Daniel Boone National Forest History
southernregion.fs.fed.us/boone
The Daniel Boone National Forest, originally named the Cumberland National Forest, was established in the 1930's. Before the establishment of the national forest, the land had been ravaged by uncontrolled logging and mining. National forests were established to provide resources for the nation whil also protecting and managing the land for future generations.
National forests were set aside for conservation and the wise use of resources through a balance of activities and uses. These activities include recreation, wildlife, water, timber, and wilderness. The Daniel Boone National Forest is one of the most heavily used forests in the South, with over 5 million visitors annually. People come here to backpack, camp, picnic, rock climb, and enjoy the tranquility.
Pioneer Weapons
southernregion.fs.fed.us/boone
The Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area was created through a cooperative effort between the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the USDA Forest Service. This 7,610 acre tract has been designated as an area where hunting with modern breech-loading firearms is prohibited. Instead, hunters must use muzzle-loading firearms, bows, or crossbows to hunt and harvest wild game, much like the Native American and early settler.
Hunting Rules and Regulations:
* No special permits are required to hunt within the Pioneer Weapons Area.
* A Kentucky state hunting license is required. A deer or turkey permit is also needed.
* Licenses and permits are available at all Kentucky county seats and certain stores near the Pioneer Weapons Area.
For more information contact:
USDA Forest Service
Morehead Ranger District
2375 KY 801 South
Morehead, KY 40351
(606) 784-6428
Sheltowee Trace
southernregion.fs.fed.us/boone
The Sheltowee Trace is a 269-mile multiple use national recreation trail that traverses the length of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The trail is named in honor of Daniel Boone. Sheltowee (meaning Big Turtle) was the name given to Boone when he was adopted into the Shawnee tribe as the son of the great war chief Blackfish.
The Sheltowee Trace meanders along high, narrow ridges and cliffs, and into deep gorges along small, clear streams and whitewater rivers. These diverse landforms five rise to a great variety of trees, wildflowers, birds, and animals, including threatened and endagered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, Virginia big-eared bat, freshwater mussels, running buffalo clover, and white-haired goldenrod.
Whether you like to hike, camp, backpack, canoe, ride, climb, explore, or just have fun, there's a place on the Trace for you.
For more information about the Sheltowee Trace or Daniel Boone National Forest in the Morehead Ranger District call 606-784-6428.
Tater Knob Fire Tower
southernregion.fs.fed.us/boone
For thousands of years the spring at the base of Tater Knob was known as a dependable source of water by Native Americans, explorers, loggers, and settlers. In 1934, Tater Knob became the home of a fire tower that would outlast all other in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Tater Knob Fire Tower is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture the spectacular views. There are no bathrooms or water fountains at the tower. The tower is open from sunrise to sunset, and is closed in the winter.