Officially designated a National Recreation Trail in 1979.

The trail runs 343 miles from the northern boundary of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rowan County, Kentucky to the southern boundary of Big South Fork NRRA in Scott County, Tennessee.

Sheltowee Trace trail markers
 

Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail

The Sheltowee Trace is home to horse riders, ATV riders, and has gradually become a popular trail to thru-hike. The Hiker Challenge keeps the trail busy with backpackers and hikers. There are many who thru-hike and section-hike the trail on their own. The STA provides good resources for their support.

The trail goes through many scenic areas such as Cave Run Lake, Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Park, Laurel Lake, Cumberland Falls State Park, and the Big South Fork Recreation Area.

Interactive map by OutraGIS Mapping

 
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History

The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail was established by the Daniel Boone National Forest in the summer of 1979. Modeled after the growing popularity of the Appalachian Trail, the Trace was designed by Forest Service employee Verne Orndorff to give the user an opportunity to backpack the entire length of the Daniel Boone National Forest. ​

Verne Orndorff, retired Forest Service employee, World War II veteran, poet, and visionary designer and creator of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail passed away on June 8th, 2016. He was 100 years old.