Despite being landlocked, Kentucky offers a stunning array of water displays. These waterfall hikes include everything from towering cascades to serene woodland streams. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a challenging trek, there’s a Kentucky waterfall for you!
Cumberland Falls
Location: Corbin, KY
Difficulty: Easy
They don’t call this waterfall The Big One, The Niagara of the South, or The Great Falls for nothing. Part of the official Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall Trail (along with a few others on today’s list), this 125-foot-wide curtain of water crashing over the cliffs at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is truly an impressive sight.
It’s also the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can catch a moonbow — a super rare, white-tinted rainbow that appears when the moonlight hits the mist just right. Whether you visit during the day or under a full moon, the falls and the views around them are guaranteed to wow.
Eagle Falls
Location: Corbin, KY
Difficulty: Moderate
The only way to get to Eagle Falls is by hiking Trail #9, a 1.8-mile path that hugs the cliff line and serves up some of the best views of Cumberland Falls. Eagle Falls is only one-third the size of the aforementioned Cumberland Falls, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with a seriously gorgeous setting.
After you cross a seasonal stream, the trail loops around, and a little side path will take you right down to the river. Parts of the trail can get submerged during high water, and the second half is a bit rugged with a whole lot of stairs — but if you’re up for a bit of adventure, it’s totally worth it! Daring dogs are welcome, too.
Dog Slaughter Falls
Location: Corbin, KY
Difficulty: Moderate
Despite its wild name, this dog-friendly Corbin hike offers a beautiful, 2.4-mile out-and-back trek. It winds alongside Dog Slaughter Creek through dense hemlock and rhododendron forests before ending at a scenic 15-foot waterfall that spills into a stunning plunge pool — perfect for snapping photos or cooling off.
The trail takes about 55 minutes to complete and offers two starting points depending on how much hiking you’re up for. Expect to clamber over boulders, cross creeks, and discover plenty of spots to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Parts of the trail can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions before you go.
Yahoo Falls
Location: Whitley City, KY
Difficulty: Moderate
Located in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, Yahoo Falls is Kentucky’s tallest waterfall. The 113-foot cascade is surrounded by lush forest and a network of trails perfect for exploring. The easy-to-moderate one-mile loop takes you right up to and behind the falls for an unforgettable view.
For extra adventure, tack on the 1.6-mile spur to Yahoo Arch. The falls are really a trickle in the summer, so be sure to visit in spring for peak activity. The area also has picnic spots and scenic overlooks, making it a great day trip for families, hikers, pups, and nature lovers.
Pine Island Double Falls
Location: Somerset, KY
Difficulty: Moderate
Why chase one waterfall when you can chase two? Tucked away in Laurel County, Pine Island Double Falls is a quick, 1.4-mile out-and-back trail that winds through caves, canyons, and rock formations inside Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s a moderately challenging hike — expect some muddy, narrow, and steep spots — but worth it once you catch sight of the twin cascades plunging into a crystal-clear pool.
Pro tip: Hit the trail after a good rain to see the falls at their best. The trail is open year-round, dog-friendly, and full of natural beauty, but it’s not regularly maintained, so tread carefully.
Flat Lick Falls
Location: Gray Hawk, KY
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly adventure with a big payoff, Flat Lick Falls delivers. This gorgeous, 33-foot waterfall dives into a deep blue pool framed by boulders and cliffs — and all it takes is a short, 0.6-mile loop. Take the paved trail to an overlook for an easy view, or cross the creek and scramble down a dirt path for a closer look and slightly more rugged trek.
Open year-round, this spot is perfect for wading, swimming, and snapping a few pics. Just watch your step, as trails can get slick after it rains. Leashed dogs are welcome, and there are benches and picnic tables for a quick break or bite.
Tioga Falls
Location: West Point, KY
Difficulty: Moderate
For a hike with a side of history, head to Tioga Falls. A quick drive from Fort Knox, the trail boasts a beautiful, two-mile out-and-back trek packed with nature and 19th-century charm. You’ll pass by old stone steps, historic spring house remnants, two still-operational train trestles, and Tioga Falls, a series of cascades that drop about 130 feet.
The trail is rough and steep in certain places, so use caution and stick to the designated path. It’s open year-round, but heads up — it sometimes closes for military training or hunting seasons. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Bad Branch Falls
Location: Eolia, KY
Difficulty: Moderate
Located just over Virginia’s border into Kentucky, Letcher County’s Bad Branch State Nature Preserve features almost 3,000 acres of scenic beauty. This includes Bad Branch Falls, which boasts a 60-foot waterfall along a scenic trail that winds through high sandstone cliffs, giant hemlocks, and cool rock formations. The hike is just over a mile each way and usually takes around two-and-a-half hours at a relaxed pace. Expect to scramble over a few rocks and skirt some narrow ledges — and watch for ice in winter.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can tack on the High Rock Loop Trail, a two-mile climb that hooks into the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. Bad Branch Falls is a must-see for visitors looking to explore the area — just remember to bring good shoes and leave Fido at home!
Princess Falls
Location: Stearns, KY
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic hike that’s open year-round, Princess Falls should be on your list. This 2.6-mile out-and-back trail follows a beautiful stretch of the Sheltowee Trace Trail alongside Lick Creek and the Cumberland River. Along the way, you’ll pass small cascades, cool rock formations, and eventually reach the picturesque Princess Falls — named after Cherokee Princess Cornblossom. The mostly flat path is family and dog-friendly, though it can get muddy after heavy rains.
For less mud, start from the upper tier of the parking lot. This peaceful pick for a nature stroll typically takes less than an hour to complete.
Copperas Falls
Location: Valeria, KY
Difficulty: Moderate
Adventure-goers searching for an off-the-beaten-path trek will enjoy getting to Copperas Falls. This 3.1-mile out-and-back trail isn’t officially marked or maintained, but it’s a popular, well-worn route among hikers and campers alike. The path winds across a creek and through forests (with fascinating rock formations) toward a stunning, 40-foot waterfall. It cascades into a turquoise lagoon, complete with a massive rock shelter once inhabited by prehistoric Native Americans. It usually takes about an hour to complete, and dogs are welcome.
The trail is open year-round, but waterfall chasers should visit after a good rain for the best views. The trail can get tricky when water levels are high, so plan ahead and download a map!
Happy exploring!
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