Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 25 Big Dog

Area Status: Open

Hawk Creek and Sinking Creek suspension bridges were both damaged by recent flooding. Currently, both bridges are impassable. When hiking the Hawk Creek/Sinking Creek portion (Section 24) of the Sheltowee Trace individuals will need to wade through the creeks to continue along the trail. As a safety precaution, please do not try to cross any part of the remaining bridge infrastructures and always exercise caution when wading the creeks.

Sheltowee Trace Section 25 Big Dog of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail begins at Sinking Creek and ends at Cane Creek. The trail follows old logging roads along Big Dog Branch.

Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 25 Big Dog Map (pdf)

After crossing Sinking Creek, the trail makes a short climb to the ridge top and drops back into Little Dog Branch. The trail crosses Little Dog Branch and Big Dog Branch near their confluence. A small waterfall occurs downstream from the creek crossing. The trail then climbs to Forest Service Road 4116, following the road before dropping back into Big Dog Branch.

The trail follows an old logging road up a long grade to Forest Service Road 457. When the trail leaves its junction south of the road, it is open to motorized vehicles less than 50" wide.

The next trail segment lies entirely within the Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area. This portion of the trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The trail leaves the woods south of Forest Service Road 457 and follows Forest Service Road 119 for about a half-mile. From here, the trail leaves the road and runs along Van Hook Branch.

A mile after leaving Forest Road 119, the trail intersects with Rockcastle Narrows East Trail 401 (5 miles). From the junction, the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail continues down stream past Van Hooks Falls to Cane Creek.

The Cane Creek area is a popular destination for day hikers. The creek is regularly stocked with trout.

Trail connections:
Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail
Section 24 (13 miles) and Section 26 (12 miles)
Rockcastle Narrows East Trail 401

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Hawk Creek and Sinking Creek suspension bridges are impassable due to flood damage. Hikers will need to wade through the creeks to continue along the trail. As a safety precaution, please do not try to cross any part of the remaining bridge infrastructures and always exercise caution when wading the creeks.
Information Center:	London Office Contact Information

General Information

Directions:

Take KY 192 west from London for 6 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 56 (sign to Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area) and go 4.7 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 119 and go 3.2 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 457 and go 0.5-mile. The trail is located on the right.