Day Hiking

Day Hiking 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

• Cave Run Lake

  Cave Run Lake is nestled among the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. It is located on the Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This 8,270-acre lake provides flood protection and a clean water supply to area communities. Tourists enjoy the lake for its scenery and excellent recreation opportunities. Boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors.

  Campgrounds: The Twin Knobs and Zilpo campgrounds provide nearly 400 campsites, some with RV hook-ups. The campgrounds also have swimming beaches and group-use picnic areas.

  Boat ramps: Cave Run Lake has 12 ramps for boat launching. A Claylick (area is unavailable), Poppin Rock, Longbow, Scott Creek and Warix boat ramps. Passes may be purchased at local vendors.

  Picnic areas: The Billy Branch and Boat Gunnel picnic areas are popular locations near Cave Run Lake. 

  Trails: Several trails are developed in the Cave Run Lake area. These trails wind through the forest, providing scenic views and glimpses of wildlife. 

  Some of the most popular recreation areas around Cave Run Lake include:
  Twin Knobs Recreation Area
  Zilpo Recreation Area

  White Sulphur Horse Camp
  Clear Creek Recreation Area
  Clay Lick Boat-in Campground

• Boat Gunnel Shoreline Trail #1206
• Buck Creek Trail #118
• Buckskin Trail #113
• Caney Trail #1226
• Carrington Branch Trail #121
• Carrington Rock Trail #123
• Cave Run Lake Trail #116
• Cave Run Trail #112
• Clear Creek Lake Trail #103
• Connector Trail #108
• Cross Over Trail #107
• Eagle Lake Trail #114
• Hog Pen Trail #106
• Knob Overlook Trail #1700
• Lakeview Ridge Trail #122
• Leatherwood Loop Trail #116A
• Limestone Bike Trail #109
• Limestone Connector #109A
• Martin Branch Trail #119
• Muskie Bend Trail #1210
• Oak Ridge Trail #1208
• Shallow Flats Trail #1209
• Shallow Pond Trail #1211
• 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
• Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 9
• Twin Knobs West Group Use Area
• Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail #1702
• White Sulphur OHV Trail System
• White Sulphur Trail #115/115A
• Wildlife Habitat Trail #1215
• Windy Bay Trails #1223/A/B
• Zilpo Connector Trail #113A
• Zilpo Mountain Trail #1802
• 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. 

• Angel Windows Trail #218
• Auxier Branch Trail #203
• Auxier Ridge Trail #204
• Bison Way Trail #210
• Buck Trail #226
• Chimney Top Trail #235
• Cliff Trail #206
• Clifty Wilderness
• Courthouse Rock Trail #202
• D. Boon Hut Trail #209
• Double Arch Trail #201
• Grays Arch Trail #205
• Hidden Arch Trail #208
• Koomer Ridge Trail #220
• Left Flank Wall Trail #231
• Lost Branch Trail #239
• Military Wall Trail #230
• Osborne Bend Trail #240
• Pebble Beach Trail #237
• Powdermill Branch Trail #238
• Princess Arch Trail #233
• Rock Bridge Trail #207
• Rough Trail #221
• Rush Ridge Trail #227
• Sheltowee Connector Trail #211
• Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 12
• Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 13
• Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 14
• Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 15
• Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 16
• Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 17
• Silvermine Arch Trail #225
• Sky Bridge Trail #214
• Swift Camp Creek Trail #219
• Tower Rock Trail #229
• Tunnel Ridge Road
• Whistling Arch Trail #234
• Whittleton Arch Trail #217
• Wildcat Trail #228
• 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:

  • Craigs Creek Boat Ramp
  • Flatwoods Boat Ramp
  • Grove Boat Ramp
  • Hightop Boat Ramp
  • Holly Bay Boat Ramp
  • Laurel Bridge Boat Ramp
  • Marsh Branch Boat Ramp

  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
• Oak Branch Trail #444
• Singing Hills Trail #443
• Spruce Creek Trail #441
• Three Sisters Rock Trail #450/A/B
• Wintergreen Trail #480/480A
• Little Lick Trail #502
• Nathan McClure Trail #530
• Neds Branch Trail #405
• Pine Creek OHV Route #100
• Renfro OHV Route #302/302A
• Scuttle Hole Trail System (#404/A & Dutch Branch)
• 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
• Turkey Foot Trail System #303
• Twin Branch Trail #406
• Wildcat Trail #490
• 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.

  Redbird Crest Trail Guide

  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

  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
• Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail
• 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
• Alpine Loop Trail #520
• Alum Trail #612
• Arabian Loop Trail #622
• Barren Fork Accessible Heritage Trail #621
• Beaver Creek Wilderness
• Belgian Loop Trail #624
• Bowman Ridge Trail #514
• Buffalo Arch Trail #634A
• Buffalo Canyon Trail #508
• Canter Loop Trail #625
• Cliffside Trail #519
• Draft Trail #617
• Flat Rock Ridge Trail #616
• Gobblers Arch Trail #636
• Indian Creek Trail #626
• Koger Arch Trail #633
• Laurel Creek Trail #620
• Lick Creek Falls Trail #631A
• Lick Creek Trail #631
• Mark Branch Trail #635
• Markers Arch Trail #603
• Middle Ridge Trail #518
• Natural Arch Loop Trail #510
• Natural Arch Picnic Area
• North Flat Rock Trail #627
• Panoramic View Trail #528
• Parkers Mountain Trail #634
• Rock Ridge OHV Trail #506
• Rock Ridge OHV Trail #506A
• Section 28 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 29 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 30 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 31 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 32 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 33 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 34 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 35 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 36 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 37 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Section 38 Sheltowee Trace Trail #100
• Straight Creek OHV Route #501A
• Straight Creek OHV Trail #501
• Three Forks Spur #512B
• Three Forks of Beaver Loop Trail #512
• Three Forks of Beaver Trail #512A
• Upper Bowman Trail #532
• Upper Bowman Trail #532A
• Yahoo Arch Trail #602
• Yellow Cliff OHV Route #68B