Sheltowee Trace

Also known as the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, the Sheltowee Trace Trail was created in 1979, and stretches out for 319 miles through Kentucky and Tennessee. Taking you through several scenic natural areas, this beautiful long-distance trail offers up the pawfect adventure for you and your pooch.

Since this is such a long trail, there are many entry and exit points along the way, and these are clearly marked. However, if you and your pooch would like to walk the entire trail, the best place to begin is at the Northern Terminus in Kentucky, rather than at the Tennessee end.

This is quite a rugged trail, with a large portion of it running through the 708,000 acre Daniel Boone National Forest. The forest is quite dense and undisturbed, so while its sense of seclusion and isolation may be well appreciated, keep in mind that you will also likely not have cellphone signal on some parts of the trail.

In addition to the Daniel Boone National Forest, there are plenty of other sights that you and Fido will see along the way. The trail runs through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which is known for being home to the highest concentration of natural bridges in the eastern USA, and will also take you through the 1657 acre Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which is famous for its 68 foot tall waterfall.

The trail route is well marked, with different markings signifying roadways, as well as private property. While the main trail may be relatively easy to follow, there are also several unmarked trails that connect up to the Sheltowee Trace Trail, so stay vigilant in order to ensure that these do not lead you and your pooch astray.

While walking the entire trail will no doubt leave you and Fido with such a sense of accomplishment, this trail is easy to tackle in smaller segments too. Whichever you choose to do, make sure that you bring a lead, doggie bags and drinking water with you, as well as a camera to capture the incredible views.