Kentucky's State Forests
The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) owns and manages 11 state forests which include: Big Rivers, Green River, Pennyrile, Marrowbone, KY Ridge, Kentenia, Tygarts, Rolleigh Peterson, Knobs, Marion County, and the newly added Wolf Creek. This recent acquisition brings the combined total of state forest land to 49,293 acres.
The state forest properties are managed using the ecosystem management approach to ensure biological diversity and sustainable use. They are working forests and educational demonstration areas exist in each. In general, they are open to the public for recreational use including hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are some restrictions on these activities on some forests. Please check the quick guides below.
Recent additions to the state forestry property have been provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund, the Forest Legacy Program, and the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Revenue from this fund comes from a percentage of the state's portion of the unmined minerals tax, environmental penalties, and state nature license plate sales. KDF continues to seek new properties to add to the state forest program.
State Forests Recreation Opportunities Quick Guide
State Forests Hunting Regulations Quick Guide