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Daniel Boone National Forest
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Forest Service decides on management for Cave Run trails

Sunday, September 29, 2013

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U.S. Forest Service officials have announced new management direction for trails in the Cave Run Lake area of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Under the new direction, horse and mountain bike users will each have their own designated trail system. All of these trails will be open to hikers. The separated use is intended to enhance the quality of experience for all users. Equestrian use will be designated near existing horse camps and trails. Bike use will be zoned where trails, both existing and newly constructed, can access nearby campgrounds.

“In an effort to meet recreational demand and enhance tourism in our local communities, we are striving to provide a sustainable trail system that all visitors can enjoy,” said District Ranger Dave Manner.

Much of the existing trail system was originally designed for hiking over 40 years ago. Since that time, equestrian and mountain bike use in the area has steadily increased. The additional use has impacted the trail surface, vegetation, water quality and soil conditions in the area. As a result, the recreation experience of trail users has suffered.

Forest managers began working with trail users several years ago to look for alternative ways to manage the system. The complex geology, highly erodible soils, year-round precipitation and mixed ownership have made trail development and maintenance challenging.

A large portion of the area west and south of Cave Run Lake, including the Caney Loop Trail and Murder Branch, will be designated for horseback riding and hiking only. A portion of the area west of Cave Run Lake will be designated for mountain biking and hiking.

In addition, new mountain bike loop trails are planned for construction north of the lake and 28 miles of currently closed Forest Service roads will be opened to connect loop trails and expand horseback and mountain bike riding opportunities.

Amenities such as signs, horse resting areas, and trail head and parking areas will be improved and/or constructed.

The new management direction will be implemented over several years. The first priority will be to designate the trails for mountain biking and horseback riding. Trail and trailhead signs will be installed, and maps and web page information will be updated.

During the second phase of implementation, seasonal and cross-country horse travel will be restricted to minimize impacts and reduce maintenance. Implementation of the new trails and improvements will occur as necessary resources become available, including funding and volunteers.

Further information regarding the trail management decision can be found on the Daniel Boone National Forest website.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Daniel Boone National Forest issues food storage order due to bears

Saturday, May 11, 2013

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With a growing population of black bears in eastern Kentucky, the Daniel Boone National Forest, which includes the Red River Gorge Geological Area, has issued a food storage order for campers and other visitors. The order is applicable forest-wide.

“Our highest priority is public safety,” said Forest Supervisor Frank Beum. “Our visitors can help ensure their safety by not allowing bears to have access to human food or garbage.”

Campers in developed sites must store food, garbage and other odorous items that may attract bears in a bear-resistant container, inside their vehicle, or in an enclosed hard-body trailer.

Backcountry campers must suspend food, garbage and odorous items at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet away from any tree or pole.

All food leftovers and trash must be properly disposed of in a bear-resistant trash receptacle or other container where provided by the Forest Service. The burning or burying of food trash is prohibited.

Odorous items that may attract bears include food, garbage, soap, toothpaste and other scented substances.

In Kentucky, it is against the law to intentionally or unintentionally feed a bear. The public should report nuisance bears and any bear exhibiting aggressive behavior by calling 1-800-25-ALERT.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Yahoo Falls Wildflower Hike Set For Saturday, March 30th

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Daniel Boone National Forest are pleased to announce a cooperative wildflower hike at Yahoo Falls on Saturday, March 30, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. The Yahoo Falls area provides a stunning variety of spring flowers on a short, moderate hiking trail. In addition to wildflowers, spectacular scenery is provided by 113 foot tall Yahoo Falls, towering sandstone cliffs, a huge rock shelter, and an outstanding overlook of the Big South Fork River. The hike will be led by National Park Service and U. S. Forest Service Rangers and local volunteers. The Yahoo Falls picnic area is accessed from Highway 700, west of Whitley City, Kentucky.

