Following Boone’s Trace from Cumberland Gap to Fort Boonesborough

By Keith Miller

Recently I went on a journey with a group from the Fort Boonesborough Foundation. We traveled to Cumberland Gap to trace the path Daniel Boone carved in 1775 that helped open Kentucky to settlers. This trail was known as Boone’s Trace.

What I found most interesting was the fact that most of the original Boone’s Trace trail cut through what is now people’s backyards, parks and other non-marked areas. We passed through areas where Boone’s original trail follows streams and ridges along today’s highways and rail lines and most people don’t even realize it.

During the trip I discovered that Daniel Boone was a very observant man. He wouldn’t forget a place he had been before. He could take you to an exact location that he had been without thinking about it. This is truly amazing that anyone could have that ability.

I was also impressed with our tour guide, Scott New, a Daniel Boone expert. His ability to recall locations of Boone’s trails so quickly was astounding. He showed true passion for his work, which also impressed me. This has been an experience I will never forget.

What impressed me the most: The fact that so many people have sections of the historic Boone’s Trace in their own backyards and don’t even realize it.