Daniel Boone’s Namesake Forest Has Rare Moonbows, Ancient Sites & Overflowing Natural Beauty

Daniel Boone National Forest

Deep in Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest covers over 708,000 acres of the gorgeous Cumberland Plateau. It’s home to sandstone cliffs, valleys filled with hardwood trees, waterfalls, rare moonbows… exactly the kind of wild place that made Daniel Boone want to explore Kentucky in the first place.

World-Class Rock Climbing

Military Wall and Torrent Falls offer various climbing routes in the park, from expert to beginner levels. The geology creates natural holds that feel similar to those in indoor climbing gyms. Popular ones include “Tissue Tiger” (5.12b) and “Forearm Follies” (5.12a/b).

Even local climbing groups like the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition have been taking care of these routes since 1996. Reach the Military Wall by walking less than a mile from Miguel’s Pizza parking lot. The 35-degree overhang still keeps some parts dry after a downpour.

Rare Pink Orchids Along Sky Bridge Trail

The Sky Bridge Trail has Kentucky’s largest group of Pink Lady’s Slipper orchids, with many clusters visible during peak blooming season (mid-May). These protected flowers grow well here because of the cool, shady spots under the north-facing cliffs and the soil’s specific acidity level.

The USDA Forest Service built paths to minimize foot traffic and implemented raised walkways where you can take photos without harming the delicate plants.

Historical Underground Railroad Sites at Cane Creek

Cane Creek in Van Hook Falls preserves six Underground Railroad locations, including connected caves where people hid while escaping slavery back in the 1800s. James Hatcher, a local conductor, helped escaped slaves reach freedom using these hidden paths and natural shelters.

You can still see the stone base of Hatcher’s house along the 2.3-mile history trail, which has signs sharing stories from his journal. In summer, you can tag alone with a certified guide who leads two-hour tours along the same routes in the Red River Gorge area.

Oldest Hemlock Trees in Twin Branch Grove

Twin Branch protects over 400 years old eastern hemlock trees (known to reach heights of over 150 feet). Forest scientists have saved these ancient trees from harmful insects (hemlock woolly adelgid) by treating the soil and introducing restorative beetles.

Unusual plants like round-leaf catchfly and mountain camellia grow in the deep shade under these old trees. A new 0.6-mile boardwalk lets you see these historic trees without damaging their roots.

Moonbow Appearances at Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls is one of the few places where you can see a moonbow (a rainbow created by moonlight). This happens during each full moon (until about half an hour after the zenith) when the moonlight bends through the mist of the 68-foot waterfall.

The visitor center built its lower deck at exactly the right angle for viewing this light show. Photography experts teach special classes showing how to capture this rare sighting with long-exposure camera settings.

Unique Plant Life Behind Yahoo Falls

Besides numerous rock shelters left behind by Paleo Indians in 9000 B.C., Yahoo Falls, Kentucky’s tallest at 113 feet, creates a special environment for plants. The constant mist keeps the air humid, allowing an understory of Big Leaf magnolias, rhododendrons, and ferns to grow. Even the 200-foot elevated walkway presents Blue spiderwort in a delicate ecosystem.

Trophy Muskie Fishing in Cave Run Lake

Cave Run Lake is known for its large muskie fish, which usually grow to 36 inches long, though some reach over 50. Someone caught the state’s biggest muskie here in 2008, weighing 47 pounds.

Local fishing guides know specific spots near submerged timber, including regions where creeks feed into the lake, especially during spawning seasons. The lake has rules about fish size (currently set at 36 inches) and anglers practice catch-and-release for sustainability.

American Chestnut Recovery in Clifty Wilderness

The American Chestnut Foundation planted 1,200 disease-resistant chestnut trees in a 50-acre area of Clifty Wilderness in 2015. Through breeding programs and the use of genetic modifications, scientists will develop strains that can fight off the blight that almost destroyed this species.

A 1.2-mile trail with signage gives info about the young trees. Today, 82% of the planted trees persist, so it’s one of the most successful restorations in the east.

Archaeological Discoveries at Indian Creek Settlement

Archaeologists have found over 1000 artifacts (pottery tools, household items, and personal belongings) from the 1820s at Indian Creek’s pioneer homestead. The site still has its limestone chimney, a 12-foot storage cellar, and a spring house built without mortar.

From April through October, archaeologists give tours and help with supervised digs during summer programs. The artifacts show what life was like on the frontier, and many are now displayed at the new visitor center.

Elk Watching Areas at Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek has four heated viewing shelters where people can watch the local elk herd of over 300 animals. These shelters keep wildlife watchers comfortable during early morning and evening hours when elk are most active. The largest fits six people and has powerful scopes for viewing.

Local nature experts lead viewing sessions in the fall when male elk make bugling calls that echo through the valley from mid-September to early October.

Protected Salamander Habitat at Rock Creek

Rock Creek Research Natural Area protects approximately 500 endangered Black Mountain Salamanders. The 200-acre preserve maintains specific water sources that these salamanders need, with equipment that checks water quality and temperature.

Scientists can get permits to study these rare amphibians but you can learn about them through guided programs. It’s one of the best examples of salamander conservation in the Appalachian Mountains.

Challenging Race Course at Double Shot Trail

The Double Shot aerial adventure course at Boone Creek Outdoors, features 16 different obstacles, including Kentucky swinging barrels, the pioneer log swinging bridge, and the Timber Bluegrass Forrest. The fastest solo finish time, set in 2023, is 4 hours and 17 minutes.

This self-guided experience with a 6.8-mile multi-use trail for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, starts after a 20-minute intro with trained guides, costing $49 per adult.