The Yahoo Falls site was originally developed by the U.S. Forest Service in the mid-1960s when the area was known as the Cumberland National Forest. The forest was renamed the Daniel Boone National Forest in 1968. The land was transferred to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Big South Fork NRRA in 1987. The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service share a long history of cooperation in providing opportunities for the citizens of our nation to learn about and enjoy the resources held in trust for the American people by the two agencies.

For further information, contact Big South Fork's Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Daniel Boone National Forest Waives Fees for Veterans Day

Friday, November 2, 2012

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In honor of Veterans Day, the Daniel Boone National Forest in central Kentucky is waiving fees at several recreation areas. The fee waivers apply to all forest visitors at designated locations.

Camping fees are waived at the following national forest locations on Friday, November 9 through Monday, November 12:

* Red River Gorge in Powell, Menifee and Wolfe counties
* Koomer Ridge Campground, Wolfe County
* Barren Fork Horse Camp, McCreary County
* White Sulphur Horse Camp, Bath County
* Clear Creek Campground, Bath County
* Bee Rock Campground, Laurel and Pulaski counties
* Claylick Boat-in Campground, Rowan County

Recreation fees are waived Saturday, Sunday and Monday (November 10-12) at the following day use sites:

* Redbird Crest Trail, Clay and Leslie counties
* Clear Creek Shooting Range, Bath County
* Appletree Shooting Range, McCreary County
* Laurel River Lake boat ramps, Laurel and Whitley counties
* Cave Run Lake boat ramps, Bath and Menifee counties
* Natural Arch Scenic Area, McCreary County

In the Red River Gorge area, no fee permit is required for campers at Koomer Ridge Campground or in the backcountry on national forest lands.

At Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake, all boat ramps may be used free of charge.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Summer Drought Puts Bears on the Move in Kentucky

Monday, July 30, 2012

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This summer's early drought has prompted the London Ranger District in the Daniel Boone National Forest, including all campgrounds around Laurel River Lake, to implement a mandatory food storage order in an effort to prevent possible interactions between bears and visitors.

The drought has impacted the availability of black bears' natural foods, and as those foods have diminished, bear sighting reports have increased considerably in the London Ranger District.

Forest visitors must store food inside a hardtop vehicle or bear-resistant container when not cooking or eating. Burning or burying food, trash or any other bear attractant is prohibited.

Backcountry campers must suspend food and garbage at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet out from any tree or pole.

"In most areas of eastern Kentucky, this summer's wild berry crop disappeared quickly," said Steven Dobey, bear biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources."This is a very important food source for this time of year and with it gone, bears are roaming extensively in search of alternate foods."

July is also the end of the breeding season for bears so, in conjunction with the shortage of natural foods, the natural tendency for male bears to travel is at a peak right now. Ultimately, this creates a heightened potential for human-bear interactions, and often in places typically not frequented by bears.

"Just 10 years ago it was a rarity to even see a black bear in Kentucky," said Dobey. "Today, there is potential for regular sightings in any county east of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Contrary to popular belief, bears were not stocked in eastern Kentucky. Their natural return is a true wildlife success story and a testament to the overall health of Kentucky's forests."


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Most fire and all fireworks banned in Daniel Boone National Forest

Thursday, June 28, 2012

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Due to current drought conditions, management officials have issued emergency orders concerning visitors’ use of fire in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Beginning June 27, campfires, charcoal grills, candles and open-flame torches are prohibited outside of developed recreation areas on national forest lands. Fires are allowed in developed sites within Forest Service designated fire rings constructed of metal or concrete.

Portable lanterns and stoves that use gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted, which allows for the use of tabletop and backpack stoves that are popular with many campers and hikers.

A separate order prohibits “possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device” anywhere on national forest lands of the Daniel Boone.

“When considering the current drought conditions and the extended forecast with little to no rain in sight, these orders were issued to help ensure public safety and reduce the chance for wildfires,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Bill Lorenz.

“The fire bans are needed as an added safeguard for our visitors, employees, neighbors, and adjacent property.”

