Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23 landscape

Photo: Photo by Toan Chu on Unsplash

Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23

~2 days · 13 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance13 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain1,690 ft
Gain / mile130 ft
High point1,309 ft
Difficulty index14/100

What the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23 is known for

Section 23 ('Wildcat') of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, about 12 miles point-to-point. Like the other numbered Sheltowee Trace Association sections it makes a modest overnight by itself and links directly with its neighbors for longer trips.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23 on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 2,808 ft to 4,295 ft over 13 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 6.5 mi · 51%
  • Downhill 4.5 mi · 35%
  • Flat 1.7 mi · 13%

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 23?

14 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23 scores 14/100, 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 23 take?

Most backpackers hike the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23 in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 13 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23?

The Sheltowee Trace NRT — Section 23 climbs roughly 1,690 ft total — about 130 ft per mile, topping out near 1,309 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.

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