IMBA’s Rules of the Trail
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (303-545-9011) is the premier mountain biking advocacy organization.

Here are their Rules of the Trail with comments:
Ride On Open Trails Only -- Designated wilderness areas, private property and some public property are off limits. Damaged trails may be closed.
Control Your Bicycle -- Too much speed plus too little skill equals skids, irate hikers and equestrians and crashes. Ride within your limits.
Always Yield the Trail -- Mountain bikers yield too all other users, even when pedaling uphill.
Never Spook Animals -- Don’t irritate wildlife, farm animals or horses. When approaching a horse and rider, be prepared to stop, remove your helmet and talk to the rider. This helps the horse understand you’re a person not a predator.
Leave No Trace -- Pack out what you pack in. Leave only tire prints (not skid marks); take only memories (and photos).
Plan Ahead -- Food and water are the biggies. (don’t drink from streams or lakes as you may contract giardiasis.) First-aid supplies will become your top priority in the event of an injury. Carry tools and repair parts for your bike. A compass and a good map will get you home from the backside of nowhere. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Most of all, learn some basic skills. Maps, compasses and first aid supplies are worthless if you don’t know how to use them.

Sheltowee Trace
As a visitor to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, feel free to explore and discover the natural attractions along the trail. Because of the mixed land ownership when the trail was established, the trail travels along roads as well as in the woods. It touches significant historic trails like the Wilderness Road and Warrior’s Path, often following them for a short distance.
Whether you’re taking a short afternoon hike or a month long trek, make your visit safe and pleasant with the following tips:
1. Travel with a companion.
2. Tell someone where you are going and when you’ll return.
3. Set a relaxed pace that is comfortable for everyone in your group.
4. Wear clothing and foot gear appropriate to trail and weather conditions.
5. Plan on making camp before dark.
6. Avoid camping near cliffs.
7. If you consume alcohol avoid cliff lines as judgment and coordination will be impaired.
8. Watch your footing near cliffs.
9. Use caution when wading or crossing streams.
10. Check climbing equipment for safe operation and wear a helmet.
11. learn first aid to treat injuries that may occur on the trail.
12. Identify and be wary of ticks, stinging insects, poisonous snakes and plants.
13. Pack drinking water in. If you drink stream water purify it with chemical treatment or boil for 5 minutes.
14. Avoid dehydration by drinking water often, before you feel thirsty.
15. Check weather conditions before leaving and stay informed with a radio or use basic forecasting skills.
16. Avoid exposed ridges in high winds, watch for falling branches.
17. Seek shelter during lightning. Avoid high, exposed areas, solitary trees and metal objects.

If You Get Lost...
1. Stay calm and stay put. Panic can lead to mistakes that can make the situation worse.
2. Stop and evaluate the situation.
3. Don’t split up. The person who goes for help is often the last one found.
4. Be easy to find. Blow a whistle or bang pots and pans.
5. If you must move, trust your map and compass, stay on the trail and do not wander aimlessly.
6. As a last resort follow a stream or drainage downhill. This can be hard going but may lead to a trail or road.

Etiquette on the Trail
Courtesy to fellow travelers makes the outdoor experience much more enjoyable for everyone. Since the Sheltowee Trace is a multiple-use trail, you’ll meet different users - hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, off-highway vehicle riders and mountain bikers. These simple rules of trail etiquette will help everyone enjoy their trip.
1. Keep the noise level down.
2. Be courteous and respect the rights of others.
3. When you encounter groups leading or riding horses, you should step off the trail and let them pass.
4. Keep pets under control at all times.
5. Leave wildflowers, trees, shrubs, mosses and unusual rock formations for others to enjoy.
6. Do not disturb archeological sites or collect artifacts. all artifacts are protected by law.
7. Stay on the main trail, even if wet and never short-cut through switchbacks.
8. Never discard cigarette butts or trash. Pack it out.
9. Don’t disturb trail signs or markings. Please report any damaged, missing or misleading trail signs to the nearest district office.
10. Never mark or blaze your cross country route.
11. Respect the rights of private property owners. Remain on the marked trail when it crosses through private property. If it is neccesary to leave the trail and cross private property;obtain the owner’s permission.

NOTE: This map is intended to provide general recreational locations and is not an official transportation or trail map.

For more detailed road maps, topographical maps or recreational opportunity guides please contact:
Supervisor’s Office
Daniel Boone National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Meeting a Horse on the Trail--What You Should Do
1. Be alert for horses.
2. Yield to the horse/rider when possible.
Hikers: Step off the downhill side of the trail and stand still. By stepping to the downhill side, adequate room is yielded to the horse for passing. Be sure the horse has seen you before stepping aside, particularly if you step out of sight. When the horse approaches you, any sudden movement on your part will probably spook the horse if he is unaware of your existence. Do not attempt to pet horses.
ATVers: Move to the side at a wide safe location and shut down your engine.
Bicyclist: At a safe location, bring bicycle to a halt and remain in position.
Backpackers: Many horses are spooked by backpackers. This is due to the packs themselves, the noise and sight of ATVers and the quick movements of cyclists, therefore after stopping, remain still and speak softly to calm the horse.
3. If the rider stops the horse, converse with the rider. Promote and facilitate a positive relationship between user groups by encouraging friendly and courteous meetings.
4. If the rider decides to move past you without stopping, this is not out of lack of courtesy but rather due to a decision that the horse may be agitated and is best handled by moving past you. However sometimes the rider may request that you move on and request for you to do so. This is more likely to occur with a hiker or backpacker as the noise from ATVs. Expect the rider to advise you.