Forest Service fire managers closely monitor the potential for wildfire during extended periods of dry weather. Weather data and computer models are used to determine fire risks. The current indicators show high fire danger for this time of year.

“The lack of rain and high temperatures has caused the forest ground fuels to become extremely dry over the past few weeks,” added Lorenz.

“Over the past several years, some of the most damaging wildfires affecting our natural resources have occurred during drought conditions. These fires started from escaped campfires or campers using fireworks or candles.”

In Kentucky, the official fire hazard seasons run from February 15 - April 30 and October 1 - December 15. Wildfires in Kentucky rarely occur outside of these timeframes unless drought conditions are in progress.

Inside the developed recreation areas where campfires are allowed, officials recommend that campfires be kept to a minimum and contained in designated fire rings or grills within developed recreation areas.

Any individual caught violating the campfire or fireworks ban on national forest lands will be issued a minimum $300 fine. Individuals or groups responsible for causing a wildfire may also be held liable for suppression costs, which can become extensive once firefighters and heavy equipment are needed.

The commercial firework displays that are scheduled to occur at Laurel River Lake and Cave Run Lake for the Fourth of July are exempted from the emergency order banning fireworks in the national forest.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Visitor use surveys to be conducted in the Daniel Boone National Forest

Monday, November 7, 2011

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If you plan to visit the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky over the next several months, you may be asked to participate in a national visitor use survey. The U.S. Forest Service just announced that they will be conducting surveys to determine the recreational interests of its visitors.

“We want to hear what our visitors think about our recreation facilities and services provided,” said Forest Supervisor Frank Beum. “This information will help us establish future management needs, as well as provide information for local tourism.”

The last visitor survey conducted on the national forest was in 2007. This survey found, through more than 2100 participants, that the top five activities were hiking, fishing, viewing natural areas, driving for pleasure and boating.

For the new survey, personnel will be stationed at developed and dispersed recreation areas throughout the forest. Visitors should look for signs that say “Traffic Survey Ahead.” Participants will not be required to give their name or address, only a zip code. Participants must be 16 years or older. The average survey time takes less than 10 minutes.

The visitor surveys in the Daniel Boone National Forest will continue through September 2012.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Preservation group awards Daniel Boone N.F. for rock shelter protection efforts

Saturday, October 1, 2011

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On Thursday, September 22, Preservation Kentucky recognized the Daniel Boone National Forest for achievements in protecting cliff rock shelters in the Red River Gorge.

State and federal archaeologists joined other resource management officials for a brief ceremony. Forest Supervisor Frank Beum accepted the award on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service.

“Preservation Kentucky is proud to recognize the U.S. Forest Service's great efforts to preserve these important prehistoric and historic places on national forest lands,” said PK Executive Director Rachel Kennedy.

“Because of their leadership in this effort, we presented a Best Practices Award to the U.S. Forest Service. We hope that others can follow their lead and protect these invaluable resources for future generations.”

In the Red River Gorge, archaeological evidence indicates human inhabitance of rock shelters beginning at least 12,000 years ago. The artifacts found at these sites represent the daily lives of Native Americans who once lived in Kentucky. Rock shelters also include the remains of many historic period industries, such as saltpeter mining and moonshining.

The examination of rock shelters in the gorge indicate that Native Americans began domesticating plants as food crops more than 3,700 years ago. Scientists often rely on the archaeological resources of the Red River Gorge to address the origins of agriculture in eastern North America.

In 2000, the Forest Service closed all rock shelters in the Red River Gorge to camping. In 2011, all rock shelters occurring in the Daniel Boone National Forest were closed to camping in an effort to preserve these fragile sites.

At the Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center in the gorge, the Forest Service interprets the significance of rock shelters for visitors. The center is host to the annual Living Archaeology Weekend, which took place over the weekend.

Thursday’s award ceremony was attended by representatives from the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Heritage Council/Kentucky State Historic Preservation Office, Frenchburg Job Corps, Forest Service and Preservation Kentucky.

