Kentucky · Mountain biking

Sheltowee Trace

4.7 mi
round trip
754 ft
climb
Out and back
route
Mar–Apr, Jun–Nov
best months

Is Sheltowee Trace open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Daniel Boone National Forest. It doesn't name Sheltowee Trace, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Daniel Boone National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Sheltowee Trace is a mountain biking route in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, within the London Ranger District. It is a 9.5-mile out-and-back ride with a moderate climb of 754 feet, taking you from a low point of 902 feet to a high of 1,374 feet. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Mt Vernon show October highs around 69°F with lows near 45°F, and May highs around 75°F. That station sits about 200 feet lower than the route's high point, so temperatures on the climb run a little cooler. The Little Rockcastle River, a canoeing spot, is about 1.4 miles away, and the Wildcat Trail hike is about 3 miles off. Mountain bikers can also ride White Oak Branch Road, about 8 miles away, and Horse Lick Road, about 8.5 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Apr, Jun–Nov

    Best time to visit Sheltowee Trace

    Best months: March–April and June–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      42° / 25°

      12 wet · 2 snow

    2. Feb

      47° / 27°

      10 wet · 2 snow

    3. Mar

      56° / 35°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      67° / 44°

      12 wet

    5. May

      75° / 54°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 62°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 66°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 64°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 57°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 45°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 35°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 29°

      13 wet · 1 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mt Vernon, KY, 11 mi away at 1,160 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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