U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest

06/22/2026

06/01/2026

With nearly 2,500 miles of streams and almost 14,000 acres of lakes, the Daniel Boone National Forest is the perfect place to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week!

On Saturday, June 6, small fry (ages 15 and under) are invited to join our free Kids Fishing Derbies at Cave Run Lake, Laurel-London Optimist Youth Camp, Indian Creek, Little Double Creek Pond and Barren Fork Horse Camp.

We'll also be waiving fees at all boat ramps outside of developed campgrounds June 6-7 so the entire family can make the most out of Kentucky's free fishing weekend. Learn more https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/danielboone

USDA Forest Service photo by Kenneth Scarberry.

05/08/2026

To read a tree’s past, study the patterns in its rings. Sudden shifts in width can show drought, fire or insect damage. By observing these clues, you can learn how the forest responded to past events.

05/01/2026

Fire Restrictions lifted May 1

Recent rainfall and new spring growth have lowered wildfire risk in eastern Kentucky and allowed us to safely lift the temporary restriction on open burning on the Daniel Boone National Forest. Backcountry campfires are once again permitted.

Despite improving conditions, much of Kentucky remains in a moderate drought. It’s important to exercise extreme caution when burning outdoors and ensure that all fires are properly monitored and extinguished before leaving them unattended.

Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/danielboone/newsroom/releases/daniel-boone-national-forest-lifts-fire-restrictions-0

04/24/2026

Alum Fire Update for April 24, 2026

The 1,100-acre Alum Fire in McCreary County is estimated at 93% containment. The Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area are jointly managing this Type 3 incident under Unified Command with a full suppression strategy. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.

The closed portion of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail reopened today (April 24); Alum Trail is the only remaining recreation closure from this incident. Firefighters continue to monitor control lines and “mop up”—seek out and extinguish hot spots to prevent reignition—until the fire has been deemed fully out.

Thank you to American Legion Post 115 for providing our incident resources with a delicious home-cooked BBQ dinner—a welcome change of pace for firefighters that have been working long days far away from home.

We’ll continue to share regular incident updates on our website until the area is free from actively burning wildfire and associated firefighting efforts. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/danielboone/alerts/active-wildfire-near-yahoo-falls-big-south-fork-nrra-alum-wildfire

📍 The 1,100-acre wildfire is located between Big South Fork NRRA and Highway 27 near Alum Boat Dock and Yahoo Falls.

⛔ Alum Trail is the only remaining closure. Please avoid the closed area and give fire crews and aviation resources space to operate safely.

🚁 A helicopter is providing aerial support for suppression efforts. If a drone is spotted in the vicinity, we will be forced to ground all aerial support for the safety of the pilot. Help keep our wildland firefighters safe by treating all fire operations as a .

04/24/2026

As of 5:00 PM (ET) today, the superintendent has reopened the section of Sheltowee Trace Trail, along the river from its intersection with Alum Trail to Alum Ford Boat Launch. This closure was necessary to provide for visitor and fire personnel safety due to the Alum Fire.

The Alum Fire in McCreary County is currently estimated at 1,100 acres and 93% containment, located between Big South Fork NRRA and Highway 27 near Alum Boat Dock and Yahoo Falls. Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area are jointly managing this Type-3 incident under Unified Command with a full suppression strategy.

This will be the final Alum Fire update unless there is a change in fire behavior.

04/24/2026

04/22/2026

FIND Outdoors is seeking a Volunteer Site Host at the Gladie Visitor Center! Help welcome visitors, share local knowledge, keep the site clean and safe, and be a part of an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Wake up in the heart of the Red River Gorge, meet people from all over, and help create a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable experience for every visitor.

If you have a love for the outdoors, let's get in touch!
Apply now or learn more: gofindoutdoors.org/apply Link in bio!

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌎💚

We're privileged to spend every day caring for the land and serving people. Today, we ask you to join us!

Everyone plays a part in sustaining the public lands we all depend on and there are so many different ways to give back. We've shared a few to get you started but would love to know—how are you celebrating Earth Day?

🟢 Carry an extra trash bag with you along the trail and (safely!) pick up trash cluttering the view.
🟢 Become a Citizen Scientist and document the plants and wildlife you see in the forest using tools like iNaturalist.
🟢 Wash, drain and dry all boating equipment before transferring waterways to prevent the spread of invasive species.
🟢 Keep yourself (or your horse, or your bike or your ATV) on the trail to prevent erosion and protect trailside ecosystems.
🟢 Research land management activities planned for your neck of the woods and make plans to participate in upcoming meetings or events.

(USDA Forest Service photo by Andrea Felton)