Beaver Creek Wilderness

Facility · Kentucky ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area (State WMA) · Open Access

977 ft
Elevation

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Towering sandstone cliffs, natural arches and rippling streams are some of the special features that led to the designation of this 4,877-acre area as a wilderness in 1975. It is located on Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

The wilderness provides visitors a place where they are free to explore nature's solitude and scenic beauty. No motorized or mechanized equipment is allowed.

The wilderness is remote and the terrain is rugged. Several trails occur throughout the area, but be prepared for strenuous hikes. Much of the area is nestled below spectacular sandstone cliffs. 

In keeping with the wilderness concept, signage is kept to a minimum. You should not expect trail signs or markers to guide you.

Primitive camping is permitted in the Beaver Creek Wilderness as long as you remain 300 feet away from any road or stream and out of site from any trail. 

Before becoming a wilderness, this area was settled as a small coal mining town during the early 1900s. Signs of the past remain visible with old roads, stone fencing, exotic shrubs and grave sites scattered throughout the area. Over time, nature is slowly erasing some of these signs that man left behind.

Note: Cell phone communications and emergency rescue services may be limited in the wilderness.

Getting there

To Three Forks of Beaver Trailhead:
From Whitley City, take US 27 north 12.5 miles; turn right onto Bauer Road for 2.25 miles; turn left onto Forest Service Road 51 for .8 mile. The trailhead will be on your left.

From Somerset, take US 27 south for 13 miles; turn left onto Bauer Road for 2.25 miles; turn left onto Forest Service Road 51 for .8 mile. The trailhead will be on your left.  

36.90091, -84.43956 · 36°54'3.3"N 84°26'22.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 45°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F454959697782858580695848
Low °F242633415159636254423227
Precip in4.84.55.24.75.55.36.13.73.63.33.85.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Beaver Creek Wilderness

Can you reserve a site at Beaver Creek Wilderness?
No. Beaver Creek Wilderness is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Beaver Creek Wilderness

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.