Mapping the Sheltowee

[Traildust]

This just in........ Heidelberg Post Office is closed. Utilized by many a section and thru hiker on the Sheltowee Trace, you will now need to send your food boxes to the Pine Crest Lodge, PO Box 285, Beattyville, KY 41311

Pickett SP - Continuing route problems in the park area. Blazes are in place but route does not correspond with Trailguide. Give yourself extra time and walk this area in daylight.


Horse Lick Creek - Reports of confusing directions and difficulty in crossing the creek which at times can be a river. Give yourself extra time to navigate. More blazes and directional assistance is planned for April.


Tornado Damage - No significant damage reported at this time to the Sheltowee Trace. RRG was not effected but we may have some issues in the Wildcat Mountain area.


Cumberland Falls SP - Expect trail reroutes in the Falls area due to on-going storm damage and trail erosion from high water.


Bark Camp Creek - Use caution when hiking in this section. The high water route is not completed so you will have to cross on the low end of the creek. Check weather conditions in the area and if you have high water turn around and go back to Dog Slaughter and walk out. DO NOT CROSS IN HIGH WATER.


Dog Slaughter Creek - High water has erroded the Sheltowee Trace just south of Dog Slaughter. Use caution in this area.

[Traildust]

WINCHESTER, Ky., Mar. 9, 2012 – The Daniel Boone National Forest has again implemented a seasonal “voluntary trail closure” of Caney Loop near Cave Run Lake. The closure extends through June 1, or until after the spring rainy season ends.

“The Caney Loop is one of the most heavily used trails in this district,” said Ranger Dave Manner.... “During the wet season, when the ground is saturated, extensive rutting of the trail can occur. “As a voluntary closure, we are asking trail users to avoid using the trail when wet. This will help reduce trail damage, which will also reduce the amount of time and money needed to restore the trail back to an acceptable standard for all trail users.”

The voluntary closure area includes Caney Trail #1226 and a portion of Sheltowee Trace #100 from the Stoney Cove parking area to the intersection of Trail #115C that leads to the White Sulphur Horse Camp. Until the ground becomes dry and the trail tread becomes more stable, hikers only are recommended on the Caney Loop. Other trails west of Cave Run Lake will remain open for all user groups, including horseback riders and mountain bike riders. The trails east of the lake are more suitable this time of year for cyclists.

Most trails in the Cave Run Lake area were hand-constructed as hiking trails during the 1960s and 70s. These trails were not developed to sustain frequent or heavy use, such as equestrian and bicycling. “It is important to provide a sustainable multiple-use trail system in balance with our natural resources and in the interest of our forest visitors,” added Manner. “We look forward to the cooperation of the various groups and individuals who enjoy the trails on national forest lands.”