Thru-Hiker Resources
For the latest information on trail closures, reroutes, alerts, visit the Alerts and Conditions page here.
The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail welcomes a number of visitors with plans to thru-hike and section hike the trail. We know you have questions - first being “How Long is the Trace?” Yes, we know there are conflicting distances in social media and on the web. In 2022 the official distance is 343 miles.
The best resources at this time to help with your hike are the two map sets we sell in the online store and the new guidebook. There are two reroutes that do not appear on the maps. We have posted those reroutes with a pdf file map on the website here at this link. With your purchase of the maps, the pdf sheets will also be included. We highly recommend you download the Trace from the Far Out Guides website. This is the most accurate online mapping resource. In January of 2023 we released a new updated trail guide which can be purchased from the online store here on this webpage.
We try each Spring to update the Q and A’s here. If you can’t find the answer, feel free to contact us by text or phone call at 606 308-0625. The email is director@sheltoweetrace.org.
To help us justify grants and show the land managers the continued rise in visits, we are asking all hikers, day hikers to thru-hikers, mountain bikers, horse trail rides, ATV users, to sign the guest book letting us know your plans. We will not share that information with anyone. By signing in, you will help us continue to protect, preserve and promote the Trace for generations to come. Click the link below to go to the form. Thank you! We appreciate your support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail?
As is the case with most long trails, the distance of the Sheltowee can change each year. In January of each year, after a discussion with our map makers and the land managers, we set the mileage based on trail reroutes and adjustments from the previous year. As of 2023, the number of miles is 343. Plans call for the last section in the Big South Fork NRRA to be completed we hope by Fall of 2024 which will make the distance 354.
Can we build a fire?
Yes and No. Check with the land managers or the STA Facebook page and this webpage for any change to the fire status. During the high-risk time for forest fires, there may be restrictions placed on fire building. Please follow the guidance.
What do the trail towns provide?
We have 5 towns on or near the Trace that have been designated by the Tourism Office of the State of Kentucky as trail towns. Each town has a variety of current services for users and most are looking to develop additional services for users. Each town has someone who can shuttle you into town to a local hotel, restaurant, or to receive medical attention. Current Trace trail towns are: Morehead, McKee, Livingston, London, and Stearns.
How do I arrange a shuttle?
Requests should be made at a minimum of five days before the need for service to allow our volunteer drivers time to plan accordingly.
Commercial shuttle providers are available on the south end of the Trace around Laurel Lake and Cumberland Falls State Park. Across the Trace, we also have a group of volunteer shuttle drivers to assist you with shuttles. In the north, covering the first 60 miles, we have a great group that will help with a shuttle. Contact the STA office if you want the total length of the Trace shuttle.
For reference, visit our shuttle provider page for more information about shuttle providers along the Trace.
Which direction should I thru-hike and how long should it take?
Most start in the North and head south. This enables you to take advantage of the trail towns that are closer together in the North and to limit the amount of food you have to carry in the early days of your hike. How long should it take for me to finish the Trace? How long is relative to your individual abilities. The average is 25 days but the Trace can be done in 21. We encourage you to not make a race of it and take a month to complete your end to end.
What about the availability of water?
First, treat all water. Filter your water for your sake. There are many streams and creeks along the length of the Trace. As you plan your trip, check with online weather sources for current and projected conditions. Visit the STA webpage and Facebook pages for updates on drought conditions and or flood conditions. You will get your feet wet so bring camp shoes that can double as water shoes or just go barefoot across the many streams.
What about cell service?
The best service at this moment is with Verizon. Expect to be able to communicate and post to social media when near towns and up on the hillsides. The Trace runs along several cliff lines near rivers and streams where service is limited.
Where can I camp?
The Daniel Boone is an open forest. You can camp off the Trace 300 feet from the trail. There are existing sites along the Trace that we recommend you go ahead and use to limit the environmental impact on the Trace. The Trace goes through or near several campgrounds (Natural Bridge, Turkeyfoot, S-Tree, Alumn Ford, Great Meadows), some free some a fee. Check the trail guide for details on locations. Please do not camp under rock houses, or cliff lines unless it is an emergency situation like a thunderstorm. Practice "LEAVE NO TRACE" please and pack out what you bring in. Build fires only when authorized and use fire rings.
What about other users?
The Trace is a multi-use trail in several locations. In the Cave Run areas, you will be hiking on trails that are shared with mountain bike users and horse trail riding users. In the Turkeyfoot to S-Tree area the Trace is shared between hikers and ATV's / dirt bikes. In the Big South Fork, you will be on the Trace where parts are shared with Mountain Bikes, and on other sections where you backpack with horse trail riders.
Has anyone biked the entire trail?
Yes. The Trace is not open to biking or horseback riding over the entire designated trail corridor but there are specific sections that are open to those users. You will need to leave the Trace and use local roads to route yourself around and back to the legal sections of the Trace. There is a great video on Youtube covering the entire route they used to bike the Trace.