Although short and oddly named, Zilpo Road has an awful lot to offer both the day-tripper and the hard-core adventurer. In terms of entertainment value per mile, Zilpo Road doesn't disappoint, packing several outdoor delights into its heavily forested nine-mile stretch. Hikers, drivers, mountain bikers and water sports enthusiasts will all find something to do, and they might learn a thing or two along the way.
Zilpo Road's gorgeous scenery consists of innumerable shades of green. The hills roll gently just like you'd want them to and the forest is dense and alluring. You'll find two clear lakes along the byway's route. Boat, swim, or fish at Cave Run Lake, a major Forest Service Recreation Area, complete with powerboat docks and an extensive campground area. Clear Creek Lake is a smaller, tranquil haven for waterfowl and nature lovers. A sandstone arch endures nearby as a testament to the powers of time, wind, water and ice on the planet's landscape. Wildlife is abundant along Zilpo Road as well. Visitors might catch sight of bald eagles, deer, wild turkey, and raccoons. The byway's scenic qualities increase exponentially during autumn and spring, when the forest erupts in a brilliant concoction of color.
An educational trip down Zilpo Road begins with the discovery of a tiny village's remains and the iron furnace that sustained it. Continue by ascending the last remaining fire tower still open to the public in the national forest. The Forest Service uses this byway as a means of educating the public about the forest's management. Various forms of timber harvesting are explored through information stops along the way. These signs and pullouts provide an opportunity to see first-hand the effects of timber management in the nation's public lands. Hunters use pioneer-era weapons within the borders of Pioneer Weapons Hunting Ground, an intriguing form of wildlife management. The Forest Service restricts deer and turkey hunting to flintlock rifles, bows and crossbows only, making for a more visceral challenge. The day's hunt culminates in a night camping in primitive campgrounds and enjoying a matchless and challenging experience.
With hundreds of miles of trails, lots of clear running water, and plenty of camping and learning opportunities, Zilpo Road Scenic Byway is a fantastic way to experience Daniel Boone National Forest's splendor and intrinsic value. It can be enjoyed casually in less than an hour, or explored at depth over several days.
