Hawk Creek is a wild and remote mountain stream that is deeply cut into Daniel Boone National forest and it flows through a very narrow and deep gorge shrouded in dense laurel groves and towering hemlock forests. Hawk Creek - though it is smaller than Bark Camp Creek or Cane Creek - is still a significant tributary to the Rockcastle River.
The trail down to Hawk Creek winds around and passes under several significant rock cliffs and shelters. Expect a 3.5-mile round trip hike to the cache from the parking area located on KY 1956. (NOTE: Using the trail crossing on KY 80 is NOT recommended.)
The signature suspension bridge was destroyed when a huge tree fell across its middle in early 2021. While plans are to eventually replace the bridge, the U.S. Forest Service flattened the top half of the tree and added railings to make a safe way to cross the creek.
For those so inclined, there is a perfect camping spot on the north side of the creek for both tents and hammocks.
ABOUT THE SHELTOWEE TRACE
The Sheltowee Trace is a 343-mile trail passing through beautiful, rugged and remote landscapes as well as by unique geological and cultural features. The southern terminus of the trail now extends to Burnt Mill Bridge in the Big South Fork in Tennessee and the northern terminus is in the Daniel Boone National Forest just north of Morehead, Kentucky.
The Sheltowee Trace is a National Recreation Trail and is named after Daniel Boone, who was given the name “Sheltowee” by Chief Blackfish when he was adopted into the Shawnee tribe. Sheltowee translates to “Big Turtle,” so a white turtle symbol has been used to mark the trail.
I am continuing the tradition of drawing attention to this trail begun by Moonsovrbend, who placed most of the original caches on the Sheltowee Trace. All caches were placed with permission of Daniel Boone National Forest Service.