Trip Report: Daniel Boone National Forest

[Steven 6095]

Yesterday, 6/24/24, I enjoyed a day at the Daniel Boone National Forest, playing in the mud and crossing creeks on some service roads. Even though I didn't do anything serious as I can't risk damaging the BS I was very impressed with what it could do. There were a lot of ruts, loose larger gravel, and several creek crossings less than a foot. I never once had an issue. Only upgrade from the factory are the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Looks like you had fun.

 

[dedwards0323]

Ditto That Feedback!

 

[baztien.xplrz]

very cool ?

 

[cadlerocks]

I’m one state away. What service roads or trails did you take? Maps or directions to them?

 

[Gunther706]

I’m one state away. What service roads or trails did you take? Maps or directions to them?

I'd love to know this too, looking at this area on google maps has me excited to drive out!

 

[B-Dog15]

I would also love to know what trails you took! This is about 2 hours from me so definitely would be a fun weekend trip!

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Yesterday, 6/24/24, I enjoyed a day at the Daniel Boone National Forest, playing in the mud and crossing creeks on some service roads. Even though I didn't do anything serious as I can't risk damaging the BS I was very impressed with what it could do. There were a lot of ruts, loose larger gravel, and several creek crossings less than a foot. I never once had an issue. Only upgrade from the factory are the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires.

Looks like an amazing day! Thanks for sharing with us!

 

[Steven 6095]

Hi everyone. I'm away on a quick business trip. Once I get back I'll upload some details of the area.

 

[DeckerXD]

That really looks like a fun playground!

 

[cadlerocks]

Back yet? ?

 

[Steven 6095]

Okay, okay, okay! Here we go:

I'm not responsible for anything! : ) My opinions may not reflect yours or reality when you go.

The area in focus is the Daniel Boone National Forrest.
Look on a map - essentially between Slade, Irvine, Campton, and Beattyville.

A good portion of this is part of the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway.
A Bronco Sport of any trim can NOT do most of this trail system, but some parts are easy.

This was done when we were in near drought conditions but from what I've read, the water crossings stay fairly low.

Forget cell phone coverage.

Fixer to Lairson Rd & Lairson Road- Nice, wide, gravel and dirt road. Follows a stream and a lake.

Fixer Leeco Road - North off Lairson I would avoid. The first water crossing was soft and too deep for my comfort. The second one appeared deep, muddy, and took a hard turn. I turned around and retreated.

Cave Fork Road - A lot of fun! There is a bunch of creek crossings, a little mud, a short section of creek bed, etc. Water was no higher than the center wheel caps. Creeks and streams have smoothish rock bottoms. No real issues. There were a couple of rocks on the trail to pay attention to but still had clearance.

I've not done but have researched for a second trip with a friend or wife:

Bald Knob Road - I'll likely avoid it as we have had some rain and I can't risk breaking my Bronco.

Bald Rock Fork Road - Looks safe enough and has interesting scenery.

Dirt and rock forest roads - few obstacles from what I understand.
Essentially nice, get dirty and out in nature roads.

Sweetlick Road - MarbleYard Road
Lone Oak Road
Ballard Branch Road

Also, look up the Kentucky Adventure Tour - KAT. There are sections a Bronco Sport could do including a train tunnel, under coal temples, etc.

 

[Steven 6095]

Another day in the forest! This time with a friend. We did Fixer, Cave Fork, and added Bald Rock Fork Road.

Bald Rock was extremely fun. You are in a creek bed for a good portion of it. We are in near drought conditions and we still had to be aware of water depth in a couple of places. I personally would not consider doing it after rain.

 

[jazzdab]

I love reading about Big Bend's being more capable than people think.

 

[Troy_H]

Here is a map that that shows the different sections of the DBBB and their levels of difficulty.

Sponsored