Fly & Drive guide
Fly into LEX, drive to Daniel Boone National Forest
Your route
LEX
Blue Grass Airport
Daniel Boone National Forest
About 2 h 8 min · 85 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to LEX
Compare fares into Blue Grass Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Romain COUPY · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at LEX
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Daniel Boone National Forest. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
04 · First night near Daniel Boone National Forest
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Daniel Boone National Forest
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Daniel Boone National Forest
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: Bobbyvaughnevergreen · CC0
Before you land
Reservations
Official Forest Alerts and Gorge Parking Reservations
Red River Gorge requires an official Forest Service permit for overnight parking between 10 PM and 6 AM. While day-use entry is generally open, individual developed campgrounds and popular cabin rentals require separate reservations through official platforms. Seasonal demand is high; check the Daniel Boone National Forest website for the latest access changes and facility closures.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – May, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Daniel Boone National Forest?
Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from LEX to Daniel Boone National Forest?
Roughly 2 h 8 min (about 85 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Daniel Boone National Forest?
Red River Gorge requires an official Forest Service permit for overnight parking between 10 PM and 6 AM. While day-use entry is generally open, individual developed campgrounds and popular cabin rentals require separate reservations through official platforms. Seasonal demand is high; check the Daniel Boone National Forest website for the latest access changes and facility closures.
