During breeding season Prothonotary and Swainson’s Warblers can usually be found along the river on the road in before the old Sublimity Bridge. Cliff and Barn Swallows nest under the Highway 192 bridge. Bird the road through the campground and the trail along the river.

Neotropical migrants.

Bee Rock Recreation Area includes trails centered around Bee Rock Campground and the historic Sublimity Bridge. From these trails, which range from easy to strenuous in difficulty, visitors can take in scenic overlooks, huge boulders, majestic cliffs, seasonal wildflowers, and views of the Rockcastle River. During spring the hillsides are covered in wildflowers. The Rockcastle River, whose flow forms the border of Rockcastle and Laurel counties, cuts through the heart of the area.

There’s about a mile long road leading into and through the campground that offers roadside viewing. Close Road (Helton Ridge Road Spur on some maps) west on Highway 192 also offers roadside viewing.

Rockcastle Narrows Trail #503. This scenic trail follows the Rockcastle River, then goes uphill to Close Road and connects with the Bee Rock Loop Trail #529, which will lead back down to the campground road making approximately a six mile loop. There’s a parking lot for the trailhead at the end of the campground road.

Bee Rock Loop Trail 529. Portions of this trail is narrow and steep good hiking shoes and a walking stick are recommended.