Mapping the Sheltowee

[Malmatosh]

Two of my friends and I are planning to hike the ST this coming June. We plan to start about six days before the full moon so as to see the moonbow at CFSRP. None of us have ever hiked a trail this long before, so we are looking for all the information we can get.

Any suggestions on sites to find maps, places to camp, people to contact, food to bring, supplies to bring, etc would be greatly appreciated. We are all veteran hikers/campers but because of the length and whatnot we are somewhat at a loss as to a starting point in planning.

Another more specific question I have is regarding showers. I know that there are a couple places along the way to get one in, but my question is: are they public showers or do you have to rent a cabin for a night to get access to a shower? I understand that cleanliness will be hard to come by on the journey, but I was just curious. Any info would be appreciated!

[Boyd]

Sounds like a nice trip!

Nature provides many nice showers along the way via rockshelter falls and small streams that flow nicely all year...but for creature comforts, all of the campgrounds in the state parks and big south fork have bath houses.

Before you start, you might try visiting the big south fork and chatting with some rangers at Bandy Creek, and maybe hiking the 45-mile john muir trail. It shares 5 miles with the ST, both start in pickett state park, and is a great southern extension of the ST.

For publications, you'll need the Johnny Molloy book listed in pubs forum and for topographic maps, we've got them for the entire length of trail here in yet another forum, and for food....well I like whole grains and cheese, but that's personal taste

[Malmatosh]

Thanks! I've done more research since I originally posted the topic, and also ordered the book. I hope the trip goes well...got plenty of time to plan, but it's a big commitment. I'm definitely excited, though.

[Yamacraw]

It's about that time. Good Luck, have fun and stay safe.