Mountain Biking

Biker on Road or trail A great selection of trails awaits cyclists who seek recreational challenge across rugged terrain. Since most of our trails were constructed primarily for hiking, they are narrow and sometimes steep. You should expect to carry or walk your bike along some sections of trail.

Many national forest trails are “multiple-use.” Mountain bikers often share the trail with hikers, horseback riders and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.

Electric bike use permitted on trails open to motorized use.

Learn more about rules and regulations

Most trails do not meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

Mountain Biking Areas

Cumberland District
The office, located on Cave Run Lake, provides maps and information about the Daniel Boone National Forest. It also serves as the district office for Cumberland Ranger District.

Cave Run Lake area map

Avenza Digital Maps

A Red River Gorge digital map is available from the Avenza Maps online map store. For the best user experience, use our maps within a GPS-enabled mobile app such as Avenza Maps.

Cumberland District Vicinity Map
Buckskin Trail #113
Cave Run Trail #112
Connector Trail #108
Cross Over Trail #107
Eagle Lake Trail #114
Hog Pen Trail #106
Lakeview Ridge Trail #122
Limestone Bike Trail #109
Limestone Connector #109A
Martin Branch Trail #119
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 1
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 10
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 11
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 2
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 3
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 4
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 5
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 6
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 7
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 8
Zilpo Connector Trail #113A
Contrary Creek Trail #224
Red River Gorge Geological Area

The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities.

The Red River Gorge is a federally-designated National Geological Area, National Natural Landmark, National Archaeological District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gorge is also home to the federally-designated Wild and Scenic Red River and Clifty Wilderness.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regulations allow hunting and trapping in the gorge. All visitors should take appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and pets when using the gorge during hunting and trapping seasons. Inspect all backcountry campsites carefully before using the site. Avoid leaving food debris that may attract small animals.
Powdermill Branch Trail #238
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 15
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 16
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 17
London Ranger District
The London Ranger District encompasses 208,044 acres sandwiched between the Kentucky and Cumberland Rivers and spread across eight counties: Laurel, Whitley, Rockcastle, Jackson, Estill, Owsley, Lee, and Pulaski.

The London Ranger District provides trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and numerous water recreation activities centered around Laurel River Lake, Lake Cumberland, and two state-designated Kentucky Wild Rivers - the Cumberland River and Rockcastle River. There are also numerous heritage sites across the District, including historic Camp Wildcat.

Explore the District using the London District Vicinity Map
Bark Camp Trail #413
Bee Rock Recreation Area
Bee Rock Recreation Area, located on the London Ranger District, includes a network of 12 miles of interconnected trails centered around Bee Rock Campground and the historic Sublimity Bridge. From these trails, which range from easy to strenuous in difficulty, visitors can take in scenic overlooks, majestic cliffs, seasonal wildflowers, and views of the Rockcastle River. The Rockcastle River, whose flow forms the border of Rockcastle and Laurel counties, is cuts through the heart of the area and provides smallmouth bass and rock bass populations for fishing at the Bee Rock Boat Ramp.

Explore the Bee Rock Recreation Area trail network using the Bee Rock Area Trails Map & Guide
Bee Rock Loop Trail #529
Rockcastle Connector Trail #401A
Rockcastle Narrows East #401
Rockcastle Narrows Trail #503
Winding Stair Gap #402
Cane Creek Trail #410
Dog Slaughter Falls Trail #414
Goodwater OHV Route #504
Lakeside North Trail #411
Lakeside South Trail #412
Laurel River Lake
Laurel River Lake is located on London Ranger District and features 5,600 acres of clear, deep water and nearly 200 miles of tree-lined shore. The quiet coves and cliff-lined shores offer relaxation and quiet reflection, as well as boating, fishing, skiing and scuba diving in one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. Fishing for black bass, walleye, crappie, blue gill and catfish is excellent.

The U.S. Forest Service administers the lake and surrounding shoreline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversees the operation of the lake's dam and nearby recreation facilities, including a picnic area and a swimming beach at the spillway.

