Sheltowee Trace

[Bearpaw]

Hi folks,

I'm new to this forum, but hoped I could get some good word on a hike I'm looking at this summer. I teach and usually work summers in the Rockies, teaching for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). But because of the schedule for my masters, most of my summer has been eaten up with classes. I DO have a 22 day block in late July and early August, and I want to hike the SHeltowee Trace.

I'm trying to find out about resupply options. I'd prefer not to carry more than a week of food at a time.

I've just begun to look at the route in the DeLorme Kentucky topo atlas. I know it goes near some DBNF ranger stations. Any one know if they would hold a mail drop? As for small towns with post offices, and general delivery, they look fairly few and far between. I really only need two or three resupply points and my base pack will be around 10 pounds.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Bearpaw

[SGT Rock]

I've never hiked that area, sorry.

[Salvelinus]

This is a trail journal--of sorts. A little different at times, but has some good info: http://members.tripod.com/thssite/shel2/indx.html

Here is the page on the USFS site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/shelt.htm

And finally, a bit on GORP.com: http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_trail/ky/sheltowe.htm

Good luck to you. I am planning to hike the Sheltowee in sections over the next year or two, but I've heard you need about a month for a thru-hike. Wish I could do that, but the wife said "you're not sticking me with the kids for that long." :bawling:

--Scott

[Bearpaw]

Thanks so much. I routinely do 15-20 mile days on simple 3-day trips I manage every 3 or 4 months. So I imagine three weeks is more than enough to do the trace with a 12-pound base pack.

I AM looking at a few new angles, like using a hammock. But I'm definitely looking to beat the heat as much as I can manage. Good thing I enjoy night hiking..........

[Truckin]

Hey Bearpaw!

Man I wish I had heard of this website sooner....were you able to hike the Trace???? I have started section hiking the Sheltowee and plan to do a week long trip this winter. The STT is in my neck of the woods and I have done a good amount of research on the trail.

I know this is kind of late for your trip (since I am writing this in October) but if you are still interested there is a great website www.sheltoweetrace.com that has pictures, journals, trail descriptions, and full colored minature topos along the whole length of the trail.

Did you get to do your thru hike?