We Did the Research, This Is Officially the Most Odd Hiking Trail Name in Kentucky

When you hear the term "Bark Camp," what do you think of? When I first stumbled upon this Kentucky trail name, I envisioned something having to do with dogs. But, unfortunately for us dog enthusiasts, this particular hiking trail is named for tree bark. Still, it's a quirky trail name given to an equally lovable hiking adventure. Here's more on why you'll be motivated to hike the Bark Camp Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest.

Bark Camp Trail is tucked away within the London Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest. It's a seven-mile out-and-back trek that takes most hikers about two hours to complete. There's no strenuous incline, so it's considered to be a moderate hike. That being said, lots of roots and rocks along the trail mean that you'll want to be sure to wear proper hiking boots, and maybe even hiking poles for extra support.

One of my favorite parts about this particular trail is the sheer variety; you'll experience the beauty of the woods, the adventure of enormous rock shelters and cliffs, plus the added enchantment of a small waterfall and series of cascades.

Speaking of the woods, that brings us back to the trail's unique name. While there's a bit of dispute over the origin, most agree that the trail's name was inspired by bark camps, which were temporary camps made from tree bark during early settlement, particularly during logging. In fact, there are other landmarks named for Bark Camps located throughout the country—there's even a Barkcamp State Park in Ohio.

The name of the creek you'll follow for most of the trail's entirety is also known as Bark Camp Creek, and after a heavy rainfall, you'll get to enjoy a beautiful waterfall at the trail's turnaround point. Just be mindful that rainy conditions can cause the trail to be slippery, so you'll want to plan accordingly. According to recent reviews, the bridge at the turnaround point is currently down, but it's still possible to navigate around.

I'd be remiss not to mention that this trail is dog-friendly, as long as dogs stay on leash. With your four-legged hiking buddy, this trail really can be Bark Camp!

And, in case you were still on the fence about this trail, I'll leave you with a recent glowing review: "Absolutely beautiful...I cannot say enough good things about this trail. It’s one of those trails where there is so much to see."

To learn more about hiking the Bark Camp Trail, be sure to check out the official AllTrails listing, where you can find maps and other hiker reviews. What are some of your favorite hiking trails in the Bluegrass? If you're looking for more inspiration, we've put together a list of our favorite top-rated Kentucky hiking trails.

For related content, take a look at this hiking trail that will remind you of a miniature Gateway Arch.