Kentucky · Mountain biking

Sheltowee Trace

1.7 mi
round trip
153 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, set within the London Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest and Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is managed by State Fish and Wildlife. The trail runs out and back, covering about 3.4 miles, with the low point at roughly 1,330 feet and the high around 1,436 feet. The climb is rated hard. For comfortable riding, late spring and early fall are the sweet spots. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Mt Vernon, KY, show May highs around 75°F and October highs near 69°F, with fewer wet days in September and October than in spring. Racoon Creek Road, a mountain biking route, is about 2.4 miles away, and Foxtown Boulders, a climbing area, is about 2.3 miles off. For an overnight stay, S-Tree Campground is about 2.8 miles away. The Middle Fork Rockcastle River, a paddling route, lies about 4 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, 15.9 mi away at 1,160 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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