Daniel Boone Country Trail Towns
Thousands of miles of trails and waterways criss-cross Kentucky, offering endless opportunities for long-distance adventures and day trips alike. Along these trails, numerous communities have been designated as Kentucky Trail Towns – places where you can find supplies and guides, lodging, a hearty meal and a friendly hello during your travels.
Slade
This gateway to the world-renowned Red River Gorge gets you to some of the best rock climbing in the world, where thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year come to climb the area’s walls, hike its trails, view its landscapes and take in its natural beauty. Slade is also home to one of the most popular state parks in Kentucky, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where you can ride the sky lift or hike up to its namesake sandstone arch.
Manchester
Home to historic swinging bridges and top-notch canoeing, Manchester also boasts 30-plus miles of mild whitewater along Goose Creek River, relaxing floats on the South Fork of the Kentucky River and some of the best muskie fishing in the state. The area is also home to Daniel Boone National Forest and Redbird Crest ATV and hiking trails. After your day of play, explore the town’s Appalachian heritage at the restored Salt Works Pioneer Village.
McKee
Nestled in the hills of the middle part of Daniel Boone National Forest, McKee is home to numerous outdoor adventures. Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail passes just outside of town and horse lovers giddy-up to Triple R Ranch, run by local cowboys who offer guided rides and diverse camp experiences. The TransAmerica Trail travels right through downtown, where several lodging and dining options await.
London
Sitting between the Trail Towns of Livingston and Stearns, London makes a name for itself thanks to top-notch cycling routes drawing thousands each year for the nationally recognized Redbud Ride. This is also the home of Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, a trio of waterways (Rockcastle River, Laurel River and Laurel River Lake), Wildcat ATV park, and popular hunting and fishing spots. The town’s vibrant farmers market serves as one of its trail heads.
Livingston
The first Trail Town in Eastern Kentucky is nestled in Rockcastle County inside Daniel Boone National Forest. After enjoying Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, Red Hill Horse Camp, numerous mountain bike trails, kayaking, fishing, camping and fl oat trips, visitors can explore the historic Livingston School or make a short trip to soak up authentic local entertainment at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.
Hazard
In the heart of the Appalachian coalfields of Eastern Kentucky, Hazard offers a pleasing mix of natural landscapes, rugged beauty and adventure. A variety of trails are available for walking, hiking, biking or horseback riding, and this is a sought-after destination for ATVs and dirt bikes. When you’re ready to rest after all that play, take a quilt tour, enjoy specialty shopping, browse arts and crafts – or just relax by a peaceful lake or stream.
Harlan Tri-Cities
The historic mining communities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch combine to offer a cornucopia of outdoor fun. Enjoy beautiful mountains, scenic overlooks, nature trails and wildlife at attractions like Kingdom Come State Park, or along the Little Shepherd or Pine Mountain State Scenic Trails. Bike trails are popular here, including the Summit Bike Trail that takes you to the top of Black Mountain, the state’s highest point.
Estill Twin Cities
The twin cities of Ravenna and Irvine team up to offer a winning mix of natural beauty, frontier history and scenic views of Red Lick Valley, Sweet Lick Knob and Estill Springs, once home to Shawnee Indians and now home to great outdoor recreation.
Slade
This gateway to the world-renowned Red River Gorge gets you to some of the best rock climbing in the world, where thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year come to climb the area’s walls, hike its trails, view its landscapes and take in its natural beauty. Slade is also home to one of the most popular state parks in Kentucky, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where you can ride the sky lift or hike up to its namesake sandstone arch.
Manchester
Home to historic swinging bridges and top-notch canoeing, Manchester also boasts 30-plus miles of mild whitewater along Goose Creek River, relaxing floats on the South Fork of the Kentucky River and some of the best muskie fishing in the state. The area is also home to Daniel Boone National Forest and Redbird Crest ATV and hiking trails. After your day of play, explore the town’s Appalachian heritage at the restored Salt Works Pioneer Village.
McKee
Nestled in the hills of the middle part of Daniel Boone National Forest, McKee is home to numerous outdoor adventures. Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail passes just outside of town and horse lovers giddy-up to Triple R Ranch, run by local cowboys who offer guided rides and diverse camp experiences. The TransAmerica Trail travels right through downtown, where several lodging and dining options await.
London
Sitting between the Trail Towns of Livingston and Stearns, London makes a name for itself thanks to top-notch cycling routes drawing thousands each year for the nationally recognized Redbud Ride. This is also the home of Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, a trio of waterways (Rockcastle River, Laurel River and Laurel River Lake), Wildcat ATV park, and popular hunting and fishing spots. The town’s vibrant farmers market serves as one of its trail heads.
Livingston
The first Trail Town in Eastern Kentucky is nestled in Rockcastle County inside Daniel Boone National Forest. After enjoying Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, Red Hill Horse Camp, numerous mountain bike trails, kayaking, fishing, camping and fl oat trips, visitors can explore the historic Livingston School or make a short trip to soak up authentic local entertainment at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.
Hazard
In the heart of the Appalachian coalfields of Eastern Kentucky, Hazard offers a pleasing mix of natural landscapes, rugged beauty and adventure. A variety of trails are available for walking, hiking, biking or horseback riding, and this is a sought-after destination for ATVs and dirt bikes. When you’re ready to rest after all that play, take a quilt tour, enjoy specialty shopping, browse arts and crafts – or just relax by a peaceful lake or stream.
Harlan Tri-Cities
The historic mining communities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch combine to offer a cornucopia of outdoor fun. Enjoy beautiful mountains, scenic overlooks, nature trails and wildlife at attractions like Kingdom Come State Park, or along the Little Shepherd or Pine Mountain State Scenic Trails. Bike trails are popular here, including the Summit Bike Trail that takes you to the top of Black Mountain, the state’s highest point.
Estill Twin Cities
The twin cities of Ravenna and Irvine team up to offer a winning mix of natural beauty, frontier history and scenic views of Red Lick Valley, Sweet Lick Knob and Estill Springs, once home to Shawnee Indians and now home to great outdoor recreation.