Near Sheltowee Trace NRT: Section 26
Laurel River Dam.

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Hike Trail

Sheltowee Trace NRT: Section 26

4.0 (3 Ratings)
Notoriously good hiking along Laurel Lake on the Sheltowee Trace.
8.2
mi
Distance
446
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.2mi
Distance
446ft
Elevation Gain
569ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
1,185ft
High Point
1,016ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Beginning on KY 1193 where the Sheltowee comes out of Cane Creek WMA, this section of the Trace drops from the trailhead into some nice rollers before losing considerable elevation from the ridge down into the valley where the trail soon falls along the lake shore in its upper reaches. Then the hike is a race to the dam contouring in and out of inlets and hollows on well-drained and super fun singletrack. Take care when passing through the camping areas as there can be foot traffic down to the shore for fishing and boat access and watch for blazes and signs when crossing roads and when passing through the marina area so as not to lose the trail. When in doubt angle back toward the lake. The Trace is never far from the lakeshore in this section. You can begin at the north end where the Sheltowee crosses 1193 or at the dam. I like starting at the dam because you climb up to 1193 at the halfway point. The benefit of starting at the northern end is that you can also sample the more-technical section of the Trace to the north heading into Cane Creek WMA from the same trailhead.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Chris Chaney