Forest Road 918 quickly climbs into eastern Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, passes by Tator Knob, and drops back down to Cave Run Lake. This nine mile national forest byway crosses distinct limestone ridges and dips into sharp hollows on its way to Cave Run Lake and the Zilpo Campground. The Zilpo Scenic Byway is noted for springtime blooms of dogwood, redbud and locust. During autumn, the brilliant show of foliage is courtesy of a bountiful mix of southern hardwoods.
The area is laced with hiking trails, including a section of the 260 mile Sheltowee Trace, a national recreation trail. Sheltowee means Big Turtle, a name given to Daniel Boone by the Shawnee Tribe. The Tator Knob Fire Tower, standing sentinel on the Zilpo Road high point, was manned until 1970, and is the last remaining tower in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Pictured here is a scene found on the shoreline of Cave Run Lake. The lake weaves throughout the valley and can be seen in various locations from the last few miles of the byway. The 8,200 acre lake provides swimming areas, as well as excellent opportunities for fishing and boating.