Sheltowee Trace NRT: Section 16

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Beginning at the north end at Standing Rock you follow paved KY 1036 along a ridge past a few houses and old oil equipment. After a steep, fast descent, the road turns to gravel and winds along Little Sinking Creek for a good distance past scattered houses and more oil extraction paraphernalia.

The Trace then turns south into a more intimate section of Little Sinking that has been abused by off-roads but, when dry, has the feel of a nice dirt singletrack. Near the mouth of Little Sinking Creek the Trace crosses Big Sinking Creek in a stunning location. On one side is an old stone bridge abutment and on the other is a magnificent limestone rock house. Immediately after crossing the creek there is a steep and technical climb through a limestone band to gain a shoulder. The road turns back to gravel quickly and after a moderate reprieve you face the imposing New Virginia Road climb.

Once at the top the hiking relaxes to a gravel grinder on a broad ridge.

At KY 52 you can go left (east) to a county park with restrooms and a small country store.