Hike Safe Hiker Responsibility Code

 The STA endorses and encourages all hikers and backpackers to follow The Hiker Responsibility Code that was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game.

 You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

1. With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

4. To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.

5. For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.

6. To share the hiker code with others.

Dogs on the Trace

Dogs are permitted all along the Trace. If you want to hike with your dog take some time to plan for the dogs journey as you plan your's.   First be considerate of other users on the trail.  At any time you might come upon a horseback rider, moutain biker or fellow hiker.  Anticipate and control your pet before the situation gets out-of-hand.

• Control your pet with a leash as you approach other users.  If your dog tends to roam and run-off, consider leaving him or her on a leash at all times. 
• In shelter areas, please leash your dog away from the shelter and ask permission of others before bringing your dog into the shelter.  Make sure you have alternate shelter for rainy days or when the shelters are full. 
• Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water but don't let your dog linger and stand in the water source. 
• No chasing of other wildlife.  The Trace travels through many gorges and along steep hillsides and a loose dog, unfamiliar with the terrain could bolt after a deer and end up running off a cliff. 
• Bury your pet's waste as you would your own. 
• If you plan on camping in one of the state parks along the trace, contact the park or check their website for rules concerning pets. 
• Not everyone you meet will be a pet fan.  Be respectful of their concerns and don't let even a friendly dog become a bother.

With proper planning and consideration of others on the trail, everyone can enjoy the experience of having pets on the Trace.

 

Support our Corporate Partner - Book Your Stay at the Historic Pine Crest Lodge!

Planning Your Next Trip on the Trace or a Section Hike of the Trace in the Heidelberg area? Then we encourage you to consider booking a hostel room at the Historic Pine Crest Lodge just off route 52 at the junction of New Virginia Rd.  Showers, place to cook a hot meal, get food supply at the local May General Store or ship a food box to the Lodge.  Visit their website for more info and to book your room.  http://beartrackarts.com/  606-464-2309.  Tell Chuck that the STA sent you.


                            STA ADVENTURES

To meet this goal, the STA organizes group outings that will help beginners get some experience in the backwoods and give experienced users opportunities to see more of the ST.

For info on last minute hikes or planned section hikes by our members log in our forum www.sheltoweetrace.com
=================================
                            2012 HIKER CHALLENGE

Organized by the STA, these monthly section hikes of the Trace, open to men and women, youth and children with accompanying parent, are designed to enable those interested in committing to the challenge the adventure and opportunity to hike the entire ST in one year.

See the Hiker Challenge Page here for more details.

General Trip Planning

Whether your heading out for a day hike, weekend adventure or attempting an "End-2-End" journey on Kentucky's Long Trail, you need to plan ahead and prepare for your trip.  The Sheltowee Trace is a challenging trail that takes you across ridge lines, down into gorge's and past many beautiful waterfalls.  Failure to plan is a sure fire plan for failure. The links below are a good place to start.

Leave No Trace (Principles of Back country and Wilderness Ethics)

What You’ll Need (Including the 10 essentials and recommended gear list.)

Purchasing our trail guidebook and maps are a must for any length of hike.  Visit the Trading Post and order your's today.