Mapping the Sheltowee

[Drift Woody]

This weekend or next (March 26 or April 2) I'm planning to hike south on ST from Clear Creek at Cave Run Lake, most of the way to Route 1274 (probably no farther than the rock quarry), then camp overnight before heading back the way I came. I'm unfamiliar with this trail, but have a pretty good description of it in Jerrell Goodpaster's book Cave Run Trail Guide.

The only water source mentioned is a spring behind an old collapsed building approx 6 trail miles south of Clear Creek, a little south of the USFS forest boundary. On the OutrageGis map, this appears to be where the ST takes a 90* turn east along a minor road for a short distance before turning south off the road to head uphill. Where the ST first meets this road, turning to the west instead along this road will eventually lead to Road 920. From the intersection with ST, the minor road follows along a stream that eventually empties into Richardson Branch.

Questions about water sources:
1. Is there a reliable spring behind the old collapsed building?
2. Is there water in the stream that borders the road leading to 920?

Since I'll be camping overnight, I need to know if water is available or if I need to carry all I'll need for 2 days of hiking plus meals. I have a water filter.

Questions about campsites:
3. Is it OK to camp on private land south of the USFS boundary?
4. Can you suggest good places to camp in this area?

Question about off-trail exploration:
5. Are there any special areas (bluffs, rockhouses, etc) to explore that are not visible from the trail? Sometimes not all the highlights of an area are readily apparent from the trail ... you either have to extensively explore every possible off-trail route (which I won't have the time or energy to do) or some fellow hiker who's been there before can share the location of these hidden gems.

I greatly appreciate any helpful answers to these questions.

Thanks,
DW

[jbd]

I don't have the book that you mentioned but my sister and I hiked through that area last fall. I have no info on any spring. We filled up with water, via the creek, near the 45 mile mark on the interactive map. From there I don't recall any water being available again until we got on Clifton Road which is off KY 1274 south of where you are going to be.

Once you make the climb just south of Clear Creek you are mostly on high ground until you come to KY 1274. Have you looked at the downloadable maps #26 and #27?

BTW welcome to the boards and where in the 'burbs Chicago are you? I grew up in Downers Grove.

[Drift Woody]

Hi jbd,

I have the OutrageGIS maps for Cave Run Lake, which includes the ST south to 1274. Based on that map, if there is no spring behind the old building it looks like I can get water not far east of ST along the road I described. I'll take a look at the downloadable maps you mentioned, to see if the features are the same as what I have.

It's a small world. I grew up on the edge of Chicago near Midway Airport, but have been living in Downers Grove for the last 25 years (an unincoprprated area on Hobson Rd just west of I-355). Several years ago while backpacking in North Carolina's Shining Rock Wilderness my buddy and I encountered two gentlemen 70 years old on the way up to Cold Mountain. One of them used to live less than a mile from where I now reside.


Thanks for the reply,
DW

[Traildust]

Welcome.

Water in this section is sparse. Best fill up at Clear Creek. Depending on weather you might find some pooled or on a downhill. This section, once you climb out of Clear Creek is up on a ridge line. When you get to FS road 906 and FR 912, if you are in need of water or assistance you can go to the right at maybe 2 o'clock and a mile and half down that FS road you will come down the hill to Journeys End Lodge. they are great folks, hotel style location and they have water. Not a direct right but a slight right almost in front of you. About 9 miles until you get water right before 1274.

Natural Arch is right on the trail before you get to the FS road. There are multipe view points depending on tree growth.

Campsites are plentyful. Depends on how far you want to hike. You can camp before you hit Natural Arch just past a spot where the trail goes through a couple large rocks.

Try to camp off the trail regardless of where you stop. The further in the better. In this area, you should have no problem camping on private property.

Carrington Rock is also along this trail, but it is on private property I think.