Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15
~2 days · 9.5 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15 is known for
A short section of Kentucky's 350-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail through the Red River Gorge area of Daniel Boone National Forest. About 7 miles point-to-point as drawn, in the Gorge's cliff-and-arch country. Usually done in 1-2 days as part of a longer Trace itinerary.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,421 ft to 4,423 ft over 9.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.5 mi · 36%
- Downhill 4.1 mi · 43%
- Flat 2.0 mi · 21%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15 scores 16/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15 take?
Most backpackers hike the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15 in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 9.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15?
The Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 15 climbs roughly 1,591 ft total — about 167 ft per mile, topping out near 1,348 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.