Mapping the Sheltowee

jkaaz101406 · cub Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Cincinnati, OH

My husband and I are planning a long weekend in the backcountry and would like some suggestions on places to set up camp, take day hikes to, etc. We have been to RRG a few times, but are ready to expand our horizons a bit. We plan on going in July sometime and would really just love to not see anyone for a few days, so the more secluded, the better.

We would love to hear about your favorite places! Thanks!

Boyd · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 1:32 pm Post subject:

Welcome jkaaz,

Of the top of my head and I assume you're backcountry camping...

Probably the most secluded foot trail in the Daniel Boone & Big South Fork is the John Muir Trail, which shares the same trail as the ST just south of the KY state line. The Rock Creek area near Great Meadows is secluded and you can simply cross the creek to get on the ST or JMT. It's a drive though from Cincy and while the Big South has great remote sections, to do any loop hike almost requires a gravel road to connect the loop.

A little closer to home is Cumberland Falls. Now the falls area is a tourist mecca, but if you go north of the park on the ST up to Bark Camp Falls, you'll have a good chance of being alone and having a lot of river, cliffs, and waterfalls to explore.

Now if you want to stay at a developed campground Blue Heron is great spot with access to a lot of trails. Rockcastle Campground is little used campground and with Lake Cumberland low, it might be vacant. I'd call first. Trails from there include about a 10-mile loop and nice trails to Scuttlehole Gap and Overlook.

A little gem in the summertime is Cave Run Lake and specifically Pioneer Weapons, Clear Creek, and the Chestnut Cliffs area. No hunters and little used trail...except by horses, but that's mainly to the west. However, since the Buckskin trail is closed due to eagles, it might be hard to make a big loop in Pioneer Weapons, but you could camp at Clear Creek Furnace and hike the ST south a good ways to very nice rock outcroppings and arches.

wornoutboots · cub Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Northern KY

You can always hike from Cave Run to the Gorge and cathc a shuttle back to your car- Truenortoutfitters run shuttles- I believe that is just under 35 Miles?

Chilton · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 3:37 pm Post subject:

That shuttle isn't too horribly long but I when I was at clear creek furnace about a month and a half ago (maybe longer) the site was in bad shape with downed trees from the winter still blocking the entrance and exit. You may want to call and check it see if the trees were cleaned up and if the campground is open, although I would imagine its good to go by now. If you did stay in that area you must visit the Zilpo fire tower. You would probably have to drive but it's less than 5 miles from clear creek and not very torristey except from the occasional local/ teenager. But the views from this fire tower rival any in the area and it's easy access.