The Sheltowee Trace Association
A non-profit organization formed to protect, preserve and promote the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail as a significant national resource for the enjoyment of hikers, bikers and equestrians, and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all people.
Discover and Enjoy Kentucky's Long Trail
Sheltowee Trace Association, 63 Burtonville Rd., Tollesboro, Ky. 41189 Phone: 606-584-7744
Email: director@sheltoweetrace.org
DBNF and The Trace
The Daniel Boone National Forest
Established in 1937, the Daniel Boone National Forest is the only national forest completely within the boundary of Kentucky. The Daniel Boone National Forest is located along the Cumberland Plateau in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky.The forest encompasses over 707,000 acres of mostly rugged terrain. The land is characterized by steep forested ridges dissected by narrow ravines and over 3,400 miles of sandstone cliffs.
Millions of visitors come to enjoy the scenic beauty and abundant wildlife that the forest has to offer. Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake are popular attractions on the forest. Other special areas include the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Natural Arch Scenic Area, Clifty Wilderness, Beaver Creek Wilderness, and five wildlife management areas.
Over 600 miles of trails provide a quiet escape to more remote places within the forest. Hikers, horse-back riders and other trail users get back to nature along the 282-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail that extends the entire length of the Daniel Boone. Hundreds of miles of winding rivers and streams provide the finishing touch in outdoor beauty.
The Shelto The Sheltowee Trace is a National Recreation Trail and is named after Daniel Boone, who was given the name “Sheltowee” by Chief Blackfish when he was adopted into the Shawnee tribe. Sheltowee translates to “Big Turtle”, so a white turtle symbol has been used to mark the trail. In addition to the Daniel Boone National Forest, sections of the Trace cross the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and through private property. The southern terminus of the trail is at Pickett State Park in Tennessee, about ten miles past the Kentucky border, and the northern terminus of the trail is in the Daniel Boone National Forest near Morehead, Ky. Some sections of the trail follow or pass near historic trails that would have been familiar to Boone, such as the Wilderness Road and the Warrior’s Path, and many creeks and other landmarks crossed by the trail retain the names bestowed upon them by Boone and other early explorers of Kentucky. Waterfalls, arches, panoramic ridge-top views and massive sandstone cliffs can all be found within a few miles of each other on the Sheltowee Trace. Whitewater rivers and calm, clear creeks shaded by majestic trees are crossed by the trail. The Trace also passes by Cave Run and Laurel River Lakes. 
wee Trace
The Sheltowee Trace is a 282- mile trail spanning the length of the Daniel Boone National Forest and offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Open to hiking its entire length, and by sections for horesback riding and mountain biking, the Trace passes through beautiful, rugged and remote landscapes as well as by unique geological and cultural features.
In every season, the Trace allows users the ability to enjoy the wonders of nature.
