Knobs State Forest and Wildlife Management Area was added to the state forest system in 2006. The division purchased a 1,110-acre tract in July, 429 acres in November 2006 and 496 acres in October 2018 making the total acreage 2,035. It is the first Forest Legacy project in Kentucky.
Knobs State Forest and Wildlife Management Area is located 28 miles south of Louisville near Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and the Camp Crooked Creek Boy Scout Camp.
Knobs State Forest and Wildlife Management Area 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 for day use only unless hunting regulations specify extended hours. Hiking, wildlife viewing and regulated hunting are permitted. Off-road vehicles, including ATVs and horseback riding is prohibited.
Directions from Louisville - I-65 south to Exit 112 (Clermont/Bernheim Forest). Turn right onto Highway 245. Turn left at the stop sign at the Highway 61 intersection. Travel south on Highway 61 for 1.2 miles then turn left on Pioneer Drive. Stay on Pioneer Drive until it dead ends at Crooked Creek Road.
From Lexington - Take I-64 west to the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) south. Stay on I-265 to I-65 south exit. See directions from Louisville for remaining instructions.
