The Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway (DBBB) is a high-clearance, 4wd route stretching over 100 miles along the scenic Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest In Eastern Kentucky. Made up of both improved and unimproved country and public roads, The DBBB is of moderate difficulty and only open to licensed vehicles. It is, however, designed for entry level offroading and therefore a good option for a safe, rewarding driving experience.
Best Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway Routes
Big Dog OHV Route
Located on old logging roads along Big Dog Branch,this segment of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail includes many areas where trees have reclaimed the roadbed, allowing only ATVs, motorcycles, horses and hikers where heavy logging trucks once rolled. Another word of caution: several hardened creek fords require care in crossing. Be safe out there!
Take KY 192 west from London and go 6 miles. Turn right (north) on Forest Road 56 (sign to Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area) and go 4.7 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 119 and go 3.2 miles. Turn right (north) on Forest Road 457 and go .5 miles. Trail on right.
Goodwater OHV Route
This trail is perfect for intermediate drivers as it boasts sharp turns, hills, and incredibly uneven terrain. As such, riders are expected to stay on the designated route and cross country travel is prohibited.
From Somerset, Kentucky, take US 80 east 9.5 miles to KY 1675, turn right on 1675, and go about 3 miles to the country store, then turn right (still on 1675) 3.5 miles to Goodwater trailhead located on the left side of the road.
Gulf Ridge OHV Route
Only choose this trail if you know how to handle turns, uneven hills and water bars, and keep in mind that all riders must stay on the designated route. Cross country travel and hill climbs are prohibited.
Take KY 192 east from Somerset for 15 miles to Old Whitney Road (Forest Road #122), turn right (south) on Forest Road # #122 toward Little Lick Campground, turn left on Forest Road #122A to a trailhead sign at Forest Road #5141.
Pine Creek OHV Route
This single track section of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail offers access to several types of forest types and landscapes. Dry hardwood ridge tops reveal moist hemlock habitats in the Poison Honey and Pine Creek bottoms. However, steep climbing turns, narrow single tracks, and steep slide slopes can prove challenging.
Take KY 80 west from London and go 6 miles, then turn right (north) at Hawk Creek Road. Immediately turn left (west) on KY 1956 and go 2.8 miles. Parking on the right. Trail leaves from south side of road.
Redbird Crest Trail
Located in the Redbird Ranger District, it’s important to remember that SOME of these trails are multiple-use, which means you will share the road with horseback riders, backpackers, mountain bikers, and other OHVers as well.
From the Big Creek (exit 34) of Hal Rogers Parkway, travel east on KY 66 0.7 miles to the junction with US 421 and KY 80. Proceed south on KY 66 0.8 miles to the junction with US 421 and KY 80. Continue south on KY 66 1.7 miles to Office on the right.
Renfro OHV Route
This wooded trail starts on the south side of the road, opposite the S-Tree picnic shelter and makes a southern loop of the campground, following the ridgeline southeast of Forest Road 431 before dropping down a steep, rocky hill into Renfro Branch. The remaining part of the trail is a slow climb back to the campground. Although portions of the trail could be easily negotiated by beginners, there are two steep hills which make the trail best suited for intermediate riders.This route connects to the S-Tree Route.
Take US 421 west from McKee for 0.5 mile, then turn left (south) on KY 89 and go 3 miles, turn right (west) on Forest Road 43. Go one mile, turn left (south) on Forest Road 20 and follow the signs.
Rock Ridge OHV Route
Best for intermediate drivers experienced in sharp turns, hills, and general forest hazards. Always stay on the designated route as cross country travel is prohibited.
From Somerset, Kentucky, go south on US 27 to Parkers Lake, take KY 90 east 5 miles, turn left onto Mill Creek Road (Forest Road #817), go 3 miles, turn left on Funston Road (Forest Road #46) and go approximately 5 miles, turn right on Forest Road #5186 and Forest Road #5181 respectively to trailheads.
