Alerts
Before heading out on your adventure, we encourage you to read through the alerts, advisories and general closures associated with your planned activities. Many of these alerts are the result of special "orders" put into place by the U.S. Forest Service as an agency or by Regional Foresters, Forest Supervisors or District Rangers locally. These orders address specific management problems like protecting sensitive areas from motor vehicle damage or prohibiting campfires during fire-prone conditions. National Forest visitors are also subject to federal and state regulations. Help us protect the health and safety of the Forest and your fellow visitors by respecting the rules and regulations highlighted below and posted in the Forest.
Forest Alerts
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Powdermill Branch Trail, nearby roads closed for prescribed burn, March 25
Powdermill Branch Trail, Indian Creek Road 9A and Hatton Ridge Road in the Red River Gorge will be closed during planned prescribed burn operations in the Powder Mill burn unit in Menifee County on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.The impacted area will be closed during operations and may remain closed… -
Redbird Office without internet, phone service
The Redbird Ranger District Office in Big Creek, KY does not have internet or phone service and will be unable to process pass sales at this time. Please visit a local vendor to purchase a Daniel Boone National Forest recreation pass while we work to restore connectivity. -
No sales at Cave Run Lake office, March 11-13
The Cumberland Ranger District Office on the north shore of Cave Run Lake will be unable to process pass or map sales from March 11-13, 2026. Individuals interested in purchasing a pass during this time are encouraged to find a local pass vendor. -
Prescribed Burns in Progress
The Daniel Boone National Forest is planning a series of prescribed fire operations to remove forest fuels, improve wildlife habitat and increase native vegetation across the Forest. The locations of all planned, active and completed prescribed burns are displayed in the Southern Region Prescribed… -
Low water levels at Laurel River Lake
Laurel River Lake levels recently dropped approx. 12 ft below normal winter pool. Water access walkways and boat ramps will be steeper than usual, and potential unusable, until water levels rise.Check current lake levels for Laurel River Lake before planning your visit. Normal winter pool is 1010… -
Offices closed, fees waived for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan 19
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, visitors will not be charged a recreation fee on Monday, January 19, at the following locations:Cave Run Lake boat rampsLaurel River Lake boat rampsBee Rock Boat Ramp – Laurel CountyClear Creek Boat Ramp – Bath CountyBilly Branch Picnic Area – Rowan… -
No visitor services at Supervisor's Office in Winchester, KY
Until further notice, visitor services at the USDA Forest Service office front desk in Winchester, KY, are unavailable. All other Daniel Boone National Forest offices remain open and will continue to provide visitor services during their standard hours. Find the closest Daniel Boone National Forest… -
Area Closure due to tornado damage
Occupying or using any portion of the tornado damaged National Forest System lands in Pulaski and Laurel Counties, including roads and hiking trails, is prohibited.  See additional images of the damage. -
Cliffside Trail #519 Closure
Cliffside Trail #519 between Noes Boat Ramp and Sawyer Boat Ramp is temporarily closed due to downed trees and trail damage. -
Dog Slaughter Falls Trail Closure, Bridge Removed
Extensive storm damage remains on a portion of the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. Currently, the trail is closed between the two trailheads. The lower trailhead and parking area closest to the falls, remains open for use and is passable to the falls. Please note that the bridge at the lower trailhead… -
Hawk Creek, Sinking Creek trail bridges impassable
The Hawk Creek and Sinking Creek suspension bridges, which connect portions of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail near London, KY, are impassable due to storm damage. Hikers will need to wade through the creeks to continue along the trail. As a safety precaution, please do not try to… -
Indian Creek Rd 9A Closure (Red River Gorge)
Indian Creek Road 9A is closed to motor vehicles past the Powder Mill Trailhead (approximately 1 mile from the start of the road). Beyond Powder Mill Trailhead, the road is open to non-motorized uses such as pedestrian and bicycle travel. -
Red River Gorge Suspension Bridge Impassable
The suspension footbridge near KY 715 in the Red River Gorge that connects the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail across the Red River has been damaged by a falling tree. Visitors should not attempt to use the bridge and should plan their recreation activities accordingly.Area(s): Sheltowee… -
Prohibited Entry into Special Areas
Entry into areas closed for the protection of endangered, threatened, rare, unique, or vanishing species of plants, animals, birds, or fish around Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake is prohibited. -
Metal Detecting Prohibitions
The use of metal detectors, electronic apparatuses, or any other devices for the purpose of locating any metal object without a valid permit is prohibited. -
Commercial Hauling Prohibitions
Using a Forest Service System Road for commercial hauling without first obtaining a permit or authorization is prohibited. -
Trail Prohibitions
Shortcutting a trail switchback is prohibited. -
Wildcat Branch Closure
Going into or upon National Forest System lands of Wildcat Branch, within the Bee Rock Overlook in Laurel County in Kentucky, is prohibited. -
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing, rappelling, or otherwise attempting to ascend or descend from cliffs, arches, or other rock formations in the Natural Arch Scenic Area and Three Forks of Beaver Overlook is prohibited. -
