Kentucky Ridge State Forest consists of 15,251 acres and was acquired by lease in 1930, as part of the Land Use and Resettlement Program. The lease was sustained until 1954 when the property was deeded by the U.S. government to the Commonwealth.

Kentucky Ridge State Forest contains Pine Mountain State Resort Park on Pine Mountain and is located on the south side of Pine Mountain and the north side of Log Mountain, encompassing Little Clear Creek Valley. The forest also contains Chenoa Lake, the Division of Forestry's Chenoa Service Center and Bell County Forestry Camp.

Kentucky Ridge State Forest is managed for sustainable timber production. The forest is open to public hunting and fishing, subject to state fish and game regulations, and is available for primitive camping, hiking and picnicking.