Preservation Kentucky is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Kentucky’s historic resources through education and advocacy. They sponsor the “Most Endangered Historic and Prehistoric Places” list every year to highlight trends and threats to historic preservation in the Commonwealth. This year, the list included archaeological resources.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Temporary Road Closures Scheduled for Red River Gorge

Sunday, July 10, 2011

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The Daniel Boone National Forest is alerting visitors to the Red River Gorge area of a series of temporary road closures for the upcoming week:

* July 12 - KY 77 (between KY 715 and Frenchburg Job Corps Center) will be closed for construction.

* July 13 - KY 715 at Wolfpen culvert (between KY 77 and Gladie Learning Center) will be closed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

* July 15 - KY 715 at Wolfpen culvert will be closed approximately 3 hours


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Return to the Red

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

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It’s been awhile since I’ve done any real hiking. My wife - and hiking partner - suffered a stress fracture in her foot back in December, and she’s just now getting back to 100% and feeling confident enough to go hiking again.

Over the weekend we decided we were going to head over to Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest – a place where both of us discovered our love for hiking way back in the 20th Century – and many years before we ever meet. Although both of us have hiked in the Gorge on many occasions, it’s been several years since our last visit.

There are a lot of great destinations in Red River Gorge, but Auxier Ridge has always been a favorite of mine. On this visit we decided we were going to hike the loop that follows the Auxier Ridge Trail #204 and the Courthouse Rock Trail #202.

I was particularly interested in seeing what kind of devastation was wrought on the Auxier Ridge area after a wildfire burned 1640 acres back in late October of last year. The fire was illegally set during a declared fire ban after a summer-long drought – the result of a campfire that got away from three campers during the middle of the night. The area was reopened in March after being closed for five months while Forest Service crews made trail repairs and removed fire-damaged trees along roads and trails that were unstable and dangerous.

Based on all the reports I read about the fire I was expecting to see an area that looked something like Yellowstone after the infamous 1988 fire. However, I was quite surprised to see how little damage actually occurred along the trail, or within any part of the viewshed. Yes, there were a handful of burned out portions along the trail, such as in the photo below, but most were very small areas.

During our hike we saw many varieties of wildflowers, including several yellow and pink lady’s slippers:

The highlights of the loop arrive while walking along Auxier Ridge, which offers multiple vantage points for viewing several interesting rock formations. The southern end of the ridge provides a commanding view of Courthouse Rock (on the left in the photo below):

Looking west, towards the ridgeline running parallel to Auxier Ridge, you’ll see Double Arch:

The southern half of the ridge also provides outstanding views of Haystack Rock (on the right in the photo below):

At several points along the trail Auxier Ridge narrows to just 20 or 30 feet, providing nearly 360 degree views:


Coincidentally, about a week prior to our hike, I was contacted by a member of the Bluegrass Group of the Sierra Club asking if I could link to a book they recently published called Hiking the Red: A Complete Trail Guide to Kentucky's Red River Gorge.

If you’re interested in exploring this National Geological Area in central Kentucky, the book provides detailed descriptions for 26 trails in Red River Gorge, and 9 trails at nearby Natural Bridge State Park. The book includes a short history of the Gorge, information on the flora and fauna of the area, as well as handy bird and wildflower checklists. Proceeds from sales of the book will benefit the conservation efforts of the Sierra Club, Bluegrass Group.


Auxier Ridge / Courthouse Rock LoopDistance: 5.0 Miles
Elevation Gain: Roughly 500 Feet



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Auxier Ridge in Red River Gorge reopens after wildfire

Friday, March 25, 2011

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Effective today, the Auxier Ridge area of the Red River Gorge is reopened to the public, including Tunnel Ridge Road and all trails.

Forest Supervisor Frank Beum of the Daniel Boone National Forest ordered the Auxier Ridge area closed last October after a destructive wildfire burned 1,640 acres. The fire was illegally set during a declared fire ban under drought conditions.

