Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 24 "Hawk Creek"

The Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 24 "Hawk Creek" is a 21-kilometre point-to-point trail in Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky, USA, gaining approximately 400 m of elevation across forested ridges and creek bottoms. Rated moderate, the route crosses a 100-foot suspension bridge over Hawk Creek, passes sandstone rock shelters, and visits a secluded waterfall — among eastern Kentucky's most rewarding wilderness walks.

About the Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 24 "Hawk Creek"

Section 24 "Hawk Creek" forms one link in the larger Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, a 340-mile (547 km) long-distance route threading through Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern and south-central Kentucky. The name "Sheltowee" honours the Shawnee name given to frontiersman Daniel Boone — meaning "Big Turtle" — and this 21 km section lives up to that wild spirit, carrying walkers through some of the most biodiverse forest in the Appalachian region.

The trail begins on the London Ranger District near the junction of Interstate 75 and Kentucky Route 909 in Laurel County. Heading south, it follows dry sandy ridges along old county roads before descending into the Hawk Creek drainage — a sandstone gorge defined by weathered rock shelters, towering hemlocks, and the clear water of Hawk Creek itself. A 100-foot (30 m) suspension bridge marks the centrepiece of the route, swinging above the creek before the trail climbs back up to the southern trailhead at Kentucky Route 1956.

Managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) under the London Ranger District, Section 24 is designated as part of a Regional Walking Network (RWN) and holds federal status as a National Recreation Trail — recognition granted only to routes of outstanding recreational and natural quality. The Hawk Creek segment is particularly valued for its two-ecosystem experience: upland oak-hickory ridges in the first and last thirds of the route, and a lush creek-bottom riparian corridor at its heart.

The full 21 km can be walked as a demanding day hike of approximately 5–7 hours, or split across two days for a more relaxed backcountry experience, camping on USFS dispersed sites near Hawk Creek. Backpackers frequently connect Section 24 with adjacent Sheltowee Trace sections for a multi-day through-hike of the Daniel Boone backcountry. Either way, the suspension bridge and the waterfall beyond it give this section a clear destination that shorter sections of the trail lack.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail runs north to south and is typically walked in that direction, placing the suspension bridge and waterfall at roughly the midpoint of the day. A vehicle shuttle between the two trailheads — approximately 25 km by road — is essential for a complete point-to-point traverse.

Total: 21 km, approximately 400 m cumulative elevation gain. The route is broadly net-neutral in elevation — the southern trailhead at KY 1956 sits at a similar altitude to the northern start — making either end a reasonable starting point depending on shuttle logistics and wind direction.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Hawk Creek Suspension Bridge — The 30-metre (100-foot) steel suspension bridge is the undisputed centrepiece of Section 24. It sways gently above the clear creek, framing sandstone walls on either bank. Cross it slowly and deliberately — this single structure alone is reason enough to hike the full 21 km.
• Hawk Creek Waterfall — Located roughly 400 m north of the suspension bridge, a waterfall drops over a sandstone ledge into a clear shallow pool. The approach from the bridge-side picnic area takes about 10 minutes on a well-worn path. In dry summer months the flow is modest; after spring rains it becomes a curtain of whitewater.
• Sandstone Rock Shelters — Visible from the trail as it descends into the creek drainage, these weathered overhangs are classic Cumberland Plateau geology. Several display soot marks from ancient fires — among the most tangible evidence of pre-colonial habitation in Laurel County — and their scale is impressive up close.
• Sandy Ridge Walking (Northern Section) — The opening 6.5 km traverse dry, sandy ridges along old county roads through open oak-hickory woodland. The loose sandy soil — a remnant of ancient fluvial systems — makes for surprisingly quiet, cushioned walking with occasional views across the forest canopy.
• Hawk Creek Riparian Corridor — Where the trail drops into the creek valley, eastern hemlocks, sycamores, and pawpaw thickets create a shaded, species-rich canyon floor. Spring migration birding here is outstanding: Louisiana waterthrush, worm-eating warbler, and wood thrush are reliable sightings in late April and May.
• FS Road Crossings (FS 4098 & FS 4095) — Two Forest Service gravel roads intersect the trail and serve as emergency bailout points and navigational landmarks. FS 4095 is the most practical resupply or turnaround option for day hikers who want only the central creek section without the full 21 km commitment.
• Creek-Side Picnic Area (North of Suspension Bridge) — A flat, shaded clearing on the north bank immediately beyond the bridge is the most popular day-visit destination on the entire section. Local families access it via Forest Service roads without walking the full through-route, so this spot can feel busy on summer weekends.
• Southern Motorcycle-Shared Single Track — The final kilometres from KY 1956 to FS Road 4255 are legally shared with off-highway single-track motorcycles. This adds an occasional lively contrast to the silent ridgeline walking; USFS manages the corridor to minimise erosion, and weekday hikers typically encounter no riders at all.