Campgrounds nearby:
- Drive-in Campgrounds - Holly Bay and Grove
- Boat-in Campgrounds - Grove and White Oak
- Group Campground: Craigs Creek Group Campground
Boat Ramps nearby:
Marinas:
- Grove Marina
- Holly Bay Marina
Boat Ramp Trail #483
Cold Rock School Trail #430
Craigs Creek Trail #420
Duff Branch Trail #440
Fishing Point Trail #442
Flatwoods Trail #470
Hightop Trail #460
Holly Bay Marina Trail #482
Holly Bay Trail #481
Marsh Branch Trail #431
Singing Hills Trail #443
Wintergreen Trail #480/480A
Nathan McClure Trail #530
Neds Branch Trail #405
Pine Creek OHV Route #100
Renfro OHV Route #302/302A
Sheltowee Trace #100 Section 18 Sturgeon Creek
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 19 Turkey Foot
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 20 McKee
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 21 Horse Lick
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 22 Rockcastle
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 23 Wildcat
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 24 Hawk Creek
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 25 Big Dog
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 26 Laurel Lake
Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 27 Moonbow
Sugar Tree Hollow Trails #407 & #407A
Turkey Foot Sheltowee Connector #100B
Twin Branch Trail #406
Redbird District
The Redbird District has many recreational opportunities from hiking, fishing, picnicking, backpacking, horseriding, and OHV trail riding.

Redbird District Vicinity Map
Redbird Crest Trail System
The Redbird Crest Trail is developed for off-highway vehicle riders, hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers to enjoy year round. The trail makes a loop that begins and ends near the Redbird District office. Two inner loops and a connector trail to a private off-highway vehicle campground add to the recreational experience.

The trail has three developed trailheads with vehicle parking. Signs at each trailhead indicate the type of use permitted along each section of trail.

Trails with in the system:
- Redbird Crest Trail #801, Sections 1-22 (69 miles)
- Gilbert Creek/ Elisha Creek Loop #802, Sections 5A and 7A(14 miles)
- Left Fork of Elisha Creek #803, Section 6A (7 miles)
- Daniel Boone Trail Connector #804, Section 6B (5 miles)
Steep terrain in some areas may be challenging for beginners on off-highway vehicles. Inexperienced riders should always be accompanied on the trail.

The trail is marked with orange diamond-shaped blazes. Trail symbols and signs are used at road intersections.

Trailheads:

Peabody OHV Trailhead Note: Bridge closed for repairs. See detour map.

Latitude: 37.14360869 Longitude -83.58006022
- Sugar Creek OHV Trailhead
Latitude: 37.12639657 Longitude -83.48399937
- Bear Creek OHV Trailhead
Latitude: 37.02263601 Longitude -83.53301195
Daniel Boone Trail Connector #804
Gilbert Creek/Elisha Loop Trail #802
Left Fork of Elisha Creek #803
Redbird Crest Trail #801
Stearns District
The Stearns District encompasses more than 171,000 acres of national forest land in four counties of southeastern Kentucky. Much of the district lies within the Big South Fork region of the Cumberland River, located in the remote foothills of the Jellico Mountains. Steeply-sloped ridges and narrow ravines characterize the land. The terrain is rugged but scenic.

Visitors will enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Dense hardwood forest, cascading waterfalls and towering sandstone cliffs are some of the area’s best natural attractions.

Two Kentucky Wild Rivers (Rock Creek and Cumberland River) and two candidates for National Wild and Scenic River designation (Marsh Creek and Rock Creek) occur in the area. The district surrounds the northern portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Three campgrounds, three picnic areas and more than 120 miles of trails provide for multiple outdoor activities.

Stearns District Vicinity Map

Special features on the district are:
- Rock Creek - a "Blue Ribbon" trout fishery
- Alpine Picnic Area
- Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail
- Barren Fork Accessible Heritage Trail
- Natural Arch Scenic Area
- Beaver Creek Wilderness Area
- Cumberland River
Laurel Creek Trail #620
Section 29 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
Section 30 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100

Alerts & Warnings

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Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

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https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/dbnf/recreation/bicycling/?recid=39314&actid=24