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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.
Special features on the district are:
At a Glance
| Fees: | Fees are required at some recreation sites. See the Recreation Passes and Permits page for more details. |
|---|---|
| Information Center: | Stearns District Office Information |
General Information
Accessibility:Barren Fork Heritage Accessible Trail
Directions:
Directions:
Directions to the Stearns Ranger District Office:
From I-75 South
Take exit 11 and turn left off the ramp onto KY 92 (19.9 miles). The office is 7.8 miles after turning right onto US 27.
or
Take exit 141 and turn left on TN 63 (20.3 miles). Turn right on US 27 (6.7 miles). Turn left at US 27/Alberta Street (21.2 miles).
From I-75 North
Take exit 62 and merge right onto KY 461 (17.9 miles). Turn right on KY 80 (6.0 miles). Turn left on KY 914 (7.2 miles). Turn right on US 27/Burnside Road (18.2 miles)
or
Turn right onto KY 80 (8.8 miles). Turn left onto US 27 (27 miles).
Accessibility:
The Barren Fork Heritage Interpretive Trail is accessible.
The Natural Arch Scenic Area picnic shelter, amphitheater, toilets and pathway to the overlook are accessible.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Areas for Mountain Biking at Stearns District
Campground Camping
Our developed campgrounds are designed to give you a pleasant camping experience. Some campgrounds have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, toilets and running water. The more remote sites have minimal facilities.
Campers may enjoy the additional recreation opportunities that many campgrounds provide, such as hiking and horseback riding.
Great Meadows, Barren Fork and Bell Farm are considered developed drive-in campgrounds. No reservations are required.
Areas for Campground Camping at Stearns District
RV Camping
Areas for RV Camping at Stearns District
Dispersed Camping
Primitive camping, or camping in remote areas of the forest, is considered dispersed camping. Campers will enjoy rippling streams, glimpses of wildlife and scenic forest beauty.
Dispersed campsites should be set up at least 300 feet from roads, streams and trails.
General Info:
AccessibilityBarren Fork Heritage Accessible Trail
Directions
Lake and Pond Fishing
Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Stearns District
- Barren Fork Horse Camp
- Cumberland River - Stearns
- Jasper Bend Boat Ramp
- Noes Boat Ramp
- Sawyer Boat Ramp
- Lake Cumberland - Stearns
River and Stream Fishing
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Stearns District
Day Hiking
There is something about a trail that beckons us to step into the forest and reconnect with nature. The Stearns Ranger District has more than 120 miles of hiking trails where you can explore the forest and enjoy its natural scenery.
Areas for Day Hiking at Stearns District
- 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
Horse Camping
Areas for Horse Camping at Stearns District
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Stearns District
Big Game Hunting
Areas for Big Game Hunting at Stearns District
Small Game Hunting
Areas for Small Game Hunting at Stearns District
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Areas for Game Bird/Waterfowl at Stearns District
Viewing Wildlife
Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Stearns District
Viewing Plants
Areas for Viewing Plants at Stearns District
OHV Trail Riding
Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Stearns District
Target Shooting
Areas for Target Shooting at Stearns District
Interpretive Areas
Areas for Interpretive Areas at Stearns District
Picnicking
Areas for Picnicking at Stearns District
- Alpine Picnic Area
- Barren Fork Picnic Area
- Hemlock Grove Picnic Area
- Natural Arch Picnic Area
- Natural Arch Scenic Area
Group Picnicking
Areas for Group Picnicking at Stearns District
Boating - Motorized
Areas for Boating - Motorized at Stearns District
- Cumberland River - Stearns
- Jasper Bend Boat Ramp
- Noes Boat Ramp
- Sawyer Boat Ramp
- Lake Cumberland - Stearns
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Stearns District
Quick Links
Location