Daniel Boone National Forest

The Daniel Boone National Forest stretches over 708,000 acres (287,000 hectares) of rugged terrain in eastern Kentucky, embracing some of the most dramatic landscapes west of the Appalachian Mountains. Created in 1937 as the Cumberland National Forest and renamed in 1966, it has grown through land acquisition from coal and timber companies. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs, and narrow ravines characterize the land.

The forest is divided into four ranger districts: the Cumberland Ranger District in the north, home to Cave Run Lake and the Red River Gorge; the London Ranger District in the central portion; the Stearns Ranger District in the south, bordering Big South Fork National Recreation Area; and the Redbird Ranger District in the east. Summers are warm and humid with temperatures typically in the 80s to low 90s°F (27-33°C), while winters are cool with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 40s°F (-1 to 9°C). Spring brings the most rainfall. The cave interiors maintain a steady 54°F (12°C) year-round.

By Plane

There is no airport directly within the forest. The nearest commercial airports are in Lexington (LEX) and Louisville (SDF), both roughly 2-3 hours away by car.

By Car / Road

Major highways providing access include I-75, I-64, and the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. From Lexington, take I-75 south to exit 10 (Berea) or continue to London for the central portion of the forest. From Louisville, I-64 east provides access to the northern districts. Some areas and activities within the forest require permits and fees; check the recreation schedule before your visit.

The forest is vast and remote, so a personal vehicle is essential. There is no public transportation. Most visitors drive between trailheads, campgrounds, and recreation areas using forest service roads and local highways. Cell phone service can be spotty in remote sections.

• Cave Run Lake — An 8,270-acre lake nestled among the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. Offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

• Red River Gorge Geological Area — A scenic natural area with spectacular sandstone arches and towering cliffs. Year-round hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.

• Laurel River Lake — A 5,600-acre lake with nearly 200 miles of tree-lined shore. Boating, swimming, fishing, and camping in pristine surroundings.

• Hiking — Over 600 miles of trails to explore, most anchored to the 290-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, which runs from Morehead to the Tennessee border.

• Rock Climbing — Climbers come from around the world to scale the sandstone cliffs of eastern Kentucky. Ensure you have proper equipment and knowledge of local regulations.

• Boating — Miles of streams and lakes offer motorized and non-motorized boating on Cave Run Lake, Laurel River Lake, and the Red, Kentucky, Cumberland, and Rockcastle rivers.

Food is available in communities and state parks within the forest. Dining options include restaurants in Corbin, London, Morehead, and Williamsburg, as well as at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and Natural Bridge State Park. In the natural areas of the forest, visitors must bring their own food.

Kentucky law prohibits consumption and open containers of alcohol in public places, including national forest land and waterways. Some surrounding communities are "dry" as well. Plan to bring non-alcoholic beverages into the forest.

The large size of the forest provides many options. Budget: Koomer Ridge Campground in the Red River Gorge area offers tent sites at $18/night and RV sites at $26/night (summer season), first-come first-served. Mid-range: Twin Knobs Recreation Area on Cave Run Lake has 141 RV sites with electric hookups and 58 primitive tent sites; reservations are available. Upscale: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and Natural Bridge State Park both offer lodge accommodations.

Shopping opportunities are limited to small towns and communities within and surrounding the forest. Gear and supplies are available in nearby towns like London, Corbin, and Morehead.

• Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (45 min south) — Famous for its moonbow and stunning waterfall.
• Natural Bridge State Park (1 hr north) — Scenic sandstone arch and hiking trails.
• Big South Fork National Recreation Area (adjacent, south) — Whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and hiking.
• Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (1.5 hr south) — Large reservoir with boating and fishing.