Alerts & Notices

Before visiting the Daniel Boone National Forest, there is information you should know about. In the Alert section you will find information about current conditions and closures on the forest.

We want your visit to be an enjoyable one. By following national forest rules and regulations, your outdoor recreation experience should prove rewarding and other visitors will likewise enjoy their visits. Please visit the rules and regulations page for more information.

Region 8 Safety Information

Turn Around, Don't Drown Information

Alerts

• Fall and Winter Schedule

  Date(s): Oct 16, 2018

  On Sunday, Nov 4 the following will close for the season (usually reopens in March):

  • Twin Knobs Campground
  • Zilpo Campground
  • Boat Gunnel Group Campground

  White Sulphur ATV Trail system closes for the season 12/1/18. Reopens May 1.

  Gladie Visitor Center in the Red River Gorge closes on Sunday, 11/25/18. Usually reopen in March.

  The following shift to winter operations Nov. 4 with reduced amenities and lower fees:

  • Koomer Ridge Campground in RRG (no flush toilets or showers $10/site)
  • White Sulphur Horse Camp
  • Claylick Campground
  • Clear Creek Campground (will close for season December)
  • Clear Creek Shooting Range
• London District Fall/Winter Schedule

  Date(s): Oct 29, 2018

  Craigs Creek Group Area, Grove Campground, and Holly Bay Campground CLOSED Oct 15. 

  Bee Rock Campground on the Pulaski County side will remain open in an effort to accommodate hunters possibly through mid-November. Water will remain on until freezing temperatures require closure. Toilets will remain open.

  Visitors to the area will still have year-round camping opportunities at the following campgrounds:

  • Bee Rock Campground on the Laurel County side. Water will remain on until freezing temperatures require closure. Toilets will remain open.
  • Little Lick, S-Tree, and Turkey Foot campgrounds remain open.
  • Grove Boat-in and White Oak Boat-in remain open. During winter months, no water is available; garbage is not emptied; toilets remain open.
• Belgian Horse Trail 624 temporarily closed

  Area(s): Stearns District, Alpine Loop Trail #520, Alpine Picnic Area, Appletree Shooting Range, Arabian Loop Trail #622, Barren Fork Accessible Heritage Trail #621, Barren Fork Horse Camp, Barren Fork Picnic Area, Beaver Creek Wilderness, Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area, Belgian Loop Trail #624, Bell Farm Horse Camp, Bowman Ridge Trail #514, Buffalo Arch Trail #634A, Buffalo Canyon Trail #508, Canter Loop Trail #625, Cliffside Trail #519, Cumberland River - Stearns, Jasper Bend Boat Ramp, Noe's Boat Ramp, Sawyer Boat Ramp, Draft Trail #617, Flat Rock Ridge Trail #616, Gobblers Arch Trail #636, Great Meadows Campground, Hemlock Grove Picnic Area, Indian Creek Trail #626, Keno Shooting Range, Koger Arch Trail #633, Lake Cumberland - Stearns, 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, Natural Arch Scenic Area, Negro Creek Trail #612, North Flat Rock Trail #627, Panoramic View Trail #528, Parkers Mountain Trail #634, Rock Creek, 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 Trail #501, Straight Creek OHV Trail A #501A, Three Forks Spur #512B, Three Forks of Beaver Loop Trail #512, Three Forks of Beaver Trail #512A, Upper Bowman A Trail #532A, Upper Bowman Trail #532, Yahoo Arch Trail #602, Yellow Cliff OHV Route #68B

  Date(s): Oct 25, 2018 - Feb 28, 2019

  The Belgian Horse Trail #624 on the Stearns Ranger District will be closed beginning October 31 through February 28 for maintenance.

• Temporary road closure on London District

  Date(s): Oct 23, 2018

  London Ranger District ~ Forest Service Roads 816A, 5148, and 122C on the London Ranger District are temporarily closed for public safety during implementation of an abandoned mined lands restoration project. The closure is anticipated to begin around October 18, and last approximately 6 weeks. The road closure begins at the intersection of 816 and 816A. See map... 

• Black bears sighted across the forest

  Date(s): Jun 11, 2018

  Black bears have been reported at three separate campground recently - Holly Bay and Grove campgrounds on Laurel River Lake and the Clear Creek area west of Cave Run Lake. For your safety, be sure to follow food storage orders when camping in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Learn more at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5281070. 

• Reduce odors that attract bears

  Date(s): May 8, 2018

  Black bears have returned to Kentucky. When visiting the Daniel Boone National Forest, it is important to take appropriate safety precautions. Learn more....

• Cumberland District Habitat Map

  Date(s): Jan 30, 2018

  Check out the Cumberland Ranger District Habitat map showing Pioneer Weapons WMA, Wildfire Activity Since 2010, Wildlife Openings, Timber Harvests Since 2010 and Constructed Wildlife Wetlands.

  View map at:

  https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c58fc9969c96499a9be878aa79aba0e2

• The Narrows -White's Branch

  Date(s): Oct 19, 2017

  Recently, we have been asked if motor vehicles can legally access the Whites Branch Arch trail, also known as The Narrows in Powell County. This trail section is part of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail #100 and is designated for foot travel only. Motorized vehicle use is prohibited due to concerns for resource protection and visitor safety.

  For more information on where off-road vehicle use is allowed visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/dbnf/recreation/ohv or contact the District Offices.

View More Alerts

Conditions

Weather Conditions

Before traveling or going outdoors to play, it's good to check the current weather and weather forecast. Especially in mountainous areas, local conditions can change quickly. Be well prepared so you can enjoy your trip.