Skip to main content

Outdoor Science and Learning

The Daniel Boone National Forest serves as an outdoor classroom for young and old. Many come here to learn about the forest and its natural resources, including soil, water and wildlife. Our national forest lands - America’s Great Outdoors - play a vital role in all of our lives.

Due to limited staffing we do not generally provide guided programs. However, we invite teachers and other outdoor educators to use the forest as teaching forum to enhance awareness about Kentucky’s natural resources.

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

Visitors can learn about the many facets of natural resource management, as well as the area’s cultural history, aquatic and terrestrial biology, and geologic formations. Interpretive areas are special historical or natural features on the forest where self guided interpretive signs are provided to explain the unique attributes of the feature. 

Visitor Centers

At each visitor center, you'll find friendly, helpful personnel, brochures and maps of activities throughout the forest, and useful directions and tips. Hours vary depending on the season so call ahead!

Stop by a visitor center to...

  • View interpretive exhibits
  • Pick up information about trails, camping and other activities
  • Buy maps and visitor passes.
  • Get answers to your questions.

Visitor Programs

Education and entertainment events are offered during the spring, summer and autumn months.

 

Living Archaeology Weekend

Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 28 results

Barren Fork Heritage Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Barren Fork Heritage Trailhead is located off Barren Fork Road just behind the Stearns Ranger District Office and provides access to the Accessible Barren Fork Heritage Trail #621. This 3/4 mile…

Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area is cooperatively managed with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to promote and sustain native wildlife populations. This 17,753-acre area…

Camp Wildcat Battlefield

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Camp Wildcat is the site of the first engagement of regular troops in Kentucky during the Civil War. The site is undeveloped and remote, reached only by a single-lane gravel road. The Forest Service…

Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area

Site Temporarily Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area is cooperatively managed with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to promote and sustain native wildlife populations. This 6,677-acre area is…

Chimney Top Overlook

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Chimney Top Overlook is located at the end of Chimney Top Road (Forest #10) and provides access to Chimney Top Trail #235 and Princess Arch Trail #233. The overlook towers 400 feet above the Red…

Cottage Furnace Interpretive Site

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Cottage Furnace is an interpretive site with the remains of a historic iron furnace from the mid-1800s located off Marbleyard Road in Estill County. The remains of the furnace are located on Cottage…

Cumberland Ranger District Visitor Center

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
The Cumberland Ranger District Visitor Center, located on Cave Run Lake, provides maps and information about the Daniel Boone National Forest. It also serves as the District Office for Cumberland…

Devils Canyon Overlook

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Devils Canyon Overlook is located along Skybridge Road in the Red River Gorge and provides views into Parched Corn Creek. The site has parking, visitor information and trash collection.

Fitchburg Furnace Interpretive Site

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking
Fitchburg Furnace was constructed in 1868 and operated at the peak of the iron industry. In 1870, with 250 men, Fitchburg produced 900 tons of pig iron. Its venture was cut short in 1875. Its…

Gladie Visitor Center

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Located in the heart of the Red River Gorge, Gladie Visitor Center is a one-stop shop for learning about the Gorge and the nearby Red Wild and Scenic River. With easy access from KY 715, the Center…

Last updated April 8th, 2025