Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge: Section 9 Day 1. Divide Rd to Ledbetter Trailhead

Join me on Day 1 of Section 9 in the 2026 Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge! Due to logistics, we flipped directions and hiked northbound through the stunning Big South Fork in Tennessee. Starting out from Divide Road, we tackled a challenging 22-mile trek past rock shelters, scenic creeks, and Peters Mountain, eventually finishing at the Ledbetter trailhead just as the sun set. Which part of the trail looked like your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! If you enjoyed the trek, please hit that 👍 like button, subscribe for more trail adventures, and check out my backpacking trips through Pickett State Park below! ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 - Stepping Onto the Trail 0:54 - Section 9 Intro & Route Logistics 2:40 - Hiking Through Big South Fork 5:05 - Mile 5 Check-In 6:30 - Creek Crossings & Rock Shelters 10:00 - Mile 9 & Ascending Peters Mountain 12:00 - Peters Mountain Break & Mile 11.5 14:03 - Mile 15.5 Ridge Walking & Elevation Gains 15:40 - Mile 19: Chasing Daylight 16:40 - Mile 20 & Approaching Camp 17:30 - Ledbetter Trailhead Wrap-Up & Day 2 Preview Check Out My Pickett State Park Hikes: [Backpacking Through Picket State Park's John Muir Trail: Part 1](https://studio.youtube.com/video/nyJV...) [Backpacking Through Pickett State Park's John Muir Trail: Part 2](https://studio.youtube.com/video/VEvY...) ----- #SheltoweeTrace #SheltoweeTraceHikerChallenge #BigSouthFork #Backpacking #HikingTennessee #TrailLife