch limit 7 participants. Registration Opens On March 18th.
Springer Mountain (the southern terminus) to Neels Gap/Mountain Crossing about 33 miles
Active STA membership and backpacking experience (like Hiker Challenge, etc) required.The Georgia section of the AT has many sustained climbs and descents, so although the daily planned mileage is low, this is still a moderately difficult itinerary.
Thursday, 4/18/2024- Leave Lexington by 7:30 am, participants will drive their own cars or carpool to Byron Reese Parking lot where we meet the shuttle at 3:30pm. . It's a 5 hr 36 minute drive according to Google maps. Leaving time for lunch and gas stops. It takes 1 1/5 hours to drive to Springer Mtn. trailhead, putting us there by about 5:00p. Hike up to Springer Mtn. and then to Shelter and set up camp for the night. Sunset is 8:11 pm on this day, so this would give plenty of time for hike up and complete camp chores. 1.2 mile hike to Springer Trailhead and then shelter. Shelter, tent sites, water source, food hanging cables, and privy available.
Friday, 4/19/2024- Visit the Southern Terminus and first/last AT blaze, then Hike Springer Mountain to Hawk Mtn. Shelter. Shelter, tent sites, water source, food hanging cables, and privy available. Might need to camp in tent sites .8 miles prior to shelter. 8.1 mile hike (unless in tent sites, then 7.3 miles)
Saturday, 4/20/2024- Hike Hawk Mtn. Shelter to Gooch Mtn. Shelter. Shelter, water, tent sites, privy, and food hanging cables available. 7.6 Mile hike (or 8.4 if camped in tent sites the night before)
Sunday, 4/21/2024- Hike Gooch Mtn. Shelter to Lance Creek Restoration area. Tent sites, water, and food hanging cables available. 8.2 mile hike There is a shelter in 3.3 more miles, but bear canisters are required between Lance Creek and Neels Gap. If someone needs to exit the hike or needs to leave on Sunday, Woody Gap would be the place to do so. Above the Clouds Hostel is close by and can shuttle for a fee or leave a car there for anyone who knows ahead of time that they'll need to leave on Sunday.
Monday, 4/22/2024- Hike Lance Creek Restoration area to Neels Gap* 7.4 miles. This day includes a hike over the famous Blood Mountain, with beautiful views (weather permitting)
*Neel Gap is the only place the AT crosses under a building. It is an outfitter specializing in AT gear. Also offers showers, restroom, microwave foods, snacks, and cold drinks. The Byron Reece Parking area is a short walk downhill from Neel’s Gap back to the cars, drive home.
Total miles hiked 31.3.... not counting first night to Springer Shelter from trailhead
Cost: $175 which includes the shuttle from the trailhead. (Getting TO the trailhead from home and back is on your own) tip for the shuttle driver, and a donation to the STA to offset the cost and time of planning/organizing field trip excursions. Beth will provide instruction about how to use FarOut on the AT, lots of AT lore and culture and tips for planning your own hikes in the area. There will still be many thru hiker hopefuls starting out this time of year, so you’re sure to meet some folks you can follow on the socials and root along the way!
Intro to Backpacking
Intro to Backpacking: March 22-24 Guide Brian Buelterman. Morehead area Fee $75 public, $50 for STA members Limit 8 participants. Registration required. See link below.
Beginning Backpacking and Wilderness Skills
An introductory weekend backpacking trip designed for people with little or no overnight camping experience in the wilderness. Set in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this course covers equipment selection, navigation, meal planning and cooking, and campsite selection.
Location: Sheltowee Trace Northern Terminus (Near Morehead, KY)
Dates: March 22 - 24
Length: 3-day/2 Night
Cost:$75, $50 for STA members
Difficulty Description: Beginner
Overview
This weekend course is designed for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who have little or no overnight camping experience in a mountain or wilderness environment. By the end of the weekend, students will have acquired the skills to plan and carry out an enjoyable multi-day backpacking trip using established trails and campsites, and will have a foundation upon which to build more advanced wilderness skills.
For this hike we will meet at 2pm at the Northern Terminus of the Sheltowee Trace and shuttle back to Holly Fork trail crossing, then hike 2.5 miles to our camp site for the night. On Saturday we will pack up and hike to the historic Hickory Flats Fire Tower (approximately 7 miles) where we will camp and you can climb to the top for a spectacular view. Sunday morning we will hike to the Northern Terminus, approximately 6 miles.
