Mapping the Sheltowee

mike-n-hike · cub Joined: 07 Aug 2014 Posts: 3

Hello all. My wife and I are wanting to hit the trail over a long weekend (Friday-Sunday or Monday). We've day-hiked at Red River but are also interested in the Cumberland Falls area. I want to ask you all who know the trail what are some good sections for a 3-4 day trip?

Ideally we would like to set up some kine of loop, which I know we can do at Red River Gorge with all the side trails. Are there any other areas on the ST where this is possible? Also not opposed to a one-way trip if there are shuttle services available near by.

Thanks

Traildust · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 12:21 pm Post subject:

A best option is to go down to the Big South Fork and you can certainly do several different loops over 3 to 4 days. These trails are integrated and you can do big loops or short loops on and off the Trace in the Big South Fork. Best you get a map from the welcome center before you set out. The map is great.

Let me know if the STA can help you in planning your hike.

mike-n-hike · cub Joined: 07 Aug 2014 Posts: 3

Thanks for the advice Traildust. We've never been there and the trail system looks great. Think we will start at Brandy Creek visitor, go east on the ST over to the JMT, take that north until it connects back to the ST, and loop back to Brandy Creek.

At the risk of getting off topic a bit, anyone know why the ST detours this section of the JMT? Looks like both routes share the same trail to the north and south.

Thanks

bwebbrph · cub Joined: 22 Oct 2014 Posts: 4 Location: Hazard

Ever go stay at the Charit Creek Lodge on the Tennessee side. You have to hike to the cabin like at LeConte, but basically on this trail, so to speak.

mike-n-hike · cub Joined: 07 Aug 2014 Posts: 3

Charit Creek Lodge is wonderful! We went back on a second trip just for a 3 day stay there, did some great day hiking using it as a base and we had a blast! Breakfast and Dinner are amazing and worth the hike themselves. The facility is very well maintained. Greg is the current concessionary/caretaker and has a great passion for cooking, backpacking and for Charit Creek. He has great advise on hikes in the area, or just sit around after dinner trading old hiking stories. Can't say enough good things about our stay. Already planing another stay.

Defiantly 2 thumbs up!!!

Guest · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 5:05 am Post subject:

People normally do plan this kind of activities because normally when we think of touring we do not really get time or space for this all.But at weekends everything can be going decently so this is the major focus behind that.