KENTUCKY
Kentucky is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage. The state is famous for its horse racing, bourbon whiskey, and southern hospitality. Visitors to Kentucky can explore the state’s historic sites, such as the Churchill Downs racetrack, where the Kentucky Derby is held each year, or the Mammoth Cave National Park, which features the world’s longest known cave system. The state is also known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, as well as its scenic drives, such as the Bourbon Trail, which takes visitors on a tour of Kentucky’s famous distilleries. Additionally, Kentucky is home to several vibrant cities, such as Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, which offer a range of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and music venues. With its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and southern charm, Kentucky is a beloved destination for visitors from around the world.
Kentucky is home to two vast national forests that feature rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors to these forests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The forests offer world-class hiking trails that provide stunning views of the natural beauty of the region, and they are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and bald eagles. These national forests are situated between two large man-made lakes and cover over 170,000 and 700,000 acres of land, respectively.
The Daniel Boone National Forest is a vast national forest that covers over 700,000 acres of land in eastern Kentucky. The forest is named after the legendary American pioneer and explorer, Daniel Boone, who blazed a trail through the wilderness of Kentucky in the late 18th century. The forest is known for its rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and bald eagles. The forest offers world-class hiking trails, such as the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which offer visitors stunning views of the natural beauty of the forest. The forest is also home to several scenic drives, such as the Cumberland Ranger District Scenic Byway and the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, which take visitors on a tour of the forest’s stunning landscapes. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/dbnf
Cumberland Ranger District
2375 KY 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351
(606) 784-6428
London Ranger District
The London District Office has temporarily relocated to the US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office on KY 1193 between Holly Bay Marina and Laurel River Lake Spillway and Beach
(606) 864-4163
Steams Ranger District
3320 US 27 North, Whitley City, KY 42653
(606) 376-5323
Redbird Ranger District
91 Peabody Road, Big Creek, KY 40914
(606) 598-2192
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a stunning outdoor destination located in western Kentucky and Tennessee. Covering over 170,000 acres, the area is home to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The recreation area is situated between the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, two large man-made lakes that are popular for boating and fishing. The area is also home to numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the rolling hills and forests, offering visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the region. Wildlife enthusiasts can also observe a variety of species, including deer, turkey, bald eagles, and coyotes. Additionally, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area contains several historic sites, such as the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory. With its stunning natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a beloved destination for visitors from around the region. Check out more information here! https://landbetweenthelakes.us/
Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area
238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211
(800) 525-7077
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are two separate national forests located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, but they are managed together as a single unit. Collectively, they cover over 1.8 million acres of land and are known for their lush forests, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. The forests offer a range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, as well as scenic drives and interpretive programs. The Appalachian Trail runs through both forests, offering visitors a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the region. Additionally, the forests are home to several unique features, such as the Natural Bridge, a 215-foot limestone arch that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which is home to the highest peak in Virginia. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj
Clinch Ranger District
1700 Park Avenue SW Norton, VA 24273
(276) 679-8370
Eastern Divide Ranger District
110 Southpark Drive Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 552-4641
Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District
27 Ranger Lane Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
(540) 291-2188
James River and Warm Springs Ranger District
422 Forestry Road Hot Springs, VA 24445
(540) 839-2521
Lee Ranger District
95 Railroad Avenue Edinburg, VA 22824
(540) 984-4101
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
3714 Highway 16 Marion, VA 24354
Toll Free: 1 (800) 628-7202 or Local: (276) 783-5196
North River District
401 Oakwood Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Toll Free: 1 (866) 904-0240 or Local: (540) 432-0187
Vehicle Use Map (George Washington and Jefferson)
There isn’t any land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Kentucky!
There aren’t any grasslands in Kentucky!
tips and tricks
Kentucky is known for its bourbon whiskey. Visitors can take a tour of the Bourbon Trail, which includes stops at some of the best-known distilleries in the state.
Kentucky has many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Kentucky State Fair, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and the World Chicken Festival. Visitors can check the state’s tourism website for information on upcoming events.
Kentucky has a lot of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. The state has many state parks and recreation areas, including Mammoth Cave National Park, Red River Gorge, and Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.
Kentucky is famous for its horse racing. The Kentucky Derby, held annually in Louisville, is the most famous horse race in the world. Visitors can visit horse farms, attend races and tour the Kentucky Horse Park.
do’s and dont’s
Visit the Kentucky Horse Park to see some of the world’s best thoroughbreds and learn about the state’s horse racing history.
Explore the Mammoth Cave National Park, which features the world’s longest cave system.
Take a scenic drive through the Bluegrass Region, which is known for its rolling hills, horse farms, and historic estates.
Don’t litter. Keep Kentucky’s beautiful countryside clean and pristine by properly disposing of your trash.
Don’t forget to try the state’s famous dessert, the Kentucky Derby Pie. It’s a delicious combination of chocolate, nuts, and bourbon.
