Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentuckywildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in Daniel Boone National Forest · September
- Great Meadows Campground open · Apr–Nov
- Grove Campground open · Apr–Oct
- Bee Rock (Pulaski side) open · Mar–Nov
- Wildflowers along Rock Bridge Trail · Apr–Oct
174days to the next wildflowers seasonMar 21–Apr 30, The Forest Service says the Whittleton Branch wildflower walk near Red River Gorge is best from late March to late April, and Rock Bridge Trail's best show is also in spring
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 11:41 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Daniel Boone National Forest through the year
- Bee Rock (Pulaski side) openNowMar–Nov
- Spring wildflower walksMar–Apr
- Great Meadows Campground openNowApr–Nov
- Grove Campground openNowApr–Oct
- Wildflowers along Rock Bridge TrailNowApr–Oct
Best spots around Daniel Boone National Forest
- Rock Bridge Trail1.4-mile loop at the southeast corner of Red River Gorge, from pine ridges down to the creek
- Sheltowee Trace at Whittleton Branch2.4 miles along a creek to Natural Bridge State Resort Park; showy orchis and several trilliums
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Sheltowee Trace at Whittleton Branch (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rock Bridge Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Great Meadows Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Grove Drive-In Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Bee Rock Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Daniel Boone National Forest in 2027?
The Forest Service says the Whittleton Branch wildflower walk near Red River Gorge is best from late March to late April, and Rock Bridge Trail's best show is also in spring: Mar 21–Apr 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Daniel Boone National Forest right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 174 days (Mar 21–Apr 30, The Forest Service says the Whittleton Branch wildflower walk near Red River Gorge is best from late March to late April, and Rock Bridge Trail's best show is also in spring).
When is the best time to go?
Spring. Whittleton Branch is best from late March to late April, depending on the weather. Rock Bridge Trail has flowers from late March or early April until frost in mid-October, but its best show is in spring.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Sheltowee Trace at Whittleton Branch ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rock Bridge Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What blooms after spring?
Mountain laurel, great laurel and blueberries in late spring and early summer; in summer and early fall, joe-pye-weed, goldenrods and cardinal flower in a boggy area near the old homesite on Rock Bridge Trail.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rock Bridge Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Sheltowee Trace at Whittleton Branch ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are these loops?
Rock Bridge Trail is a 1.4-mile loop (starting from the right side of the parking lot is easier). The Whittleton Branch section is not a loop, so walk back or leave a car at each end.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rock Bridge Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Sheltowee Trace at Whittleton Branch ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Daniel Boone National Forest?
Rock Bridge Trail: 1.4-mile loop at the southeast corner of Red River Gorge, from pine ridges down to the creek; Sheltowee Trace at Whittleton Branch: 2.4 miles along a creek to Natural Bridge State Resort Park; showy orchis and several trilliums.
What is Daniel Boone National Forest like through the year?
Great Meadows Campground open (Apr–Nov), Grove Campground open (Apr–Oct), Bee Rock (Pulaski side) open (Mar–Nov), Spring wildflower walks (Mar–Apr) and Wildflowers along Rock Bridge Trail (Apr–Oct).