Windy Gap Basecamp

Windy Gap Boone Trace Basecamp

The Friends of Boone Trace, Inc. is proud to announce the purchase of two acres of property in Rockcastle County, KY containing a segment of the original Boone Trace which traverses the property (see photos). The cost of the area was $25,000 and accomplished through the generosity of multiple donors to whom we are forever indebted.

It has been given the name of “Windy Gap Boone Trace Basecamp,” and although currently owned by FBT, Inc., it will be preserved in perpetuity by some permanent mechanism. Therefore, all of those who contributed should consider themselves to possess a degree of ownership in this project and should be proud to be responsible for preserving a segment of the original Boone Trace for all times.

It is located on Red Hill Road near Livingston, KY. The quickest route is to enter the center of Livingston on Hwy 25, cross the bridge, turn left on to RHR and proceed exactly to the five mile marker. Into the curve just beyond the marker on the right, the gate can be observed set back from the road about 50 feet. The address on a mailbox (not ours) on the right at our entrance is 5069 RHR. Look for the gate with a small green “Boone Trace” sign and an outhouse just behind the gate. You are there!

Boone Trace comes through 88 acres of the Daniel Boone National Forest off of Trace Branch Rd from the south and proceeds up to the ridge line, where it traverses our property. From there, it crosses RHR, entering another 400 acres of privately-owned forest. It will eventually serve as an ideal base camp for hikers and be open to equestrian riders as a pass-through, likely from the Red Hill Horse Camp nearby.

There is a small cabin on the site as well the outhouse, which we have proudly home-decorated and equipped (Notice the peeping Tom) . There is no water or electric, so approved visitors need to bring their own supplies, especially insect repellent. A pond will be available to water horses with tie-ups during rest stops.

The area is quite remote, and you are in the true wilderness along the Trace, just as was Daniel Boone and the pioneers. Rockcastle County is also considered rattlesnake and copperhead country; and, although we have not ever seen any lately, caution is necessary. Also, a black bear has recently been sighted. We’re looking for a name, and are thinking “Yogi, Gummi or Smokey” (suggestions?)

The site is closed to the public, for now, but open to members of FBT, donors and anyone with a serious interest in the Boone Trace saga. Call, text or email for permission to visit the site at any time, and primitive camping is encouraged:

             John Fox, President FBT, Inc.
             859-533-6433
   boonetrace1775@gmail.com

See a list of the donors that contributed to the acquisition of this property.

Click on the above to Learn More