Mapping the Sheltowee

[fett2288]

Myself and some friends are planning a multiday trip to the area. We're planning on being in the woods five days (ish) and hoping to cover anywhere from 40 to 65 miles. Ideally, we're looking for some sort of loop in a secluded area (aka, probably not a ton of time in Red River Gorge). We have considerable experience in the backcountry and have no concerns about strenuous trails. After searching extensively online, the only trail that I've found mention of that appears to meet our criteria is called the "fire towers trail". The only information I have on it is this:

"FIRE TOWERS Sheltowee Trace, TN/KY
From Pickett, Tennessee, to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky, the Sheltowee Trace spans 59 miles of limestone ridges, creekside campsites, and visits the banks of the Cumberland River. You’ll pass 75 waterfalls, including 113-foot Yahoo Falls, Kentucky’s tallest. Inside Cumberland Falls park, take Trail 2 to 1,400-foot Pinnacle Knob, and climb the fire tower to see hills rising above the Cumberland Plateau."

If anyone could point me towards some sort of map or additional information on this, I would appreciate it greatly. I'd also be quite open to hearing about any different trails that are worthwhile. Thanks for your assistance.

[MuddyBoots]

Hello Fett,
Sounds like a great time.

You can download old topo maps of that section of the ST from the "Best Guides, Resources and Maps" section of the Forum. Go to the main forum screen to get there.

More detailed 'Outragis' maps of the lower Sheltowee and trail guide book is available from the Sheltowee Trace Association at www.sheltoweetrace.org.

[Traildust]

fett,

the one fire tower in Cumberland Falls is still in place and is sometimes open to visitors with coordination. Contact Cumberland Falls SP and ask for Pam Gibson. She leads hikes out to the fire tower and has access to the tower. This is the only tower remaining on DBNF. All other are gone.