The Daniel Boone National Forest
The Daniel Boone National Forest has over five million visitors annually
making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the south.
Most of the visitors come to backpack, camp, rock climb, hunt, fish,
boat, or just relax. The forest has three large lakes, Laurel River
Lake, Lake Cumberland, and Cave Run Lake. It’s many rivers and streams,
over six hundred miles of trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Daniel
Boone National Forest’s 704,000 are federally managed by the USDA, and
are located along the Cumberland Plateau in the foothill of the
Appalachians in Eastern Kentucky. Twenty one counties contain the forest
bounded by Rowan County to the north, and McCreary County to the south.
Daniel Boone is divided into six separate districts, each with a little
something special to offer visitors. Within the forest lie two National
Parks, Red River Gorge, and the Big South Fork National River and
Recreation area. Much of the terrain within the Daniel Boone National
Forest is rugged. Steep forested ridges, narrow ravines, and some 3,400
miles of sand stone cliffs are within the forest. In some areas of the
park you can expect to pay a small entrance fee, and a little more to
use specialized facilities such as camping overnight, swimming areas,
boat ramps and shooting ranges also charge small fees.
Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is 269 miles, and covers the
entire length of the forest, and offers opportunities for quiet escapes
in remote areas of the forest. The stated mission of the managers is:
The mission of Daniel Boone National Forest is to sustain the ecological
health and productivity of the lands and waters entrusted to its care
and provide for compatible human uses.
Wildlife also attracts its share of visitors. Hunting, fishing, and just
observing nature are all popular in Daniel Boone National Forest. With a
little luck, you can see the animals that Daniel Boone himself saw after
crossing the Cumberland Gap. Both endangered species such as Bald
Eagles, Osprey, and many endangered plants, fish, and reptiles are a
common site in the forest.
More common animals, such as White Tailed Deer, Gray and Fox Squirrels,
Red and Gray Fox, and Mink also inhabit the forest. Besides the Bald
Eagle and Osprey, Ruffed Grouse, and Wild Turkey are among the over 100
different species of birds that Call Daniel Boone home.
Cave Run Lake, Laurel River Lake, Red River Gorge Geological Area,
Natural Arch Scenic Area, Clifty Wilderness, Beaver Creek Wilderness,
and five wildlife management areas are all popular destinations within
the park boundaries.
Author Ron Stemple
Copyright 2006, Ron Dowell |