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing or rappelling or otherwise attempting to ascend or descend from cliffs, arches, or other rock formations at Bee Rock Overlook in Laurel County in Kentucky is prohibited. -
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing or rappelling within 300 feet of Sky Bridge, Gray’s Arch, Nada Tunnel, or Chimney Top Rock overlooks is prohibited. -
Non-Motorized Fishing Area Restrictions
The use of use of gasoline or diesel-powered motorcraft in non-motorized fishing areas of Cave Run Lake, Carrington Lake, Rebel Trace Lake, Clear Creek Lake, and specified portions of Ramey Creek and Scott Creek is prohibited. -
White Sulphur OHV Trail System
1) Motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from sunset to sunrise from May 1st to November 30th; 2) Non-motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from May 1st to November 30th; 3) Overnight camping within 300 feet of the edge of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from May 1st… -
Cave Run Lake Trails Restrictions
1) All cross country travel by horses, pack animals, or other livestock within the described area in the Cave Run Lake Trail Guide; 2) leading, using or possessing a saddle or pack animal within the twelve horse trail segments from December 15 to May 15; and 3) non-designated use of the twenty-one… -
Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area Closure
1) All entry; 2) discharging a firearm; and 3) hunting, fishing and trapping are prohibited in the described area. -
Jellico & Rock Creek Camping Prohibitions
Except for designated campsites, camping within 300 feet of National Forest System Road 492 and National Forest System Road 137 is prohibited. -
Bee Rock Camping Prohibitions
Camping or maintaining any campsite or campsites within Bee Rock Recreation Area for more than 14 consecutive days is prohibited. -
Beaver Creek Wilderness Prohibitions
Within Beaver Creek Wilderness, possessing horses or other livestock except on trails designated for such use or as specifically permitted through a special use permit is prohibited. -
Laurel River Lake and Lake Cumberland Camping Prohibitions
1) Camping within 300 feet of the high water line of the portion of Upper Lake Cumberland, from the Mouth of Laurel Boat Ramp upstream on the Laurel River, and from the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail to the administrative boundary between National Forest System and U.S. Army Corps of… -
Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area Camping Prohibition
Except for designated sites, camping within 300 feet of National Forest System Road 918 in the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area is prohibited. -
Cave Run Lake, Highway 801 Hunting/Shooting Prohibitions
Hunting or discharging a firearm is prohibited between Kentucky Highway 801 South and Cave Run Lake from the Fern Bluff recreation area to Warix Run Boat Ramp, including the waters of Scott Creek Bay east of the idle speed buoy line between Scott Creek Boat Ramp and Twin Knobs Boat Ramp. -
Cave Run Lake Camping Restrictions
Except at designated sites, camping within 300 feet of the water’s edge of Cave Run Lake or within 300 feet of any road or trail leading to the water’s edge of Cave Run Lake is prohibited. -
Developed Recreation Area Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited within developed recreations areas:Displaying a firearm within a developed recreation site except for cleaning and or transporting to and from vehicle;Camping or maintaining a campsite in a developed recreation area for more than 14 consecutive days without having… -
Red River Gorge Camping Restrictions
Except at designated sites, camping within 300 feet of any developed road or trail in the Red River Gorge Geological Area or within 600 feet of Gray’s Arch is prohibited. -
Stearns District Prohibitions
1) Camping within 300 feet of NFSR 492 and NFSR 137 except for designated campsites; 2) Entering into Railroad Tunnels 7, 8, and 9 located along the old Cincinnati-Southern Railroad; and 3) Possessing horses or other livestock except on trails designated for such use or as specifically permitted… -
Tater Knob Fire Tower Closure
Going into or upon the Tater Knob Fire Tower site is prohibited. -
Cave Run Lake Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited:Motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail from sunset to sunrise from May 1 to November 30;Non-motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail from May 1 to November 30;Camping within 300 feet of NFSR 918 in the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area. Camping at… -
Saddle and Pack Animal Prohibitions
Riding, hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions is prohibited. -
Camping Prohibitions
Camping in violation of posted signs is prohibited. -
Wilderness Prohibitions
Entering or being part of a group of more than ten people and/or possessing or using a wagon, cart, bicycle or other vehicle are prohibited in Clifty Wilderness and Beaver Creek Wilderness. -
Shooting Range Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited within shooting ranges:Use of all targets including clay, skeet, paintball, or exploding targets except for targets that are made of paper or a retail product specifically designed for target practice;Failure to adhere to posted range safety rules;Firing while… -
General Lake Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands containing Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake:Operating any watercraft on impoundments on waterways administered by the DBNF in violation of rules, regulations or laws established by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to regulate said… -
General Forest Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited in all areas of the Daniel Boone National Forest:Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove within 100 feet of the base of any cliff, or the back of a rock shelter unless at a designated site;Possession of a controlled substance unless said…