Skills covered at camp and doing the hike in this course will include:
Equipment selection and packing
Fundamentals of navigation
Meal planning and cooking
Water treatment and approaches to hydration
Selection and safe operation of backpacking stoves
Food storage and caching strategies
Leave No Trace principles
Construction of a comfortable, low-impact campsite
How to go to the bathroom in the outdoors
And many, many other backcountry skills
Click this Link to Register Today: Intro to Backpacking Registration HERE
Rugby Workday - May 11
Volunteers are needed for our work extending the Trace into Rugby from Burnt Mill on May 11. The work is moderately strenuous, and you must be able to hike in with the crew carrying small tools. Dress for the weather; hiking shoes are necessary, and bring work gloves too. Wednesday night free camping at Brooks Store. Thursday breakfast provided.
More details are at the signup link below.
Thanks for your help.
Northern Terminus Hike
April 29
Northern Terminus Hike
TOTAL LENGTH: 9 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 4-5 hours
Hike the first section of the Sheltowee Trace, ending at the Northern Terminus, led by Elizabeth Matera. Lovely ridge top forest, ending in a ravine that usually boasts plentiful spring wildflowers.
This hike will be on April 29, from Dry Branch Rd to the Northern Terminus. Let Elizabeth Matera at crlc@sheltoweetrace.org know if you are interested, and she will provide further details and directions. You'll have a chance the week before to confirm whether you want to come.
(Those who have already expressed interest will be getting more info shortly.)
11th Annual Gathering
The event brings members and friends of the STA together to honor the achievements of the members of the Class of 2022. This year's event will be held in Frankfort Kentucky at the Tin Woof Inn Arena, 110 Northgate Dr.
As is our tradition, the Gathering is a potluck affair with music provided this year by Ma Crow and Company. All are welcome, there is no charge to attend. You do not have to be a member of a hiker challenge or end to ender class to attend. We encourage you to register early and select the dish you will bring to the Gathering. The STA will provide the meat dish.
Remember, to avoid waste, prepare for you and your family (guest) and one other. There will be enough food for everyone and we want to limit the leftovers at the end of the night. Drinks are provided or are available for purchase. We ask you to bring eating utinsils (knife, fork, spoon) to help us reduce the environmental impact on the night. The online store will be onsite and you can purchase merchandise there. You can save time by purchasing your gifts and memorbilia in advance from the webpage online link and marking it for pick up. Volunteers are needed to help set up the arena for the Gathering at 2:30 on December 3rd. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Fall Hike - December 3
White Sulphur Loop
We will start in the bottom land near the White Sulphur Horse Camp, travel across the beautiful hillside trail to the top of the ridge, and glimpse a few vistas through the bare trees, including a nice view of the lake. The hike covers three miles of the Sheltowee, with Cave Run Trail 115 completing the rest of the 6-mile loop.
TOTAL LENGTH: 6 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 3-4 hours, with a snack break halfway
If you are interested in this hike, write Elizabeth at crlc@sheltoweetrace.org with your name, phone, and which hike you’re interested in joining. She will send you the final details and check back the week beforehand to confirm your participation.
Fall Hike - October 29-30
Cave Run Loop Overnight Hike
Join us for a moderate 15-mile hike, 7-8 miles each day, that takes us down the Buck Creek Trail, up to the Tater Knob Fire Tower, across the ridge on the Cave Run Trail, and back to the Sheltowee via the Buckskin Trail. We’ll enjoy lovely creek ravines, ridge-top views of the lake, and a stretch of lakeside trail.
TOTAL LENGTH: 15 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 4-5 hours each day, finishing around lunchtime on Sunday
If you are interested in this hike, write Elizabeth at crlc@sheltoweetrace.org with your name, phone, and which hike you’re interested in joining. She will send you the final details and check back the week beforehand to confirm your participation.
Fall Hike - October 8
Amburgey Rock to Cave Run Lake
This moderate hike features views of Morehead from atop Amburgey Rock and great vistas of Cave Run Lake toward the end of the hike.
