Skip to main content

Outdoor Science and Learning

The Daniel Boone National Forest serves as an outdoor classroom for young and old. Many come here to learn about the forest and its natural resources, including soil, water and wildlife. Our national forest lands - America’s Great Outdoors - play a vital role in all of our lives.

Due to limited staffing we do not generally provide guided programs. However, we invite teachers and other outdoor educators to use the forest as teaching forum to enhance awareness about Kentucky’s natural resources.

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

Visitors can learn about the many facets of natural resource management, as well as the area’s cultural history, aquatic and terrestrial biology, and geologic formations. Interpretive areas are special historical or natural features on the forest where self guided interpretive signs are provided to explain the unique attributes of the feature. 

Visitor Centers

At each visitor center, you'll find friendly, helpful personnel, brochures and maps of activities throughout the forest, and useful directions and tips. Hours vary depending on the season so call ahead!

Stop by a visitor center to...

  • View interpretive exhibits
  • Pick up information about trails, camping and other activities
  • Buy maps and visitor passes.
  • Get answers to your questions.

Visitor Programs

Education and entertainment events are offered during the spring, summer and autumn months.

 

Living Archaeology Weekend

Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities

Showing: 21 - 28 of 28 results

Swift Camp Creek Overlook

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Swift Camp Creek Overlook is located along Skybridge Road (Forest #245) in Red River Gorge and provides views of Swift Camp Creek drainage and Clifty Wilderness. The site has parking, visitor…

Tar Kiln Interpretive Site

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Tar Kiln Interpretive Site, which also serves as a popular access point for backcountry camping, is located off Tunnel Ridge Road (#39) in the Red River Gorge. A short interpretive trail leads past…

Twin Knobs Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
Family-friendly Twin Knobs Campground offers 200 campsites developed for tent and RV camping. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. RV sites range from electric-only to full hookups and a…

Twin Knobs Day-Use Area

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning
Spend the day at Twin Knobs Recreation Area and relive your summer camp memories! Take a short hike along the shore via Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail #1702 or take in the views from Knob Overlook Trail…

Twin Knobs Group Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning
The group camping areas within Twin Knobs Recreation Area make it easy to bring the whole family to the lake! The East Group Camping Area features a covered pavilion with picnic tables and enough…

Zilpo Campground

Site Temporarily Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Hiking Picnicking Biking
Scenic Zilpo Campground offers cabin rentals, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites. A stand of mixed hardwoods shades the campground, and campsites have…

Zilpo Day-Use Area

Site Temporarily Closed
Picnicking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Biking
Spending the day at Zilpo Recreation Area is a wonderful way to squeeze the best parts of a Cave Run Lake vacation into a single day. Take a short hike along Zilpo Mountain Trail #1802 to an overlook…

Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway is a gently curving eleven-mile road that takes approximately 20 minutes to travel each way. The route winds through an eastern hardwood forest, which provides…

Last updated April 8, 2025