Mapping the Sheltowee

Flying Eagle

Five of us are planning a north to south 70 mile hike beginning either May 24 or 25 of this year. We will be hiking from US 27 south to the visitor's center at Bandy Creek. My thought was to place one vehicle at the visitor's center and the other at Cumberland Falls campground and find someone to haul us to the trail on US 27.

Questions: Can one leave a vehicle safely at these two locations for a week? Does anyone know of trail angels in this area available and willing to transport us from Cumberland to the trail for a donation?

It's four months away but I'd like to nail down those details as soon as possible.

Thanks for your help.

Flying Eagle

Flying Eagle · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:44 pm Post subject:

A number of lookers but no takers. Thought I'd get some response. Crying or Very sad

But no matter. For future reference to those of you who may be in a similar situation, I was able to locate a shuttle. Very Happy

Sheltowee Trace Outfitters just past Cumberland Falls Park will provide the shuttle service I will need from Bandy Creek to US 27 where the trace crosses the highway.

Chilton · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

Sorry Eagle I haven't had much experience with that area.

rootman · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject: Shuttles

If you are taking two cars you can leave one at Bandy and the other at Cumberland Falls (register it at the lodge). Then Sheltowee Trace will take you to the trailhead on Hwy 27 from Cumberland Falls for about $25.
Make sure you get a BSF backcountry permit at Bandy or from Sheltowee Trace Outfitters. Remind them to bring one when they pick you up. The car is left at the Cumberland Falls parking lot, not the campground.

Another option for the end of your hike is Pickett State Park instead of Bandy. Head west along Station Camp Creek (several nice campsites), visit Charit Creek Lodge, then continue out to Pickett. If you are taking one car you can leave it at Pickett and Sheltowee Trace will pick you up.

Flying Eagle · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks to the two of you. Plans are under way and a log will be submitted. We have only a week which is why Bandy Creek is our end. Most of the others are not seasoned hikers and have not seen any of BSF, so I figured 70 miles in 6-7 days would be good enough for this year. I've got to retire though. Work gets in the way of backpacking, and sailing, and time with the grandkids, and trips to Alaska, and trips to Tennessee, and skiing, and backpacking, and ..........