Kentucky · Mountain biking

Sheltowee Trace

1.3 mi
round trip
390 ft
climb
Out and back
route
Apr–Jun, Aug–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 an out-and-back ride that covers about 2.5 miles, with a total climb of about 390 feet from the low point at roughly 1,016 feet to the high point at about 1,417 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is rated hard, so expect a challenging ride. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs near 70°F, with temperatures on this climb running cooler than those figures because the station sits well below the route. Climbers will find the Knuckles, Ironfist, Panda area and Sacred Ruins about 3.4 miles away. Turkey Foot Campground, about 4.6 miles off, offers a place to stay, and paddlers can head to the Laurel Fork, about 5.6 miles from the trail.

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

    Best time to visit Sheltowee Trace

    Best months: April–June and August–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

      44° / 23°

    2. Feb

      49° / 26°

    3. Mar

      58° / 31°

    4. Apr

      69° / 40°

    5. May

      77° / 50°

    6. Jun

      83° / 59°

    7. Jul

      86° / 63°

    8. Aug

      85° / 62°

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

    10. Oct

      70° / 42°

    11. Nov

      58° / 32°

    12. Dec

      48° / 27°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Booneville 12sw, KY, 14.2 mi away at 880 ft. The station sits about 500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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