Some of Kentucky’s most historically magnificent places are tucked away along its hundreds of miles of hiking trails.   The Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail is one such trail that has much to offer any person interested in any form of Kentucky nature.  For the leisurely hiker, one will find brisk trails (as short as .25 mile) offering glimpses of splendid creeks, streams, and wildflowers.  While the avid hiker’s adventures will boast of those sites offering a chance to camp, backpack, canoe, climb or explore.  Five of Kentucky’s Wild Rivers are located along the trail—The Red River, Rockcastle River, Upper Cumberland River, Rock Creek, and the Big South Fork. 

Sheltowee Trace was given its name sake from a familiar figure in Kentucky history—Daniel Boone.  Boone was adopted into the Shawnee tribe as a son of the Great War chief Blackfish.  His given name was Sheltowee meaning Big Turtle. 

The trail is 278 miles long and meanders through the length of the Daniel Boone National Forest.  The lands were occupied by many groups including the Shawnee and Cherokee.  Many of the campsites, old buildings, and historic farmsteads offer reminders and tell stories of the early settlers.  The trace follows historical trails along the way—Wilderness Road and Warrior’s Path are both significant in the state’s history.   Wilderness Road was created by Daniel Boone in 1775 to open America’s first western frontier, while Warrior’s Path was similar in use once it was established. 

More than 200 years ago explorers and settlers found the Cumberland Plateau, on which the trail wanders, to be a fertile hunting ground with an abundant array of game species.  Wild turkey, deer, and bear were common along with the cane breaks and thriving vegetation within the forests.  The eager hiker will find the Sheltowee Trace follows narrow ridge tops and cliffs then dips into deep gorges with crystal clear streams and white-water rivers.  The great variety of topography along the trail provides for a diverse wealth of wildlife, trees, and wildflowers year around.  One might even happen upon an endangered species such as the Virginia big-eared bat, fresh water mussels, running buffalo clover, or white haired goldenrod.   Whether your interest in hiking is wildlife, lush vegetation, wild rivers, or history there is something for everyone.  Just keep hiking etiquette close to your heart while partaking of Mother Nature’s goodness. 

The picture was sent to me by another avid hiker that takes some fantastic photos.  Hopefully Peg will let us see some more of her work on the site.  Thanks again Peg.

Categories: Camping, Hiking
No Comments »

Most native south-central Kentuckians are familiar with the benefits the Indiana and Ohio Navy bring to the small towns surrounding Lake Cumberland.  Typically as soon as the mercury hits the mid-eighties, they start rolling into town with their classy SUVs and fantastic speed-boats.  If you ask some of the “old-timers” if the area has always been such a tourist hot spot, they will tell you no for sure.  They might even tell of a relative who aided in the sequence of events that lead to the impressive lake. 

            Costing $80.4 million in 1950, Lake Cumberland was constructed to not only alleviate flooding but also as means to produce hydroelectric power. 

With a shoreline like none other of 1,085 miles, the lake spans 50,250 acres.  Temperatures from June to September are perfect for a variety of leisurely activities.  At the start of summer the water is the mid-seventies and tops off in August at around eight-four degrees.  Imagine taking the pontoon out in July on a classic Kentucky summer day.  Will you sit in the captain’s chair and cruise the lake or is it more your speed to anchor somewhere and enjoy the soft waves while floating on a tube?  Launching a water craft of any kind off of one of Lake Cumberland’s many boat ramps is for any summer-time enthusiast.

            During the summer months Lake Cumberland sees no shortage of watercraft or shortage of variety.  In the course of one “voyage” on the lake one might see luxury houseboats, runabouts, speed or powerboats, jet skis, pontoons, and the lone fishing boat anchored in a quiet cove.  A passerby might encounter any number of vehicles while on the lake—be prepared to wave!  There is something about being on the lake that brings out hospitality in visitors both local and tourists.  The lake is notorious for its scenic beauty, do not be surprised when a bright speed boat whizzes by with a skier pulled by rope who appears to paying more attention to the green hills and occasional hawk.  It is all part of the atmosphere of Lake Cumberland.  Then there is tubing!  Tubing is a sport all in itself.  A nice long rope tied to an inner tube then secured to a powerboat will provide any dare devil the ride of their life.  To obtain the greatest high of all, choice in driver (of the boat) makes all the difference. 

            In addition to a variety of water sports, the Lake Cumberland area offers a variety of hiking and camping opportunities.  Specifically Lake Cumberland State Park has much to offer all in one location.  There you can stay in the lodge, rent a cottage, or camp—I suppose it all depends on how much luxury you need.  The state park has a four mile loop trail that has many spectacular views of the lake as winds through the beech, hickory, and oak forests.  The other trail is one and half miles long one way and boasts of much of the same including a variety of wildlife.  Lake Cumberland State Park is also the home of a fantastic restaurant, a nice golf course, and of course Lake Cumberland State Dock where houseboats are rented.  If you have a few days to spare and need something to do I would recommend that you visit Lake Cumberland.

Categories: Camping, Boating, Hiking
No Comments »