Mapping the Sheltowee

turtlewings · cub Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Posts: 3

Attempting to run/trek the Trace in 7 days or under beginning July 7th. Did a recon trip from the N. Terminus to Morehead last week, and the first 10 or so miles are a little overgrown. but made it pretty easily under 5 hours in the middle of the day. Anyone know of any closed sections or areas that are particularly difficult to navigate at the moment? Also wondering if anyone has any experience stashing gear at or near the 49er. As it stands, that is my only night that I'll be unsupported. So, it's not a thru hike, as I'll only be running with provisions to make it through each day. Even staying at the lodge at Natural Bridge on day 2 - cushy!

Traildust · Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 12:56 pm Post subject:

You will be the first to run the Trace.. Good stuff. Good luck. Not sure the reference to 49er. Is that mean mile 249 since you are going north - south?

Good luck. Can you email me your info so we can follow along?

director@sheltoweetrace.org

traildust

Traildust · Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 2:39 pm Post subject: 49er

Got from your blog that 49er is exit 49 at I-75 crossing. Hiding food is possible but store in bear container is required.

You will need to plan on extra time through Kromer Ridge about three miles. this area has been shut down to all but walkers for reforestation. There are a series of trees down blocking the Trace with trenches in between the trees. Sort of a steeplechase for runners.

traildust.

Traildust · Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 4:25 pm Post subject:

Hey Matt,

Did you know we moved the Southern Terminus from Pickett SP to Leatherwood Trail Head in the BSF? It is right on the road into the Park. You go past it on the way driving to Pickett. This adds another day to your run I think.

Steve "Traildust"

turtlewings · cub Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Posts: 3

Thanks for the info Steve. Yeah, I've just heard about the new Southern terminus. 30 miles or so right? Is it mapped anywhere online. Basically, I'm carrying maps of all the sections printed from this site with notations on them taken from Scot Wards guidebook. Really appreciate the encouragement, going to join the facebook group now so I might be able to get some updates out while I'm out there.

Traildust · Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2013 8:26 am Post subject:

turtlewings and everyone following this effort. Yep we can send you a copy of the Big South Fork Map to carry. The trail is marked with Turtle blazes. There should be a written sign at the intersection of the Sheltowee Spur and where you turn to go on the JMT.

Thanks for becoming a supporting member Matt.

Traildust · Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:49 pm Post subject:

Matt is off from NT on Sunday with no issues. He should be at Natural Bridge tonight. When we have an update we will post.

traildust

Traildust · Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:49 pm Post subject:

They were seen yesterday afternoon on US 60 heading to Triplett Creek crossing in Morehead.

traildust

Ascentionist · Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 1:19 pm Post subject:

Keep us posted!

This is pretty freakin' cool!

Traildust · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 5:51 pm Post subject:

Talked with him yesterday afternoon and he was heading toward Turkeyfoot doing the road walk run down to Heidelberg. Feels ok. No serious issues. Did make a wrong turn or two but nothing serious.

Will keep folks posted.

traildust

turtlewings · cub Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Posts: 3

4 days on the trail, and I was home nursing an infected toe. Great trip though. The existing FKT stands. I've posted about my four days with lots of photos:

http://matthoyesrunning.blogspot.com/2013/07/sheltowee-trace-thru-running-attempt.html

Traildust · Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 11:47 am Post subject:

Looking forward to another attempt in the future. thanks for the effort and the exposure of many folks to Ky's Long Trail.

traildust

Ascentionist · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 1:43 pm Post subject:

Matt Hoyes is at it again! He's four days in and should be to Wildcat to tonight

genes · cub Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 14

Please keep us posted on Matt's progress.

Ascentionist · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:18 am Post subject:

8 days: http://matthoyesrunning.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-big-turtle.html