Daniel Boone National Forest

The Daniel Boone National Forest is named after the folk hero, Daniel Boone himself. This magical forest is a true American treasure and sings to the soul when one enters it. The many unique species of bird, tree, plant, and animal all reside harmoniously with the many families, climbers, bird-watchers, hikers, and bikers that visit this amazing and pristine forest.

With over 2,000,000 acres spanning 21 counties, this massive biome is as beautiful and diverse as it is complex and craggy.

According to Kentucky Tourism, Daniel Boone National Forest “is home to many spectacular natural features… At its inception [in 1937,] the forest was 1,338,214 acres. Through land purchases and donations from coal and timber companies, the forest eventually grew to the size it is today.”

Apparently, there are still boundary issues, and some of the land comprising this amazing place remains in private hands. This special place was initially named Cumberland National Forest, but in 1966, thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson, the land officially became Daniel Boone National Forest.

While access to many areas of this forest are free, permits are required for certain activities. There are also fees for boat ramps and shooting ranges, camping in the Red River Gorge, driving on off highway vehicle (OHV) trails, and to rent equipment from a park office. Importantly, “America the Beautiful” passes and “Golden Passports” are accepted in the forest.

Not only is there backcountry camping, there is also great RV accommodations and many cozy cabin rentals. For RV’s, there are sites in the Cumberland District, the London Ranger District, and the Stearns District that are all RV ready.

Red River Gorgeous and Red River Cabin Rentals have many amazing cabins for rent. These affordable and cozy hideaways are perfect for the visiting family and often have hot tubs, Wi-Fi, and many other modern amenities for the ultimate relaxing forest vacation.

There are some basic common sense rules of thumb to protect the forest that you must not forget: don’t bring your own firewood, be mindful of the fact that there are bears that call this place home, and follow the National Forest rules and regulations.

With all of the lakes, rivers, and streams, it’s no surprise that water-based recreation is super popular year-round in the Daniel Boone National Forest. In the national forest, you can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming (allowed in any waterway unless otherwise posted), tubing, and even water skiing. Before you cast a fishing line, make sure to pick up a license.

There are over 600 miles of trails to hike in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Every year, climbers come from all over the world to enjoy what is widely regarded as one of the premiere sport-climbing (climbing with a rope for fun) areas in the world. After a long day on the crags, climbers all seem to congregate either at Miguel’s Pizza for great pizza and camping, or at the amazing beer & burger joint, the Red River Rockhouse. These are truly must visit restaurants!

Another must-do experience is the Sky Bridge Trail in the Red River Gorge section of the park. It’s short and sweet, and quite memorable. The family/dog friendly paved trail is about a mile and comes highly recommended.

Another amazing hike is the Rock Bridge Trail. It’s about 1.4-miles and is accessible all year. Its beautiful waterfalls are not to be missed.

Bikers looking for a challenge will find plenty in the park. Most trails were originally designed for hiking, featuring narrow and steep sections, but many designated biking trails are shared paths. A prime spot for bikers is Section 16 of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, which is entirely roadway, offering a more bike-centric experience and less foot traffic.

The Red River Gorge, within the Daniel Boone National Forest, is home to a rich variety of tree species, including beech, sugar maples, white pines, hemlock, several types of oak, and hickory. These trees create habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, including 67 species of reptiles and amphibians, 46 species of mammals, and 100 species of birds. The forest also shelters endangered species like the Indiana Bat, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat, the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, and White-Haired Goldenrod – an endemic species occurring nowhere else in the world.