S-Tree OHV Route
This route is a fifty inch wide section of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. A single lane trail with two-way traffic, it features moderate grades (under 30% and wooded terrain. Riders should expect some areas where the trail passes through briar thickets, however the surface of the trail is relatively smooth with the exception of some rocky sections and mud. It is generally suitable for novice and intermediate riders and the S-Tree Campground is conveniently located at the southern end of the route. Keep in mind that there is no water available at the campground, which is open year round. If you’re not ready to stop riding, this route may be combined with Renfro Loop Trail. In addition, the Turkey Foot Route is only one road mile from the north terminus of the S-Tree Route.
Take US 421 west from McKee for 0.5 mile, then turn left (south) on KY 89 for 3 miles, turn right (west) on FDR 43. Go one mile, turn left (south) on FDR 20 and follow the signs. For more information, contact the London Ranger Station, 761 South Laurel Road, London, KY 40744, 606-864-4163.
Sellers Ridge OHV Route
Considered easy to moderate in nature, this trail features mostly ridgetop to rolling terrain with some challenging mud holes. One narrow dry land bridge requires extreme caution to cross. In addition, please keep in mind that all riders must stay on designated routes as cross country travel is not allowed. Widening of the route and going around obstacles or problem areas is also prohibited.
From US 27 near Whitley City, turn west on KY 700, go for 3.8 miles to trailhead on the right.
Straight Creek OHV Route
This trail is considered easy and is recommended for persons accustomed to riding on relatively level terrain. Riders must stay on the designated route. Cross country riding will not be allowed. Directions From Somerset, Kentucky, take US 27 South about 22 miles from Somerset to directional signs pointing toward Natural Arch …
Turkey Foot OHV Route
Similar to the S-Tree trail and generally suitable for inexperienced riders, this route is also a section of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. It is a fifty inch wide, single lane trail with two-way traffic. The grades are moderate (under 30%). Most of the route is through wooded terrain. Riders will encounter some areas where the trail passes through briar thickets, but the surface of the trail is relatively smooth with the exception of some rocky and muddy sections. Turkey Foot Campground is located at the eastern end of the route. There is no water available at the campground, which is open from April through November. This route is one road mile from the S-Tree Route.
Take KY 89 north from McKee for 3 miles, turn right (east) on FDR #4, follow the signs to Turkey Foot Campground for 3 miles. For more information, contact the London Ranger Station, 761 South Laurel Road, London, KY 40744, 606-864-4163.
White Sulphur ATV Trail
The White Sulphur ATV Trail consists of a system of trail segments arranged in connecting loops and is considered completely suitable for novice riders. Located in moderately rugged terrain, some sections of the trail pass through ridge-tops and others are on side-slopes. Some segments may be challenging to novice riders, but each segment of trail is clearly marked as easy or more difficult. The trail is hardened along much of the system with gravel to prevent soil erosion and impacts on watershed resources. Orange diamonds posted along the entire trail system keep users on a safe and legal route.
From I-64: Take Exit 133 off I-64 south towards Salt Lick, Ky. At the caution light in Salt Lick turn on to KY 211 to Forest Road 129 towards Clear Creek. Just past the Clear Creek Country Store turn left at the White Sulphur sign at Forest Road 105 and go until you see the White Sulphur ATV trailhead, which is 1/4 mile past the turn-off to the horse camp.
Yellow Cliff OHV Route
This trail is considered easy, with flat to gently rolling terrain. Riders will need to be alert for two narrow passages (dry land bridges) with vertical drop offs on either side. These sites offer beautiful views but must be crossed while under control and with caution. Riders must stay on designated routes as cross country travel is not allowed. Widening of the route and going around obstacles or problem areas is also prohibited.
From US 27 just south of Whitley City, Kentucky, take KY 92 west for approximately 11.2 miles, crossing the Big South Fork River to County Road 69 (Cowhorn, Stallion Fork, Jones Hollow sign). Turn right onto 69 and follow 69 for .6 miles, taking right fork onto County Road 650, (which becomes 651 at Stallion Fork) Follow 650 & 651 for 3.8 miles, then take the right fork onto FDR 68 for 2.3 miles. Trailhead is on the left.
To learn more, read Best Off-Roading Trails Near Tennessee.
