Hiking and Camping In The Daniel Boone National Forest
Contents
Kentucky’s Bee Rock National Park has scenic views and quiet campsites for visitors to relax in.
Bee Rock used to be a haven for wild honey bees, but when those bees became a threat, locals used dynamite to blow up the bees’ home, and so much honey flowed that the sweet stream made it all the way to the river – according to legend, anyway.
Located on both sides of the Rockcastle River, the park is on Highway 192 near Mt. Victory. It’s on the border of Pulaski and Laurel counties, and is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Visitors can camp, hike, and fish from the bank of the river. They can also read about the history of the area, and, on a good day, go canoeing in the Rockcastle River.
Hiking Trails
There are several hiking trails that entertain with unique natural formations. The most popular route is the east side of the Bee Rock Loop Trail, trail 592. Though steep and difficult in places, this path winds through several natural wonders, such as cliffs with creek gravel embedded in them, a shallow cave.. When there has been enough rain, the cave will feature a waterfall.
Turning left at the top of the loop trail, the hiker can wander down the path to the overlook, the reward for such a difficult climb. Visitors can view miles of the Rockcastle River and the surrounding Kentucky hills.
The Bee Rock Loop and the Rockcastle Narrows trail, trail 503, intersect and are on the Pulaski County side of the river, while the Rockcastle Narrows East trail, 401, is on the Laurel County side of the river. All trails are moderate to difficult. Trails are open to visitors year round.
Campground
The campgrounds are open April through October. There are 18 single campsites and one double site on the eastern, Pulaski County side of the park. On the other side of the river, there are 8 single and one double site.
Fees are $8 per night for a single campsite, and $12 per night for a double site. Fees are deposited in the fee box found at each campground
Water, picnic tables, trash pickup and toilets are provided within the campsite, but there are no electrical hook-ups. Most campsites have a view of the river. There is a boat ramp on the west campsite, but recent events have caused the river levels to be too low to safely launch a boat.
Old Sublimity Bridge
The Old Sublimity Bridge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, was once a one-lane bridge for cars to cross the river. It has been restored for foot travel only. It crosses the Rockcastle river and gives a clear view of the river and some of its rapids.