Mapping the Sheltowee

[Lenny Chew]

This is a description of an approximately 75 mile loop hike I took June 1 through June 8.07. It encompassed the Sheltowee Trace, Kentucky Trail and John Muir Trail along with a few side trails to include Hidden Passage, Gobblers Arch, Rock Creek Loop Trail, Tunnel Trail,
I started at the Pickett SP trailhead for of the Hidden Passage loop/Sheltowee Trace. I followed the ST towards Hemlock Grove. Instead of going around to Hemlock Grove, I took the Gobblers Arch Loop taking the Mark Branch Trail NE back to the ST. I ended up at Hemlock Grove anyway as I did not realize I had come off the Mark Branch trail and kept going until I hit the Hemlock Grove picnic area. When I came back down the ST from Hemlock Grove I still could not see the Mark Branch Trail that I had just come off of. Someone had tied a triple pink flag so I assume it was somewhere around there. I followed the ST up to the big Rock Creek crossing with a stop along the way to see Koger Arch. At that time, Rock Creek was pretty low, maybe mid calf to knee deep.

I backtracked and took Wilson Ridge side trail and noticed the BSF red arrow blazes which shows on maps as the beginning of the Kentucky Trail. However none of the signage along this section referred to it as the Kentucky Trail. When I got to the power lines, it was pretty overgrown but I went on south and found the road on the other side. Along this road walk section I kept an eye out for the KY Trail marker where Wilson Ridge rd took a slight bend to the west. There was one carsonite marker denoted “Hiking Trail” which was not too conspicuous, and could have been easily missed if coming the other way. There was another section on this trail between Big Spring and Ledbetter where it ended in a big overgrown meadow and the trail was a bit hard to find on the other side. There was also a road leading out of the meadow which some might confuse as the trail. There was no marker or blaze here. Most of the remainder of the KY trail (denoted “Hiking Trail”) was surprising well signed with BIG signs which were very helpful in helping me keep my bearings on my maps. I did not use a GPS. The section below Blue Heron was immaculately maintained. The span over the river is really cool. Many, maybe most of the intermittent water sources along all the trails were bone dry. The waterfalls were just trickling. Dick Gap Falls was completely dry.

At the end of the Kentucky Trail, I picked up the John Muir Trail. I loaded up with water before I got on that section. This proved to be a good idea as it was a fairly dry section. It was a pleasant hike although a bit warm. Maybe being from Florida helped.
I saw where someone had put up temporary signage for the Chestnut Ridge Trail heading north off JMT. I took the Rock Creek Trail and then the took the western leg of the Hidden Passage loop through the group camp and back to the trailhead at Pickett SP. I also checked out the Tunnel Trail which was pretty neat to see.

My observation is the area near Pickett, there are a lot of trails, with lots of different blazes, some sharing the same tread which makes for a bit of confusion if you are not familiar with the area. I did not see ANY other hikers in the week I was out there. Someone on a horse was a day or less ahead of me on the KY trail south of Ledbetter for awhile. On the JMT, someone was maybe a day ahead of me for awhile.
I am glad I brought my knee gaiters as there were some overgrown sections in Pickett, but also quite a bit on the ST and some on the KY trail. Blow downs were not too bad but I remember a section on the KY Trail north of Blue Heron where there was a series of pretty tough ones. Of the long trail sections I hiked, clearly the John Muir was the most consistently blazed and best maintained.
I did a total of about 80 miles. That would include at least 5 miles of “corrective backtracking”. I really enjoyed this loop hike and the challenges it presented.

[Boyd]

Welcome Lenny and thanks for the trip report.

I think you made one of the better, big loops for backpacking in the Big South Fork. Except for the gravel road section along Divide/Laurel Ridge Road and the tangle of trails around Wilson road, I'd say you hiked on mostly foot trails.

You didn't see another person during your trip and that must have been precious solitude. Unfortunate that the creeks were low from drought, but I'd imagine the Big South Fork river was nice to see along the stretches of the Kentucky Trail.

Boyd

[Lenny Chew]

Boyd, I forgot to mention that the BSF river was really beautiful along the Kentucky Trail and certainly one of the most scenic highlights. The roadwalk along Laurel Ridge road wasn't as "bad" as I anticipated. Being new to your area, the unique rock formations were the most fascinating thing for me. Waterfalls are always nice but there are alot of them in Ga and NC where I have done most of my backpacking.
Lenny

[Bnatural]

I want to do this loop 11/9-18. I will be driving down from Detroit after work Friday.

Will I be able to find maps locally early on a Saturday morning? I would like to hit the trail by lunchtime Sat.

Any advice will be appreciated, this will be my first time in the area.

Thanks, B

[I.B.Me]

Bnatural,
I hope someone got back to you before now but if not...
You can find a rough local map at the ranger station in Pickett state park they open at 8am but I am not sure where to pick up the rest of the maps on short notice.

I have been hiking with pages torn out of the Kentucky atlas and gazeteer but only the Sheltowee is marked on it.

Good luck and if you spot a group of boy scouts on the trail, that would be us.

BTW it is opening of deer season on Saturday so you may want a little orange showing.

Rick

[Boyd]

On your way to Pickett stop at the NPS Bandy Creek Visitor Center and they'll have a few maps available. The rangers there will alert you to any trail conditions.

And as I. B. Me noted, it is rifle season and hunting is allow everywhere except in the most developed areas.

Good luck and tell us how it goes!

[Lenny Chew]

Hey BNatural - I didn't see your post till today. I'd like to hear about your trek when you get back. Hope all goes well.

Lenny