“Since the wildfire, we have been working to restore the Auxier Ridge area and make it safe for visitors,” said Dave Manner, District Ranger of the Cumberland Ranger District.

“We have removed numerous fire-damaged trees along roads and trails,” said Manner. “Other work has included soil stabilization and trail repairs where the soil collapsed or eroded.”

Following the Auxier Ridge wildfire, Forest Service specialists spent several weeks assessing resource damages on soil, water and vegetation. Along the ridge tops, where the fire burned extremely hot, the damages were extensive.

Under exceeding drought conditions last October, the fire burned tree roots underground, causing trees to fall or become unstable. The burned tree roots caused soil to collapse, creating trenches across some trails.

In some areas, burned-out stump holes were nearly two feet deep. Trees and rocks slid downhill, requiring extensive cleanup efforts.

Throughout the Auxier Ridge area, trees remain standing but damaged. Many trees are nearly severed at the base, which could become hazardous during high wind.

“When entering the general forest area of Auxier Ridge, away from roads and trails, visitors will need to use caution and watch for trees that could break or fall,” added Manner. “You especially want to look for potentially hazardous trees when selecting a backcountry campsite.”

No fires bans are declared at this time in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

The three individuals who were responsible for the fire (via an illegal campfire), have never been caught.

For more information on hiking in Red River Gorge, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Update on Red River Gorge wildfire

Saturday, November 13, 2010

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A wildfire that began three weeks ago in the Red River Gorge is nearly 100% contained, but there are still a few areas that continue to smolder. The blaze that began after a campfire got out of control has burned roughly 1,650 acres in the Auxier Ridge area of the Gorge, which is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest of east-central Kentucky.

Seventy-five firefighters and a helicopter were needed to suppress flames that reached as much as 40 feet high in some places. An entire section of the Gorge was closed, including the popular Tunnel Ridge Road, as well as a part of Ky. 77 from Nada Tunnel to the Martin's Fork parking area.

Yesterday morning U.S. Forest Service officials reopened a portion of Tunnel Ridge Road as well as several trails in the area.

All trails in the Grays Arch area off Tunnel Ridge Road are open to hikers except for Rush Ridge Trail #227. Tunnel Ridge Road remains closed past the Grays Arch Trailhead. The Auxier Ridge area, including the trail system, will remain closed while the roads and trails are assessed for damages and potential safety hazards.

The extremely dry weather conditions caused the wildfires to burn unusually hot, causing trees to burn at the base and fall across the roads and trails. Along some trails, the trail tread is damaged where the fire burned tree roots underground, leaving large holes.

A fire ban remains in effect for the Red River Gorge. No campfires or other open flames are currently permitted. The fine for having a fire on national forest lands during a declared fire ban is $500 minimum and a mandatory appearance in federal court. Up to six months imprisonment also may be incurred. Individuals who allow a campfire to escape and result in a wildfire may be required to pay restitution for suppression costs.

The U.S. Forest Service is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to conviction of the individuals responsible for the escaped campfire on Auxier Ridge.

Click here for a map of the area still impacted by the closures.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Red River Gorge seeks 3 campers for wildfire

Friday, October 29, 2010

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Last weekend an illegal campfire in Red River Gorge, set during a declared fire ban, has spread to more than 400 acres and has led to the closure of Tunnel Ridge Road, a portion of Kentucky Highway 7, and several trails in the Auxier Ridge area.

The U.S. Forest Service (Daniel Boone National Forest) is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the three individuals responsible for the escaped campfire. The fire began just after midnight on Saturday.

The escaped campfire led to an emergency Forest Supervisor’s Order that closed an estimated 3,000 acres in the Auxier Ridge area. Forest Service officials spent most of Sunday morning searching for more than 50 backcountry campers and hikers who had vehicles parked in the closure area. All visitors associated with the vehicles were found safe.