Best Time to Hike the Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 24 "Hawk Creek"

Eastern Kentucky sits in a humid subtropical climate zone, with warm humid summers, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters that occasionally dust the ridgetops with snow. Each season brings a genuinely different character to Section 24.

Spring (March–May) is one of the two peak seasons. Temperatures range from 8–22 °C, and the creek bottoms erupt with wildflowers in April — trout lily, bloodroot, and large-flowered trillium are common throughout the Hawk Creek drainage. Migrant songbirds arrive from late April, making this a rewarding birdwatching destination alongside a trail run or hike. The track can be muddy after March rains, and Hawk Creek runs higher and faster after snowmelt, so expect wet feet near the bridge if you visit before mid-April.

Summer (June–August) brings temperatures of 28–34 °C with high humidity in the creek valley. The suspension bridge and waterfall pool attract local visitors looking to cool off, so weekend afternoons between June and August can feel crowded. Start no later than 08:00 to beat the heat and carry a minimum of 3 litres of water per person. A long summer day on 21 km also demands more calories than most hikers expect — our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day is worth reading before you pack your food.

Autumn (September–November) is the single best season, and October is the best individual month to hike Section 24. Temperatures settle between 10–20 °C, the oak-hickory canopy turns amber, crimson, and gold across the ridges, and trail conditions are dry and firm underfoot. As leaves drop in late October, rock shelter profiles that are hidden all summer become visible from the trail for the first time. Solitude returns after the summer visitor peak and foot traffic is light on weekdays.

Winter (December–February) suits experienced hikers comfortable with variable cold-weather conditions. The stark leafless forest opens long views across ridges that summer closes entirely. Temperatures fall to -5–8 °C and the suspension bridge deck becomes icy after freezing rain — carry microspikes from December onward. As of 2026, the Sheltowee Trace Association confirms that this section remains open year-round, though Forest Service road access to FS 4095 may be seasonally gated after heavy snowfall.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Daniel Boone National Forest permits dispersed camping throughout most of the Section 24 corridor at no charge. Campers must set up at least 60 metres from water sources, trails, and roads and leave no trace. The flat, shaded clearing on the north bank of Hawk Creek near the suspension bridge is the most popular informal overnight spot on the route.

Established campgrounds within 20 km include Rockcastle Campground (approximately 15 km south-east; basic sites with vault toilets, no hookups; approximately €18–22 per night, seasonal operation May–October) and Grove Recreation Area (approximately 20 km north-east on Lake Cumberland; primitive camping; approximately €15–20 per night).

For indoor accommodation, London, Kentucky — 12 km west of the northern trailhead — offers budget and mid-range motels, including Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express, from approximately €80–120 per night. London is the most practical base for hikers who plan to day-hike the full 21 km and return to a car in the evening.

Getting There & Back

The northern trailhead sits near the junction of Interstate 75 and Kentucky Route 909 in Laurel County. From I-75, take Exit 38 toward London and follow KY 909 east to the roadside parking, which accommodates 3–4 vehicles. The southern trailhead is on Kentucky Route 1956, accessible via KY 192 east of London; a gravel pull-off holds several cars.

Because this is a point-to-point trail, a vehicle shuttle between trailheads (approximately 25 km by road, around 30 minutes) is essential. There is no public transport to either trailhead. The nearest commercial airport is Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX), approximately 90 km north of London (around 60 minutes by car). Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is approximately 200 km north-west (around 2 hours). Car hire at either airport is the only realistic option — no Amtrak or intercity bus service reaches London, Kentucky.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike Section 24, and there are no trail fees for foot travel. A short section near the northern trailhead crosses private land — hikers must stay precisely on the marked trail corridor and respect landowner boundaries. The southern segment from KY 1956 to FS Road 4255 is shared with single-track off-highway motorcycles; weekday solitude is the norm, while weekend riders are more common from May through October. Campfire restrictions may apply during high fire-danger periods — check the Daniel Boone National Forest website for current closures before your trip. Leave No Trace principles are strongly encouraged by USFS throughout the backcountry.

