Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet News Release

Feb. 17, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gil Lawson, 502-564-8110 ext 168

 

Volunteers Sought To Help Sheltowee Trace During March

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The longest trail in Kentucky will get some extra attention during March as hiking season approaches.

The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is a 269-mile trail that runs from the Tennessee line north through the Daniel Boone National Forest to Rowan County.

The Sheltowee Trace Association, in partnership with Daniel Boone National Forest, is asking for volunteers to help replace old or damaged trail markers and to identify areas that need work, such as downed trees, washed out bridges and eroded areas along the trail. These problem areas will be reported to the U.S. Forest Service for follow up work.

The event – called “Discover Kentucky’s Long Trail – The Sheltowee Trace” – runs during March. Gov. Steve Beshear has issued a proclamation declaring March as “Sheltowee Trace Month.”

“This is an outstanding trail that is a major adventure tourism attraction for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders across the country,” First Lady Jane Beshear said. “I appreciate the work of all of the volunteers who help make this trail a great tourism draw for Kentucky.”

“The Daniel Boone National Forest is pleased by the Governor’s proclamation that recognizes the significance of the Sheltowee Trace,” said Forest Supervisor Frank Beum. “We look forward to working with our partners to maintain this trail as one of Kentucky’s greatest outdoor recreation attractions.” 

The trail connects several major outdoor recreation areas in Eastern Kentucky -- Cave Run Lake, Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls and Natural Bridge state resort parks and Big South Fork National Recreation Area.

“The volunteer work would make excellent projects for scout groups, youth organizations, hiking clubs and others,” said Steve Barbour, the executive director of the Sheltowee Trace Association.

The name of the trail comes from the Native American name given to explorer Daniel Boone. Sheltowee means “Big Turtle” and the trail markers are in the shape of a turtle.

For more information about the Sheltowee Trace and volunteer opportunities, visit www.sheltoweetrace.org

Efforts to promote and expand trails are supported by the Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority. For more information about trails in Kentucky and other adventure tourism opportunities, visit http://tourism.ky.gov/outdoors/