KY > Shelttowee Section Hike from Southern Terminus

**Broken Halo** · 03-17-2015, 19:26

I am planning my first section of the Sheltowee. I plan on starting at the new(est) southern terminus at Burnt Mill Bridge and go the Whitely. If my estimate is correct, that will be a total of about 84 miles.

For those familiar with that section, is it reasonable to do that in 5-6 days? I was thinking I could do 15 mi/day average without any problem barring any major navigation issues. But, I've read some that you should only plan 10 mi/day.

**Rain Man** · 03-17-2015, 19:50

That depends more on you than on the trail. How many miles do you normally backpack on similar trails? Also depends on weather, season, time of year, number of daylight hours, and so forth.

The Sheltowee is neither hard nor easy. I'd say 10-15 miles per day is a safe bet for normal hikers.

**Broken Halo** · 03-17-2015, 20:44

Well, I'm not exactly familiar with the trails in that area. I assume they are no more difficult than trail in Red River Gorge and Rockcastle Narrows. So, 15/day would be reasonable. I'm thinking with 12 hours of daylight I shouldn't have an issue., even if I take breaks.

**Boston** · 03-17-2015, 21:58

Make sure you have a map and compass with you. My biggest problem with the Sheltowee so far (starting at the northern terminus) has been poor blazing at intersections, and along the road portions. Map really comes in handy when your not sure which way to go!

15 miles a day is definitely reasonable for this trail, as long as you know your body can do it.

**Broken Halo** · 03-18-2015, 08:11

Thanks Boston. I have the Nat Geo map for the the 1st part from Burnt Mill to where the trail joins the original ST (John Muir Trl). I also have the outrageGIS maps and the Thru-hiker's Guide to the ST. I've heard some of the turns and road sections are difficult to navigate. I'm hoping with the maps & guide we won't have a problem. I see outrageGIS also has GPS downloads you can buy. But, with the maps I was thinking I wouldn't need this.

I'm really excited for this trip. I've wanted to start hiking the ST & get to BSF and this will accomplish both. This will also be the longest backpacking trip have done.

**scoffman** · 03-18-2015, 09:55

Go to sheltoweetrace.com and you can look at their interactive maps, and download their topo. PDFs. I will be section hiking from I75 down to Cumberland falls starting march 28. Its only 45 miles but I am old and fat and plan on hiking 8 miles a day average.

**Ashe** · 03-18-2015, 14:35

so the Trace starts in BSF now and not Pickett? the Pickett/Rock Creek sections seems to be just a offshoot now looking at sheltoweetrace.com. anyway, I can attest for most of the BSF section of the Trace... not too many difficult sections. you'll have a big climb up to Grand Gap but I didn't find it too tough. you'll dip in and out of Laurel Fork, but the climb out on Blackhouse wasn't tough. it's a horse trail that's pretty well graded, and very pretty.

your biggest slowdown in these sections will be creek fords, but nothing major until crossing Laurel Fork and then several on Station Camp.

it just occurred to me... sheltoweetrace.com says the southern end is at Leatherwood Ford. Burnt Mill Bridge is south of Honey Creek Loop, right? is there actually a connector from Honey Creek over to O&W Bridge and Leatherwood Ford? or are you just gonna off-trail it?

if that's the case, that section of Honey Creek is rugged. expect to be in and out of the creek, at times in a box canyon that's going to be impassible in high water.

would you let me know about that? I'd love to know if they actually built a connector trail. they were supposed to link-up that disjointed southern section of the John Muir Trail with the rest of it, but ran into private property issues.

**Broken Halo** · 03-18-2015, 15:10

Originally Posted by Ashe

so the Trace starts in BSF now and not Pickett? the Pickett/Rock Creek sections seems to be just a offshoot now looking at sheltoweetrace.com. anyway, I can attest for most of the BSF section of the Trace... not too many difficult sections. you'll have a big climb up to Grand Gap but I didn't find it too tough. you'll dip in and out of Laurel Fork, but the climb out on Blackhouse wasn't tough. it's a horse trail that's pretty well graded, and very pretty.

your biggest slowdown in these sections will be creek fords, but nothing major until crossing Laurel Fork and then several on Station Camp.

it just occurred to me... sheltoweetrace.com says the southern end is at Leatherwood Ford. Burnt Mill Bridge is south of Honey Creek Loop, right? is there actually a connector from Honey Creek over to O&W Bridge and Leatherwood Ford? or are you just gonna off-trail it?

if that's the case, that section of Honey Creek is rugged. expect to be in and out of the creek, at times in a box canyon that's going to be impassible in high water.

would you let me know about that? I'd love to know if they actually built a connector trail. they were supposed to link-up that disjointed southern section of the John Muir Trail with the rest of it, but ran into private property issues.

Thanks for the info.

Yes, the ST and JM have been extended to Burnt Mill (later part of 2014). I have maps for everything except the new small connector (just north of Honey Creek).

**Ashe** · 03-18-2015, 15:59

well, how about that. I just checked the park's website and they have all the maps updated. oh baby, that's exciting.... been looking for an excuse to get back to Honey Creek... definitely one of the best hikes on the Plateau.