Gear & Packing List

For a full 21 km day hike, carry 2.5–3 litres of water per person (Hawk Creek water is drinkable after treatment — bring a filter or purification tablets), trail food totalling 1,200–1,500 calories, a compact first-aid kit, insect repellent (essential May–September), and trekking poles for the uneven sandstone around the creek crossing and suspension bridge approach. Wear trail shoes with grip rather than road runners — the creek-bottom rock is slippery even when dry.

For an overnight or multi-day Sheltowee Trace through-hike, a 35–50 litre pack handles most 1–2 night loads comfortably. Weight matters on 21 km days — see our full gear review in best ultralight backpacks for 2026 before committing to a pack. Our top recommendations for this trail:

• Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider — ultralight DCF construction at under 600 g; the right choice for fast-and-light single-night Sheltowee sections where ridge walking rewards every gram saved.
• Osprey Aether 65 — the go-to choice for multi-day backcountry comfort; excellent load transfer and back ventilation for humid Kentucky summer conditions where heat management matters.
• Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 — mid-weight with a superb back system; right for carrying camping gear plus warm layers for cool autumn nights on the ridgetops, with room to expand for a 2-night load.

Additional essentials: waterproof jacket (eastern Kentucky weather changes rapidly), a headlamp for early starts or late finishes, and a downloaded offline GPS track of Section 24 — mobile signal is unreliable in the Hawk Creek drainage and non-existent on the sandy northern ridges.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the mix of creek crossings, enclosed sandstone geology, and point-to-point freedom on Sheltowee Trace Section 24 appeals to you, these trails share a similar spirit. For canyon descents on a vastly grander scale, the South Kaibab Trail and North Kaibab Trail at Arizona's Grand Canyon deliver unmatched geological spectacle and the same classic point-to-point logic — rim down to river and back up through different terrain. Utah's Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park echoes the enclosed, moss-draped rock-shelter atmosphere of Hawk Creek's gorge on a more compact scale. For expansive high-country alternatives with granite domes and meadow panoramas, the Clouds Rest Trail and Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park pair well with the self-supported spirit of a Sheltowee through-hike. For a completely different landscape with the same philosophy of point-to-point wilderness travel, our guide to the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania explores a dramatic mountain crossing through the Albanian Alps that rewards exactly the same kind of hiker.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 24 "Hawk Creek"?
October is the single best month: temperatures sit between 10–20 °C, the oak-hickory canopy delivers peak autumn colour, and trail conditions are dry and firm. Spring (late April–May) is the second-best window for wildflowers and migrant birdlife along Hawk Creek. Avoid July and August if you are heat-sensitive — the creek valley traps humidity and midday temperatures regularly exceed 30 °C, making a 21 km push genuinely demanding.

How difficult is Section 24 of the Sheltowee Trace?
The trail is rated moderate. The 21 km distance with approximately 400 m of cumulative elevation gain is within reach of regular walkers in reasonable fitness. The main challenges are route-finding near the northern trailhead where the path crosses private land, uneven footing on the suspension bridge deck, and slippery sandstone rocks in the Hawk Creek drainage. There are no technical scrambles or exposed ridge sections requiring special equipment.

How far should I expect to hike per day on this trail?
The full 21 km can be completed in a single day — most fit hikers finish in 5–7 hours including stops at the waterfall and suspension bridge. If you link Section 24 with adjacent Sheltowee Trace sections for a multi-day walk, plan for 18–22 km per day depending on terrain. Allow extra time on the central creek section where uneven footing slows the pace and the temptation to linger at the bridge is strong.

Where can I stay near the Sheltowee Trace Section 24 "Hawk Creek"?
Dispersed camping is free throughout Daniel Boone National Forest — set up at least 60 metres from water, trails, and roads. Established campgrounds nearby include Rockcastle Campground (approximately €18–22 per night) and Grove Recreation Area (approximately €15–20 per night). London, Kentucky — 12 km west — has budget motels from around €80 per night and is the most practical base for a single-day out-and-back or shuttle hike.

Do I need a permit to hike Section 24 of the Sheltowee Trace?
No permit is required, and there are no fees for hiking or dispersed camping in Daniel Boone National Forest. The trail crosses a short section of private land near the northern trailhead — stay on the marked corridor. Campfire restrictions may apply during high fire-danger periods; check the Daniel Boone National Forest website before your trip. The southern section between KY 1956 and FS Road 4255 is shared with off-highway motorcycles, particularly on weekends.