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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568

Horseback Riding

When you mention Kentucky, most people think of fine horses. So it’s not surprising that outstanding opportunities for horseback riding abound in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

The horse camps on the forest provide facilities uniquely suited for riders. Most will have water for your horses, trail access, and parking. 

Please remember that these trails are multiple-use. Please practice Trail Safety, Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly to make your visit safe and enjoyable while protecting resources we all enjoy.

Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROGS) are letter-sized information sheets about trails and recreation areas. Trail ROGS give information on trailhead location, trail length, USGS quad name, county name, hiking difficulty, trail surface, connections and restrictions. The back page of the ROG has a map of the area or trail. The ROGs on this site are available in PDF formats. If you don't have a PDF reader, Download FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader

Many of the trails are open to horseback riding, but some may be more suitable than others, depending on your level of skill and seasonal changes in trail conditions. The district offices can provide you with more information about trails.

SOMERSET DISTRICT

Nathan McClure Trail #530. This trail, uniquely suited for horseback riding, was named after Lieutenant Nathan McClure. In 1788, Lt. McClure was mortally wounded in a skirmish with Native Americans while trying to recover stolen horses.

The Nathan McClure Trail extends for 15 miles along ridges, streams, clifflines, and Lake Cumberland to Little Lick Campground, where a corral and horse-watering pond are available.

Two wildlife ponds plus streams and Lake Cumberland provide plenty of watering places along the trail. Loading and unloading areas with parking space are provided at each end of the trail. There is also an area at the end of Forest Road #122A for those who wish to ride only half the trail. This trail is rated as moderate for horseback riding and ranges from easy to difficult for hikers. It is not recommended for the novice hiker.

Somerset trails page

Little Lick Campground. At one end of the Nathan McClure Trail there are water sources for horses along the trail,vault toilets, no drinking water, tent pads, fire grate, lantern holder, picnic table, stock watering pond, corral, and a hitching rail.

Directions: KY 192 east from Somerset for 21 miles, turn right (south) on Forest Road 122, follow signs on Forest Road. 816B for 8 miles.

Somerset Camping page

STEARNS DISTRICT

Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail offers several opportunities for riding and camping. Contact the Stearns District Office for more information.

Barren Fork Horse Camp

Camping loop road with 41 back-in trailer sites. It connects to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. It has vault toilets, drinking water, stock watering pond and an overflow parking lot. There are numerous loop trails.

Fees: See Rec Pass Information.  

Day Use: 1 Day pass $3.00, Annual Pass $30.00

Camping: 1 day pass $8.00, 2 day pass $12.00, Annual Pass  $100.00.

Open: March 15 - November 30

Directions: Take Barren Fork Road beside the district office for 0.8 miles, turn right at split in road. Go 0.1 mile. Campground will be on the right.

Bell Farm Horse Camp

Access to Hemlock Grove Recreation Area and Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Vault toilets, no drinking water, stream for watering horses. Tent pads, fire grates, lantern holders, picnic tables.

Open: Year Round

Directions: Take US 27 south for 4.7 miles to KY 92. Turn right and go 1.2 miles then turn right on KY 92 at the Fastway Store. Go 5.3 miles to KY 1363, turn left and go 11.4 miles to the end of blacktop. Turn left and go 0.2 mile. Campground is on the left.

Stearns District Camping

Author: Recreation Staff
Last Updated: March 29, 2005