Natural Arch Picnic Area
Natural Arch Picnic Area is located off Day Ridge Road (#927) in McCreary County near the nearly 100-foot-long sandstone Natural Arch. An amphitheater, eight picnic sites, two group picnic shelters, grills and playgrounds provide year-round enjoyment. The amphitheater and group picnic shelters may be reserved for special events. The amphitheater will accommodate up to 300 people. The covered stage is equipped with electrical hookups for audio and visual equipment. Each group shelter has six picnic tables (suitable for up to 36 people) as well as a large grill, a serving table, electricity, and water. The area provides access to the Natural Arch Loop Trail #510 and Buffalo Canyon Trail #508.
Active Alerts
Reservations
No fee is required for first-come, first-served use of the amphitheater or picnic shelters. $25/day to reserve a picnic shelter or amphitheater. Contact the Stearns District Office to pay with credit card, cash, or check.
General Information
Open year-round
Day use: Open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Day Use: $5/day; $7/3 day; $50 annual per vehicle.
Group Use: $25/day to reserve picnic shelter or amphitheater.
Interagency Recreation Passes provide fee-free day-use access.
An America the Beautiful Interagency pass, Daniel Boone National Forest recreation pass (hang tag or sticker) or fee envelope hang tag must be displayed inside vehicles parked at the area. Daniel Boone National Forest passes may be purchased from Forest offices or local vendors for $5/day; $7/3 day; $50 annual or you may pay at the site via fee envelope.
Address: 3320 US 27 North Whitley City, KY 42653
Phone: 606-376-5323
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.839631
Longitude: -84.512309
Directions
Take US 27 south from Somerset for 21 miles; turn right on KY 927 and follow the signs for 2 miles. From Whitley City, proceed north on US 27 for 5 miles; turn left on KY 927 and follow the signs for 2 miles.
Parking
Parking is available at the picnic shelters and amphitheater.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Vault toilets meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Drinking water is available from faucets.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
There are 8 picnic tables and 2 shelters with 6 tables each.
