Mapping the Sheltowee

[Jtsvec]

I'm going to be thru hiking this for the first time this summer. How long does it normally take? How many miles a day is normal? How do you resupply during it? Is there a guide book I can buy? Does it matter on which direction you hike, either south to north, or north to south? Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

[Traildust]

Good to hear of your pending end to end hike of the Trace. Let me try to answer some of your questions..

1. How long does it normally take? 21 to 30 days. The Trace is now 307 miles, with the Southern Terminus at Leatherwood Ford in the Big South Fork.

2. How many miles per day? Depends on your conditioning and experience. On average you can do 12 to 15 mile per day if experienced and in reasonable physical condition.

3. There are several small towns and bigger towns where you can resupply. Best to mail ahead food drops at several post offices or use one of the Sheltowee Trace Associations "trail angels" to bring you a package.

4. Trail guide - Yes, the Sheltowee Trace Association www.sheltoweetrace.org sells a trailguide and maps which are most helpful. Cost is $15.00 for each. You should also purchase the Big South Fork map 2013 version from Trails Illustrated to do the miles in the Big South Fork.
Send email to director@sheltoweetrace.org if you want to purchase maps or guidebook. You can pay using the STA paypal account - tradingpost@sheltoweetrace.org

5. Direction - Since you say you are starting in the summer, the direction really is up to you. There are more road miles in the North, above I-75 so you might want to get these done early. Water is an issue in the summer if the creeks dry up or if we get serious rain.

let me know if you need additional help in planning your hike.

[RAIDER]

I Thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2013 and now looking to do something closer to home. I plan on Thru-hiking the Sheltowee as well. Not sure of the exact date I'll start my hike (sometime late spring or early summer), but maybe we will run into each other on the trail. I understand you can go days without seeing another hiker.

[Jtsvec]

Traildust, what is a trail angel? I need all the help I can get planning this, as it's my first large trip. Raider, depending on the time you go, I might see you! The date I go on really depends on my hiking partner, who has 2 weeks where he is gone. I might end up soloing this! Haha

[Traildust]

Trail Angels are volunteers who live near the trail and are available to help hikers with food drops, shuttle, pick up for ride into town or back to trail.

traildust