I had the opportunity to share this experience with Lori of The Hike Podcast during an episode recently (S10 E10). Lori is a wonderful host and has sparked enthusiasm for both podcasting as well as hiking.
Lessons Learned on the Sheltowee Trace - May 20, 2025
Start of the Sheltowee Trace, a 343 mile through hike that runs the length of Daniel Boone National Forest
Sheltowee is Shawnee for "Big Turtle" and this guy was the welcoming party
No dogs when I posted up at the shelter
There was a little more presence once I started rehydrating a meal...
Trail blaze for the Sheltowee
First night near Big Tom Brown Branch
Fat Patty's to slowly pan my next miles
Looking out from the pipeline
Rachel (Shortcut), Jon (Reset), and Russ
Thrilled to be filling up water at a reliable source
Charging up while enjoying the lake
Cave Run Lake from the visitor center
"Quaker ladies"
Crossing the dam
The most unique trail blaze I came across
Entering Clear Creek Campground
Trail was indeed flooded, double back to the alternate path
Sawyer Micro
Spring foliage creeping into the shot
Furnace Arch
A national recreation trail
With a few miles on the road
View from KY-77
Navigating some downed trees
1 of many scenic waterfalls
1 of many scenic road miles
Over the scenic road miles
Site off the backside of Bison Way
Fowlers Toad
Steps up Indian Staircase
Looking across the ridge
Pink lady slippers
Another view of Indian Staircase
Scenic road section
Best kind of resupply
Time to dry out from the last 2 days...
I knew the bridge could be out, but mentions of a connecting trail (211) seemed promising
And maybe the bridge isn't too bad
It's not great
The connecting trail offered no better place to cross, and after flagging down an amazing kayaker: she brought my dose of trail magic and ferried my boots and backpack to the other side of the river
I swam across and dried out on the other side
Enjoying a well earned lunch coffee that day
And a peaceful retreat in the evening
Rehydrating taco soup with added rice and noodles
Peaceful trail
Whittleton Arch
Tunnel Ridge Road over the parkway
Celebrated crossing 100 miles at Natural Bridge
Should have seen the trail would be closed sooner
At least I saw the majestic balanced rock
Last night in the national forest
Rooted in this place
Henson's Cave Arch trail
Beneath Natural Bridge
Wild Iris
Exposed rock never fails to please
Soaking in the last morning
Big thanks to the people managing damage in the national forest as well as the state parks
Still not sure what this is...
Natural Bridge
Ski lift adjacent
Cue: dramatic exit
Best. Chocolate. Shake. Ever.
Elevation gain from the stretch of miles I did on the Sheltowee, and with some added trails the trip came in around 109 miles averaging nearly 14 per day
