Backcountry Camping in Kentucky
Located in the heart of Appalachia, Kentucky offers backpackers numerous opportunities to enjoy wilderness camping in backcountry areas. While many of the state's most dramatic landscapes are in the eastern mountains, other backcountry camping opportunities can be found across the state, especially at Land Between the Lakes in the western half of Kentucky
Cumberland Gap
Straddling the border between Kentucky and Virginia, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park covers the area where American pioneers crossed over the Appalachian mountains from the East Coast into the country's vast interior. Backpackers can choose from numerous trails, but the main one is the Ridge Trail, which essentially follows the Kentucky border. Several backcountry campsites are located along this trail, including one near the Hensley Settlement, a now abandoned town from the turn of the last century. Backpackers will need to obtain free permits from the visitor center before setting off.
Big South Fork
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects a large undammed section of the Cumberland River flowing through Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky. Crossing through the Cumberland Plateau, the river cuts out large gorges and valleys into the surrounding mountains. While river rafting is popular in the area, backpackers can still find a myriad of hikes throughout the park. Visitors to the backcountry will need permits if they plan to stay overnight though. These permits cost a nominal fee though.
Sheltowee
While the famous Appalachian Trail bypasses Kentucky by going through Virginia instead, backpackers looking for a long distance trip can tackle the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, which runs for over 250 miles through the Daniel Boone National Forest and private land. Although the trail traverses some modern roads, most sections pass through forest and stunning scenery.
Red River Gorge
Over 100 natural stone arches make the Red River Gorge unlike any other park east of the Rockies. The stunning geological formations also include sandstone cliffs and delicate ridges popping out from the surrounding green forest. Half of the Red River Gorge is included in the Clifty Wilderness, which gives backpackers access to an area largely untouched by people. Due to the fact that most trails are unmaintained in this region, backpackers should make sure they have a detailed map and compass before setting out.
Land Between the Lakes
Located at the western tip of the state, Land Between the Lakes is a national recreation area situated between the large lakes formed by the dams on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. The recreation area covers thousands of acres, and is surrounded by water on three sides. As a result, there exist hundreds of miles of shoreline where backpackers can camp by the water. Backcountry permits are required year round.
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