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Clifty Wilderness – Image Gallery

Scope and content:  The original finding aid described this photograph as:
Original Caption: A small sign next to the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway lets travelers know that beyond it lies the Clifty Wilderness of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Location: Clifty Wildnerness Area, Kentucky

Status: Public domain. Photo by A. E. Crane
Scope and content:  The original finding aid described this photograph as:
Original Caption: Perhaps long ago this small rock shelter in the Clifty Wilderness Area alongside the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway kept explorers dry on a rainy day.
Location: Clifty Wilderness Area, Kentucky

Status: Public domain. Photo by A. E. Crane
Wild and Scenic Red River in Kentucky's Clifty Wilderness, within the Red River Gorge.
Natural arch in Red River Gorge, Kentucky.


Clifty Wilderness

The Clifty Wilderness in Kentucky is a rugged and remote area known for its steep cliffs, dense forests, and diverse wildlife.


Details

Clifty Wilderness in Kentucky

The Clifty Wilderness is a designated wilderness area located within the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky. Covering approximately 13,000 acres, this pristine wilderness area offers visitors a truly remote and unspoiled natural environment to explore.

Features:

- Steep cliffs and rugged rock formations characterize the landscape of Clifty Wilderness, providing stunning views and challenging terrain for hikers and backpackers. - The area is crisscrossed by a network of trails, including the popular Sheltowee Trace Trail, which winds its way through the wilderness, offering opportunities for both day hikes and extended backpacking trips. - Clifty Creek runs through the wilderness, providing a source of water for wildlife and a peaceful backdrop for visitors. - The diverse flora and fauna of Clifty Wilderness include a variety of tree species, wildflowers, and wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and black bears.

Ecological Significance:

- The Clifty Wilderness is an important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered. - The wilderness area serves as a refuge for wildlife, providing a protected space for species to thrive without the pressures of human development. - The rugged terrain of Clifty Wilderness helps to protect the watershed of the area, ensuring clean water sources for wildlife and nearby communities. - The wilderness area also offers opportunities for scientific research and education, allowing visitors to learn more about the natural world and the importance of preserving wilderness areas for future generations.



Clifty Wilderness


Points of Interest

Clifty Wilderness

The Clifty Wilderness is a rugged and remote area located in the Red River Gorge Geological Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. The wilderness area spans over 12,000 acres and is known for its scenic beauty, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife.

Points of Interest

1. Indian Staircase

The Indian Staircase is a popular rock formation that offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys. The staircase consists of natural stone steps that lead up to a lookout point where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the wilderness area.

2. Cloud Splitter

Cloud Splitter is another iconic rock formation in the Clifty Wilderness that is worth a visit. The towering cliffs and rugged terrain make this a challenging but rewarding hike for experienced hikers. The views from the top are breathtaking and offer a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

3. Swift Camp Creek Trail

The Swift Camp Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail that winds through the heart of the Clifty Wilderness. The trail follows the banks of Swift Camp Creek and passes by waterfalls, rock shelters, and scenic overlooks. Hikers can choose to do a day hike or backpacking trip along this trail to explore the beauty of the wilderness area.

4. Rock Bridge Arch

Rock Bridge Arch is a natural stone arch that spans over 65 feet in length. The arch is a popular destination for hikers and photographers who want to capture the beauty of this unique geological feature. The trail to the arch is relatively easy and offers a chance to see other rock formations along the way.

5. Chimney Top Rock

Chimney Top Rock is a massive sandstone formation that offers panoramic views of the Red River Gorge. The hike to the top is challenging but well worth the effort for the stunning vistas that await visitors. The rock outcrop is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset views, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the wilderness area.



Clifty Wilderness – Images

Scope and content:  The original finding aid described this photograph as:
Original Caption: A small sign next to the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway lets travelers know that beyond it lies the Clifty Wilderness of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Location: Clifty Wildnerness Area, Kentucky

Status: Public domain. Photo by A. E. Crane

Description: Scope and content: The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: A small sign next to the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway lets travelers know that beyond it lies the Clifty Wilderness of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Location: Clifty Wildnerness Area, Kentucky Status: Public domain. Photo by A. E. Crane

Image by A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation – Public domain – Wikimedia

Scope and content:  The original finding aid described this photograph as:
Original Caption: Perhaps long ago this small rock shelter in the Clifty Wilderness Area alongside the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway kept explorers dry on a rainy day.
Location: Clifty Wilderness Area, Kentucky

Status: Public domain. Photo by A. E. Crane

Description: Scope and content: The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: Perhaps long ago this small rock shelter in the Clifty Wilderness Area alongside the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway kept explorers dry on a rainy day. Location: Clifty Wilderness Area, Kentucky Status: Public domain. Photo by A. E. Crane

Image by A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation – Public domain – Wikimedia

Wild and Scenic Red River in Kentucky's Clifty Wilderness, within the Red River Gorge.

Description: Wild and Scenic Red River in Kentucky's Clifty Wilderness, within the Red River Gorge.

Image by Robert G. Davis, NWSRS – Public domain – Wikimedia

Natural arch in Red River Gorge, Kentucky.

Description: Natural arch in Red River Gorge, Kentucky.

Image by Beeblebrox at en.wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

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