Sheltowee Trace NRT - Section 24 Central to Suspension Bridge

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

A seldom used part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail. This is an easy hike with great views of the rock shelters out to a wonderful suspension bridge over Hawk Creek. As an out and back hike, it can be made longer by continuing on Sheltowee Trace Section 24 to the north or south.

The single person wide suspension bridge is slick in places.

This route starts at a small trailhead parking area at the side of KY 1956 and drops into the forest to the right of the trailhead sign. You'll hike past a house with barking dogs on the right; they will probably see you well before you can see them on the ledge.

The trail connects with the remnants of a dirt road for about a tenth of a mile before going back into the forest. You'll pass a number of rock shelters and the forest becomes thick and overgrown in places. Don't worry, the trail is well-blazed, though the forest is trying to reclaim those too.

As you get closer to the bridge, the forest gets thick around the trail, such that the bridge comes out of nowhere. On the north side of Hawk Creek is a wonderful area to have a picnic to explore the creek. The trail continues off to the left where there is a waterfall about a quarter mile ahead. You'll find it upstream of where the small log bridge leading up the trail is out. This may remain a rock crossing when the water is low. The waterfall is reached by leaving the trail and doing some light rock scrambling upstream and around a bend in the creek. The view is worth the work.