LENGTH: 7 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 3-4 hours
If you are interested in this hike, write Elizabeth at crlc@sheltoweetrace.org with your name, phone, and which hike you’re interested in joining. She will send you the final details and check back the week beforehand to confirm your participation.
Save the Date – September 24
Save the date to help work on the Rugby extension on Saturday, September 24. Camping on Friday will be at Brooks Campground in Rugby, TN. More details will be posted closer to the event.
Reach out to Steve Barbour at director@sheltoweetrace.org with any questions.
Fall Hike - September 24
Rodburn Park to Eagle Lake
Join us for a moderate 6-mile hike starting at beautiful Rodburn Park, climbing the ridge to the Trace, and following it around to Eagle Lake. There are several steep ridgetop hills rewarded with a few vistas and a really pretty, open forest.
TOTAL LENGTH: 6 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 3-4 hours
If you are interested in this hike, write Elizabeth at crlc@sheltoweetrace.org with your name, phone, and which hike you’re interested in joining. She will send you the final details and check back the week beforehand to confirm your participation.
Of note, if you have the whole day or weekend to spend in this area, the Cave Run Storytelling Festival is also held this same weekend. See their website for more information.
Photo by Lisa Vagts
Honey Creek Loop Hike
We'll hike the Honey Creek Loop Trail in the Big South Fork National Recreational Area (BSF) in Tennessee. The National Park Service describes this trail as "the most challenging trail in Big South Fork. Along with the challenge come rewards for the hiker with the time and stamina to undertake the trip. The trail is 5.5 miles in length but requires extra time. Even experienced hikers should allow a minimum of 5 hours to complete this strenuous hike. Hazards include steep narrow trail sections, numerous creek crossings, slick boulders and confusing trail junctions. This hike is not recommended immediately following heavy rainfall..."
At one point the trail follows the creek by climbing through a small waterfall (depending on water levels). Wear hiking shoes and bring water shoes for creek crossings, a towel, and extra socks. It's a smart idea to have dry clothes in your vehicle that you can change into after the hike.
Distance: 5.5 challenging miles.
Where: We will meet at 9:00 a.m. eastern time at the Honey Creek Trailhead. View on Google Maps
What to bring: Water, Lunch, and Snacks.
Trail Days #3 Cave Run Lake Chapter Workday
Volunteers are needed for June 4th workday with the Cave Run Lake Chapter of the STA. Work will be on the Trace within the first 60 miles of the Trace. To volunteer is easy. Just text the words Trails Day #3 and your name to 606-308-0625. More details will be sent to those who register. Work can be strenuous but very rewarding. You should dress for the weather and for working in the woods. Bring drink container and snacks. Some trail magic may appear. Never know.
Trail Days #2 - Wilson Ridge / Rock Creek Trail Clearing / Sign Installing
Volunteers are needed on June 4th for National Trail Days event on the Sheltowee Trace at Wilson Ridge and Rock Creek. Two teams of volunteers are needed to run a weed eater along the Trace from Old Yamacraw Bridge to Rock Creek and a second team to install new signs on Wilson Ridge, check blazing on the new trail down to Rock Creek. A total of 5 to 7 volunteers are needed to get this important work done. To volunteer just text your name and the phrase Trail Days #2 to 606 308 0625. Meet up at 9:00 at two different locations. More information will be sent out to volunteers.
Jason Burton, hangs a blaze on the Trace.
You can help by joining the Cumberland River Trail Crew for some trail maintenance on June 4th - National Trail Days!
Trail Days #1 Mouth of Laurel Workday
Western KY Trail Crew invites you to join them on June 4th- National Trail Days - for a day of trail clearing at Mouth of the Laurel, and the high-water route to Bark Camp Creek. For those who are looking to add more excitement to the weekend, the plan is to hike on to Bark Camp Shelter for the night and then hike on to Dog Slaughter Falls on Sunday where you will get picked up and returned to your cars at Mouth of the Laurel. There is no charge for this event. For more information and to volunteer for this National Trail Days event, text your name and the phrase “Trail Days 1 - Mouth of Laurel” to 606 308 0625.
Furnace Arch Hike
Join us for a 6-7-mile hike featuring the beautiful “Furnace” Arch and other spectacular bluff views.
Participants will park at Clear Creek Picnic Area and be shuttled to a point further south in Menifee County.
