Kentucky Ridge State Forest consists of 15,251 acres and was acquired by lease in 1930, as part of the Land Use and Resettlement Program. The lease was sustained until 1954 when the property was deeded by the U.S. government to the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Ridge State Forest contains Pine Mountain State Resort Park and is located on the south side of Pine Mountain and the north side of Log Mountain, encompassing Little Clear Creek Valley. The forest also contains Chenoa Lake, the Division of Forestry's Chenoa Service Center and Bell County Forestry Camp.
Kentucky Ridge State Forest is managed using the principles of ecosystem management. These principles allow the forest to be managed for sustainable timber production while ensuring the protection of water quality and the enhancement and/or protection of biological diversity.
The forest is open to public hunting and fishing, subject to state fish and game regulations, and is available for primitive camping, hiking, picnicking and horseback riding. All off-road vehicles, including ATVs are prohibited.
Food and lodging are available at Pine Mountain State Resort Park and in the towns of Middlesboro and Pineville.
Directions: From Interstate 75 take Exit 29 (Corbin - Barbourville) off of Interstate 75, travel south on U.S. 25 E to Pineville. Follow signs to Pine Mountain State Resort Park. The park adjoins Kentucky Ridge Forest on the northeastern boundary. The forest is bisected by Highway 190 when traveling west of Pineville to Chenoa.
