2024 Sheltowee Trace Ultras - 50K Course
I signed up for the race with my buddy, Handsome Klatzke, to celebrate his 50th birthday with 50 miles. We both put in a good block of training, but it was an unknown - neither of us had ever run 50 miles before. As of this writing, ONE of us knows what it’s like to run 50 miles, and it ain’t me:-)
Sheltowee Trace Section Hike - Standard Route - Red River to Corner Ridge Road
This is the standard route for Sheltowee Trace between the backpackers’ lot on the north side of Red River and Corner Ridge Road. The Trace passes Jump Rock, Indian Arch, and Salt Fork before climbing a double track forest road to Corner Ridge.
Red River Gorge Northeast Loop with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
If you split the gorge into quadrants with Sheltowee Trace and Red River as bisectors, this would be the northeast loop using mostly marked trails with only three unofficial user trails to Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase. It’s a beautiful route and the road walk is made more interesting with the gorge’s incredible geology ever present. Check below for enjoyable add-ons as well.
Red River Gorge Northside Traverse with Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, and Indian Staircase
This is the most popular variation of this traverse with unmarked/unmaintained trail stops at Cloudsplitter, Adena Arch, Indian Staircase, Osborne Bend Arch, and Moonshiners Arch traveling mostly official trails from Sheltowee Backpackers’ Lot to Osborne Bend’s East Trailhead. Route info and navigation is for eastbound travel.
Whittleton Arch Out and Back from Pinch 'em Tight Trailhead
This is a beautiful springtime hike to a massive sandstone arch with a rotating variety of wildflowers and a small waterfall along the way. After soaking rains, a waterfall flows over the top of the arch - creating one of the most magical scenes in the Red River Gorge Region.
Henson’s (Cave) Arch and Whittleton Arch Out and Back from KY-11
This is one of the best Spring hikes in Red River Gorge with plenty of wildflowers lining the trail, a massive arch, and when the weather is right, a waterfall flowing over the top of the arch. Kids love this hike - just be sure to keep them close when you arrive at the arch.
Indian Arch Out and Back from Bison Way Trailhead
Indian Arch is one of my favorite arches in Red River Gorge and is easily accessible on marked and maintained trails using Bison Way and Sheltowee Trace. The arch can be seen from 40 to 50 feet below as you approach, sits directly opposite Indian Staircase on the horseshoe ridge’s south end, and is magnificent when you can recognize the fullness of the arch beyond what cameras can capture.
Sunset at Twilight Arch Overlook
I had visited this overlook a couple weeks back and brought LaFonda out for a quick sunset hike. Twilight Arch Overlook is quiet and beautiful with sweeping 180-degree views ideal for sunset year-round. There’s a catch, of course, so be sure to read the hiker notes below.
Sand Gap, White’s Branch Arch, Ramp Arch, Twilight Arch, Natural Bridge, and Rock Garden Window Complex
There’s nothing to see, then there is a ton to see! This hike has some beautiful forest walking for the first 4+ miles before reaching the ridgeline to four arches, four overlooks, and plenty of amazing geology. The hike is moderately difficulty overall, but a class 4 scramble is required to reach White’s Branch and Ramp Arches. Overall, this is one of the best 10+ mile routes in the Red River Gorge Region, but can be made shorter with more direct approaches (see hiker notes below).
2022 Yamacraw 50K DNF
This year, I posted a DNF (Did Not Finish) and while a DNF hurts, this one is still hurting weeks later as I write this. Somewhere around mile 6(?), I planted my foot, the rock shifted, and I took a hard fall on my chest and face.
2022 Big Turtle 10-Miler
The Big Turtle Trail Races are an annual tradition for me to enjoy the northernmost sections of Sheltowee Trace. There are three distances - 50 miles, 50 kilometers, and 10 miles - and all deliver a great trail running experience with fast and fun downhills and the occasional uphill grind. The 10-Miler is pretty straightforward - a grueling opening climb followed by lots of short-ish ups and downs before finishing downhill back to campus.
Princess and Julia Lynn Falls Springtime Out and Back
I’ve always hiked here as part of longer routes, so the day before a 50K race made for a great reason to hike the short version. Princess Falls is among the more playful waterfalls in Kentucky and typically has decent flow except during significant droughts. Along the way, enjoy Julia Lynn Falls that was trickling after a dry stretch, but is gorgeous with recent rains.
2021 Big Turtle 10 Miler Race Recap
I look forward to this race every year - great race, great town, and great beer! The course is challenging, but very runnable, and the town of Morehead is on the come up. As trail towns go, this one checks all the boxes, and in terms of races, this is an ideal Spring tune-up with wildflowers, dogwoods, and redbuds setting the scene.