The Sheltowee Trace (#100) is a a 269-mile multiple-use national recreation trail that traverses the length of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The trail begins at Pickett State Park, Tennessee and ends near Morehead, Kentucky. It’s name means Big Turtle the indian name given to Daniel Boone by the Shawnee Indians. The trail was dedicated on June 23, 1979.

The Sheltowee goes though Cumberland Falls following the Cumberland River to places like Dog Slaughter Falls, Star Camp and Bark Camp Creek. The trail continues to Laurel Boat Ramp where the Cumberland River meets Laurel River. From there it follows along Laurel River passing through a natural gap to Laurel Lake. Trail 100 continues through the Daniel Boone National Forest tracking to Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge area. Continuing north the trail reaches Cave Run Lake before ending at its northern terminus at Hwy 377 just past Morehead

Getting There

Trail head 192/1193—Take I-75 to London Ky, exit on KY 192 west to Junction at KY 1193. Trail head parking is on the left just before the junction.
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Laurel Lake Dam—Take I-75 to London Ky, exit on KY 192 west to Junction at KY 1193. Turn left and follow KY 1193 to Dam.

Cumberland Falls—Southbound on I-75 exit Corbin, Ky, on KY 25 south. Follow KY 25 to KY 90 and turn right, continue west on KY 90 into the park.

Cumberland Falls—Northbound on I-75 exit Goldbug, Ky, on KY 25 north. Follow KY 25 to KY 90 and turn left, continue west on KY 90 into the park.

Trail head Ky 1274—Take I-64 to KY 36 Owingsville exit. Follow KY 36 to KY 1274, Turn left.

Cave Run Lake—Take I-64 to US 60 exit 123. Follow US 60 to Salt Lick, KY. Turn right on KY 211, follow through town. Turn left on Clear Clear Creek Rd.

Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls is 125 feet wide and 68 feet tall. Because of the angle of the falls if there is Full Moon it is possible to see a moonbow (a night rainbow) which is unique to these falls. Cumberland Falls is sometimes called the “Niagara of the South”. It is the largest Fall in the state of Kentucky.

This section of Sheltowee (10.8) merges with Moonbow trail #1 just past the restrooms at Laurel Boat Ramp. There are some nice camping sites along this section including Bark Camp Creek, Star Camp and Dog Slaughter Falls. The trail follows along between the Cumberland River and the large bluffs above crossing several creeks before reaching Cumberland Falls.

Laurel Lake

Laurel Lake is a 5,600 acre lake with 200 miles of shore line located within the Daniel Boone National Forest. One of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky, Laurel Lake is known for it’s emerald green coves and cliff-lined shores.

The Laurel Lake section from the KY 192/1193 trail head to the Laurel Boat Ramp (11.0) is notable for it’s beautiful lake vistas and emerald green water. The trail winds in and out along the fingers of the lake passing by campgrounds, boat docks and marinas. There are many access points to this trail, if you plan to leave a vehicle over night be sure to contact ranger station to let them know your agenda.

After crossing over 1193 at the Laurel Dam, the trail becomes more rugged moving up and down before passing through a natural break in the escarpment. This area is interesting for it’s large cliffs and rock houses. The trail continues to Laurel Boat Ramp (also called Noe’s Ramp) Where the Cumberland and Laurel Rivers meet. There are toilets but know water at the ramp.

Red River Gorge

The Red River Gorge is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky . It can be accessed just off the Mountain Parkway at Slade, KY. The Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center is also located at the Slade exit. The Red River Gorge has many beautiful sandstone arches and fabulous overlooks. The Red River flows through the middle of the gorge and has class I, II and III rapids.

The Red River Gorge section begins at Natural Bridge and passes the the heart of the gorge before working it’s way through the north section of the Cliffty Wilderness area.

Cave Run Lake

The Cave Run Lake is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, 60 miles east of Lexington, Ky. The 8,270-acre recreation area is well known for its rugged beauty. Cave Run Lake has a host of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, backpacking and camping.