Sheltowee Trace

Route overview

A multi-stage route through Kentucky and Tennessee, with highlights including Daniel Boone National Forest, sandstone arches, rivers, Cumberland Plateau.

Sheltowee Trace gives hikers a structured way to experience Kentucky and Tennessee over several days. The route is best approached as a staged hike, with planning attention on permits, accommodation, weather, navigation and daily distance. For BuddieHikes, it is a strong candidate because the trail is long enough or remote enough to benefit from a hiking partner, while still being understandable as a clear route objective.

Sheltowee Trace is a 530 km hiking route through Kentucky and Tennessee, suited to hikers who want forest, gorge and plateau hiking terrain and a clear multi-day objective.

Trail facts

Country

United States

Region

Kentucky and Tennessee

Distance

530 km

Typical duration

3–5 weeks

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation gain

Not specified

Best season

April to October

Trail type

National Recreation Trail

Access and logistics

Permits and access

Check current permit, quota, park-entry or guided-access rules with the official source before planning this route.

Bookings

Book accommodation, huts, campsites or required permits ahead in peak season.

Safety context

Forest navigation, variable surfaces, wildlife awareness, water points and long quiet sections require planning.

Highlights

Daniel Boone National Forest, sandstone arches, rivers, Cumberland Plateau

Why find a buddy

This route is well suited to finding a hiking buddy because the distance, logistics and multi-day structure are easier and safer to manage with someone who has a similar pace and planning style.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

Explore and prepare

Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.