Sheltowee Trace Association

For over 38 years the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail has been a steady, reliable companion for all outdoor adventures.  Through the foresight of Vernon Orndorff the trail founder and the USDA Forest Service, we have a premier long trail that is attracting attention from across the United States.  From across the nation hikers, bikers and trail riders are coming to the Trace to explore the beauty of this long trail. 

Since 2010, The Sheltowee Trace Association, a 501c(3) on-profit, has worked to protect, preserve and promote the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail as a significant national resource for the enjoyment of hikers, bikers and equestrians, and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all people. 

 In 2017 we have experienced record setting support for the annual Hiker Challenge, Trace Fest, volunteer hours working on the trail.  We were honored to be recognized by the Forest Service's Regional Forester with the award for Volunteer Group of the Year.  

Plans for 2018 call for increased volunteer hours on the Trace completing routine trail clearing and replacement of signs, some that have been on the Trace for over 35 years.  We want the Trace to show that sense of pride we have in calling it "our Trace". 

We look forward to expanding our volunteer efforts into the Big South Fork where, working with the staff, we will work to replace 3 downed bridges along the Trace - Muir Trail and extend the southern terminus to the edge of the BSF at Brewster's Bridge. 

But to achieve the success we invision in the year ahead, we need your financial support beyond your membership.  We need our members to come together and help us raise $5,000.00 to go toward the work of the STA.   The STA receives no government funds in support of our work.  We depend totally on you our members and friends.  The needs of the Trace are great and we hope you will support this work with your generous contribution to the Sheltowee Trace during Kentucky Gives Day.

Thanks so much for your support.

Steve Barbour, Executive director