Rockcastle River Wilderness Site
On the banks of the Rockcastle River, our Rockcastle River Wilderness Site facilities reside on nearly 200 acres of mixed mesophytic forest land, the oldest and most diverse hardwood forest in North America.
From Rockcastle County, our programs reach all of Appalachia
For over 45 years, ASPI has been located in the foothills of the Appalachians. Through research and demonstration, we have sought to provide the people of Appalachia with resources for low-cost sustainable technology. Through our programs and demonstration sites, we hope to reduce dependence on non-local food and natural resources.
Directions: The property is nestled between the river and Daniel Boone National Forest, two miles from I-75 and 5 miles from downtown Livingston, KY, but surrounded by a beauty far removed from everyday life. Take Exit 49 off of the interstate, and head east on KY-909 towards US 25. Turn left on US 25 (north). Just over the river, across from the Rockcastle River Trading Company, turn left onto KY 1329. The Demonstration Center is located about half a mile down on both the left side (picnic areas, camping, parking, and gardens) and right side (Cordwood, Nature Center, and hiking trails) of the road. Rockcastle Wilderness Site Address: 954 Lower River Road, Livingston, KY 40445 |
Visiting Hours:
All programs are by appointment. Check our website for open houses or special events. Please use caution as trails may be slick or steep, and do not disturb the plants or animals while a guest in their home. Activities:
Mary E. Fritsch Nature Center: Programs to increase knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the Appalachian Forest Ecosystem by providing quality environmental education programs for all age groups. Michael Francis Zalla Trail and Rockcastle Demonstration Center Recreation: Self-guided hiking trails, and reservation only camping area, picnic shelter and boat launch. Appropriate Technology Demonstrations: Cordwood buildings, solar space and water heaters, solar house, greenhouse, organic garden, cisterns, compost toilets, stone stoves, DIY publications, native and edible landscaping, and yurt. Appalachian Sustainable Forest Center: Self– guided tours of sustainable forest and land management surrounding the demonstration sites on the 5 miles of hiking trails. |