Mapping the Sheltowee

troop171 · cub Joined: 10 May 2013 Posts: 4 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

We are a Scout troop hiking the STW trail end of June. 2 crews of 9 hiking in oppostite directions. Looking for any helps, hints, info about camping sites, water, anything. Any good meeting points halfway for a layover day? Thanks!

genes · cub Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 14

There is a ton of info on this forum. You will just have to search and sift for what you need.

chester · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 8:28 am Post subject:

How many days will you be on the trail? How many miles do you plan on hiking each day?

Traildust · Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 12:03 pm Post subject:

You are aware that the Southern Terminus is now at Leatherwood Trail Head in Big South Fork. this will save you about 30 minutes drive time across the Big South Fork. Safe secure parking there with bathroom facilities.

Plan on two to three days to just get out of Big South Fork. Plenty of spots on the Trace to pull off and camp. There is a trail guide available to help with your planning from www.sheltoweetrace.org. We help lots of troops with their planning for overnights on the Trace.

From Leatherwood to Cumberland Falls will take at least a week to ten days depending on skill of your troop.

troop171 · cub Joined: 10 May 2013 Posts: 4 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

We have bought the map and trail guide. The Big South Fork map shows a parking spot at the end of a forest road near mile 9 at Rock Creek. The other map does not show that road. Is there one, and is it passable in a van? We are going to do 8 miles or so daily for a week, with a layover near Yahoo Falls. Our southbound group is planning on parking near mile 57. The guidebook is pretty specific about campsites, but it seems there are long stretches without them. Your forum seems to say camping is readily available anywhere along most of the trail. Should we stick to the guidebook, or plan on finding something along the way? We are pretty experienced, and mostly 16-18 year old Scouts that can outhike us old guys anyday.

troop171 · cub Joined: 10 May 2013 Posts: 4 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Several posts indicate there are no permits needed, but the Big South Fork website seems to indicate otherwise. It looks like we will be in the National Area for about 20 miles. Do we need a permit there, or anywhere else before Cumberland Falls?

Traildust · Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 9:31 am Post subject:

Yes you need a permit to camp in Big South Fork. you can get it online from the Big South Fork webpage. Number of nights and number of backpackers dictate cost. Pretty low cost. You can also get the permit at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

You can camp where you want. The guide locations are the obvious one's. We ask that when possible you use the one's that are already on the Trace to Leave No Trace. But if you need to stop, stop.

You can drive a van all the way up Divide Road in the Big South Fork and Stearns Ranger District. Major route and is easily passable.

No further permits to camp in the Forest til you go through Red river gorge. If you camp in the campgrounds at the state parks there is a fee per site.

troop171 · cub Joined: 10 May 2013 Posts: 4 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

1 week till trailtime! Finishing off preparations. You mentioned Divide Road. We are coming from the north on Rock Creek road. I've seen Divide Road on some map previously, but can't find it now. Is this where we should park, ford Rock Creek and find the Trace? Can you give directions? Thanks!

Traildust · Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 8:26 am Post subject:

troop 171 - if you haven't left yet - stop in the visitor center at Bandy Creek and they can give you directions or go to Pickett SP office and they can give you directions.