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Swift Camp Creek Trail #219

ModerateKentucky · United States

GPX
Distance
10.5 km (6.5 mi)
Elevation gain
668 m (2,192 ft)
Typical time
3 hr 11 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
358 m (1,175 ft)

About Swift Camp Creek Trail #219

Swift Camp Creek Trail #219 is a 10.5 km hiking route in Kentucky, United States. It climbs roughly 668 m (2,192 ft) along the way, topping out at 358 m (1,175 ft). Most people take around 3 hr 11 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

The route follows moving water for much of its length, which keeps the gradient friendly and the soundtrack constant.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The route is maintained by USFS.

In short, Swift Camp Creek Trail #219 suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate10.5 km668 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+668 m
Descent
599 m
High
358 m (1,175 ft)
Low
230 m (755 ft)
215 m254 m294 m334 m373 m0.0 km2.6 km5.1 km7.7 km10 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 74 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • River

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
49/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
33/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
41/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
36/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
20/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
70/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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