Reply to the email below if you are interested in coming. See the below document for more information.
2022 First Day Hike to Princess Falls - Lick Creek Falls
Start the New Year off with a hike? Yes, absolutely. Join our STA experienced guides Sally Watson and Jennifer Norton on a hike to Princess and Lick Creek Falls. This 3 mile hike out to the falls is open to everyone and is consider a moderately difficult hike. Many hike on past this turn off and never experience the amazing beauty of these two falls that are near each other. Dress for the weather, bring water, snacks. Plan on 3.5 to 4 hours. Text your name and the number in your group to 606-308-0625 and add the words "Princess Falls" so we know which hike your on. Meet up is at 10:00 Eastern time at the Yamacraw trail head just off Highway 92.
Furnace Arch Hike
FURNACE ARCH HIKE - A December tradition, back after three years!
Join us for a 6-7-mile hike featuring the beautiful “Furnace” Arch and other spectacular bluff views, which should be especially outstanding in December.
Participants will park at Clear Creek Picnic Area and be shuttled to a point further south in Menifee County.
Reply to crlc@sheltoweetrace.org if you are interested in coming. See attached document for more information.
DATE: Saturday, December 11
ARRIVAL TIME: 8:45 am
SHUTTLE DEPARTURE TIME: 9 am
PARKING AND SHUTTLE DEPARTURE POINT: Clear Creek Picnic Area
LENGTH OF HIKE: 6-7 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 3 - 4 hours, including rest breaks and lunch
Hope to see you on the trail!
White Sulphur Loop
WHITE SULPHUR LOOP
Our next hike will be the White Sulphur Loop Hike. We will start in the bottom land near the White Sulphur Horse Camp, travel across a beautiful hillside trail to the top of the ridge, and glimpse a few vistas through the trees, including a nice view of the lake. The hike covers three miles of the Sheltowee, with Cave Run Trail 115 completing the rest of the 6-mile loop.
DATE: Saturday, October 9
TIME: 9 am
HIKE START: White Sulphur Horse Camp
TOTAL LENGTH: 6 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 3-4 hours, with a snack break halfway
To RSVP, send a message to Elizabeth at crlc@sheltoweetrace.org.
Rugby to Burnt Mill Bridge Trail Work - September 25th, 2021
Fall is here - almost and we are cleared to get back to work, finishing the new section of the Trace from Rugby to Burnt Mill Bridge. A workday is set for September 25th and we need 20 to 30 volunteers, the STA Army to come join us around the campfire and on the Trace.
Here are the details:
Dress for the predicted weather. Gloves are a must. Good strong shoes are a must. Long sleeves and long pants are highly recommended. Tick prevention measures should be taken.
Coming on Friday. We have reserved campsites with power and sites in the big field on soft grass for those who are coming in Friday night Check-in at Brooks Store - west outside Rugby about 1 mile. Anytime after 5, please. Tiffany will tell you where you can camp. No fee. We cover the cost.
Need some food. Tiffany makes some great food so instead of stopping at some fast-food place, get down to Rugby and have her make you a burger or bologna and cheese. Amazing. And she can make you a sack lunch for Saturday.
Safety Briefing. Friday night, September 24th, at 7:30 we will meet in the large dining room in Brooks store for the required safety briefing and signing of release forms. If you have worked with us in 2021and have completed the STA and BSF forms, you do not have to complete them again but you do need to attend the safety briefing. If you have not yet filled out those forms, they are linked here: Release of liability form, and Big South Fork Volunteer Agreement.
Saturday Breakfast - 7:00 to 8:15. Tiffany and her staff will have an amazing breakfast ready for you, at no charge.
Saturday Lunch - Tiffany can make you a sack lunch, or you can bring your own. You will be working in an isolated area so getting out for lunch is impossible. You should also have your own drink (s). We will send water jugs in but you may have to hike back to get them. A water filter is helpful as you will be near the creek.
Saturday Meet Up - 8:30 we will meet at Brooks Store and carpool - caravan to Joe's Branch where you will park. Parking is limited so please share. This will shorten your hike into the worksite. You will need to be able to hike at least 2 miles carrying light trail tools in an up a steep hill coming out.
Tools will be provided. Please make sure all the tools that go out come back.