Forest Service law enforcement officers witnessed three individuals running from the escaped campfire and getting into their car parked along Kentucky Highway 77. An investigation is under way. According to law enforcement officials, the individuals starting the fire would be best served by coming forward.

The wildfire has led to the closure of Tunnel Ridge Road, a section of Kentucky Highway 7 from Nada Tunnel to the Martins Fork parking area. Trails closed due to the fire include Grays Arch, Rough Trail, Sheltowee Trace, and the entire Auxier Trail system which includes Auxier Ridge, Courthouse Rock and Double Arch (click here for a map of the impacted area).

Earlier this week, Daniel Boone National Forest officials increased the fine for violating the ban on campfires from $75 to a $500 minimum.

Since the ban, Forest Service law enforcement officers have issued nearly 200 violations for illegal campfires in the Red River Gorge.

All violations will require a mandatory appearance in federal court. Up to six months imprisonment could be incurred in addition to a fine. Individuals who allow a campfire to escape and result in a wildfire may be required to pay restitution for suppression costs.

Anyone with information about the fire should call Forest Service Patrol Capt. Kimberly Kipp at (606) 875-5042.

For more information on the Red River Gorge in central Kentucky, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Bizarre and Interesting Hikers on the Trail

Sunday, September 21, 2008

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Have you ever meet any interesting characters while out on the trail? Do you have any good stories about an encounter with a strange or unusual hiker? I’d love to hear about them.

I have three stories I’d like to share: one was a bit unsettling at the time, one that was truly absurd, and the other a unique and interesting one.

Back in the mid-Eighties I did a short evening hike with a small group to one of the overlooks in Red River Gorge in central Kentucky. Just before reaching the Chimney Rock overlook, an extended Vietnamese family passed us heading back towards the trailhead. We exchanged greetings, thought they looked like nice enough people, and didn’t think anything more about it.

Roughly fifteen minutes later we began hearing some shouting from at least two different locations in the valley below us. Although we couldn’t understand what was being said, it didn’t sound particularly friendly. Another thirty minutes or so passed before we decided to head back up the trail before it got too dark. We hadn’t walked too far when three guys, dressed in full battle fatigues, with war-painted faces and large hunting knives sticking out of their belts, approached us from the opposite direction.

Red River Gorge is in the Daniel Boone National Forest where hunting isn’t allowed. So, obviously, these guys weren’t hunters. Needless to say we were a little taken aback as they approached us. They proceeded to ask us if we had seen any “gooks”, which was a common disparaging term used to describe North Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. We immediately knew who they were looking for. Although we had just passed the Vietnamese family less than an hour before, we played dumb and told them we hadn’t seen anybody.

To this day we have no idea what was going on that evening in the Gorge, but I can say with certainty that it didn’t appear to be a good situation.

My absurd hiking story occurred in the Grand Tetons a few years ago. We were hiking the Cascade Canyon Trail when we came upon a large group of people making a great deal of noise. The “leader” of this group, a muscular guy without a shirt and wearing a bandana, whom we appropriately nicknamed “Rambo”, was banging the ground with an extra-large stick. He and his group of about ten were all yelling at a young black bear walking just in front them along the trail. Recognizing their accents, we assumed they were tourists from Germany.

The absurd part of this story is that the bear didn’t care how loud these people yelled. He continued strolling down the trail at his own leisurely pace. With the Germans leading the way, we literally followed the bear for at least a mile before the bear decided he had had enough and meandered off into the woods.

My final story occurred on the Dream Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. About a mile into the hike we came across a group of about 30 Buddhist monks from Vietnam, all dressed in traditional clothes. They were taking part in a Buddhist monk convention in Estes Park and decided they wanted to do a little hiking in the mountains. We spoke with a couple of them and even had a picture taken with one of them. They were all very friendly. It was one of the most unique and memorable hikes that I’ve ever been on.

What about you? Do you have any interesting, bizarre, or unique hiking stories?


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
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