Daniel Boone National Forest
🏙️2 attractions

Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Kentucky's Great Wilderness

About this city

Also known as: Kentucky's Great Wilderness

Daniel Boone National Forest is a massive, federally managed wilderness reservation stretching across 21 counties in eastern Kentucky, carving through the rugged sandstone terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. Characterized by over 700,000 acres of dense hardwood canopies, spectacular vertical sandstone cliffs, and thousands of natural stone arches, the forest was established in 1937 to protect vital river watersheds. It serves as a world-class Mecca for international rock climbing, backcountry hiking, and pristine aquatic recreation.

Location & Administrative

County
Rowan County
Time Zone
EST
State Code
KY

Transportation & Accessibility

Nearest Airports
LEXSDF
Getting Around
Car Required

Weather & Timing

Best Months
AprMayJunSepOctNov
Average Temperature
Peak Season
Hiking SeasonFall Foliage Season
Off Season
WinterMud Season

Economics & Local Vibe

Sales Tax
6%
Key Industries
Outdoor Recreation & Eco-TourismForestry & Conservation

Practical Tourism Metadata

Suggested stay: 2–5 days

Scale world-class vertical sandstone cliffs inside the Red River Gorge Geological Area, a premier global climbing destination. Walk across the massive natural stone span of Natural Bridge inside the adjacent state resort park. Rent a pontoon boat or kayak along the sprawling cliff-lined shores of Cave Run Lake.

Must-See