End of Day - Around 3:00 to 4:00, or when the BSF staff say, the day will end. All tools will need to be accounted for, and all volunteers go through a post workday briefing before you leave for home when you get back to your car.
Injuries - If you get injured, let the STA trail crew leader and the NPS staff know right away.
Youth 12 & up accompanied by a parent are eligible to participate.
This is once in a lifetime opportunity to build a trail that will be in place for generations to come. Thanks so much for volunteering and helping us see this new section added to the Trace and the JMT. If you have questions or concerns, plans change please let us know. Our contact information is below.
Steve Barbour, Executive Director, STA Cell: 606-308-0625
Chuck Nicholson STA Trail Crew Leader, Cell: 865-405-7948
Wilson Ridge Trail Reroute September 18th.
Wilson Ridge Reroute Workdays - September 16th and 18th
RED RIVER GORGE HIKE
Join us in the Gorge on the Menifee County Line at the suspension bridge over the Red River. We will head north from that spot with two options for the day. We will once again offer a wildflower walk to see the spectacular array that mid-April offers us each year. Again, this walk will likely be at least 2-3 miles total out and back from the suspension bridge area. For a more vigorous outing, we'll take hikers on an 8-mile out-and-back up the bluff and past several spectacular natural features.
DATE: Saturday, April 17
TIME: 10 am
HIKE START: Suspension bridge, Red River Gorge
TOTAL LENGTH: 2-3 or 8 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 2-3 or 4-5 hours
Dog Branch to Pine Creek Church
Hikers should meet up at 9:30 am at Pine Creek Church off Pine Creek Church road in the Daniel Boone. Hikers will be shuttle around to the trailheads at Big Dog Branch Road and walk the 3.5 miles back to Pine Creek Church. Participants should dress for the predicted weather, wear sturdy shoes, carry a snack and some water, and come ready to have some fun along the Sheltowee. Registration opens 14 days before the hike. Hikes are free.
WILDFLOWER WALK AT HOLLY FORK
Explore a bounty of early wildflowers in the woods north and south of Holly Fork Road in Rowan County. This will be a very leisurely walk with an expert with stops to admire and learn about different plants. We will somewhat play this day by ear and start off with a walk south of Holly Fork, then venture north on the trail if hikers are still interested in further exploration.
DATE: Saturday, March 27
TIME: 10 am
HIKE START: Holly Fork Road
TOTAL LENGTH: 2-4 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 2-4 hours
Postponed: Rugby to Burnt Mill Extension, March 27th
Update: postponed till April 10th
Save the date for two days of trailblazing in March. We will be on the trail Saturday, March 20, and Saturday, March 27, extending the Sheltowee Trace further into Rugby, TN. You can plan to camp at the RMBrooks Store , where there will be restrooms and showers. Volunteers can expect to be on the trail from 9 am to 4 pm with breakfast and lunch provided.
More information coming at a later date. We hope you will join us, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Rugby to Burnt Mill Extension, March 20th
Save the date for two days of trailblazing in March. We will be on the trail Saturday, March 20, and Saturday, March 27, extending the Sheltowee Trace further into Rugby, TN. You can plan to camp at the RMBrooks Store , where there will be restrooms and showers. Volunteers can expect to be on the trail from 9 am to 4 pm with breakfast and lunch provided.
More information coming at a later date. We hope you will join us, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Caney Loop
Start at Stoney Cove and hike the Sheltowee on the shore of Cave Run Lake. We will offer two options on this hike, a four-mile out-and-back hike or the full 8-mile loop with the "old Sheltowee."
TOTAL LENGTH: 4 miles or 8.5 miles
ESTIMATED TIME: 2-3 or 4-5 hours
Vanhook Falls Group Hike
Hikers should meet up at 10:00 am at the parking lot (trailhead) on Highway 192 about 14 miles west of London. The hike is hosted by STA End 2 Enders, Kelly and Jason Burton. Open to everyone upon registration, this 2-mile hike to the falls is a very special, almost mystic hike along the Sheltowee. The hike is 4 miles round trip.
Participants should dress for the predicted weather, wear sturdy shoes, carry a snack and some water, and come ready to have some fun along the Sheltowee.
More details can be found on the Laurel Lake Chapter’s Facebook Event Page.
Registration is requested and all participants must have a 2021 waiver on file.