In Louisville, we are surrounded by beauty. It’s everywhere, to the north, south, east and west of us. And now that the temps are waning, it’s the perfect time to get out in nature as the leaves are starting to turn. Namely, go see some of the region’s beautiful waterfalls and state parks. Here waterfalls near Louisville to see in both Kentucky and Indiana.
KENTUCKY
Cumberland Falls
Location: 7351 Hwy. 90, Corbin, KY
Drive time from Louisville: 2 hours, 45 minutes (without traffic)
Cumberland Falls is probably the most famous on this list because of its moonbow, which is something not found anywhere else in the entire Western Hemisphere. A moonbow is a rainbow that you can only see at night, only during a full moon and only under a clear sky. Cumberland Falls, a large waterfall stretching 125 feet across, is known as the Niagara of the South, and it’s part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, a spot that’s renowned for its beauty.
Anglin Falls
Location:Â Anglin Falls Road, Mount Vernon, KY
Drive time from Louisville: 2 hours
Located near Berea, this 75-foot waterfall is part of John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest, which is described as a wooded gorge. This is a good place to visit after a big rain so that the waterfall will be in full effect. It is also a good side trip from nearby Cumberland Falls. Berea College manages this public property, which is a hub for hikers and botanists, who enjoy its vast wildflower and plant selection.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Location:Â 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy., Mammoth Cave, KY
Drive time from Louisville: 1.5 hours
Mammoth Cave is more than just 400 miles of explored and documented caves; it’s a beautiful swath of land in south-central Kentucky that deserves to be explored above ground, as well. When the water level is up after a rain, there is a waterfall right at the historic entrance. There is also a 15.7-mile hiking trail loop around this area, which is used by both hikers and horseback riders.
Harrods Creek Park
Location:Â 6530 Montero Dr, Prospect, KY 40059
Drive time from Louisville: 18 minutes
This well-kept secret can be found in a Prospect neighborhood. The waterfall in Harrods Creek can be seen after a small hike around the park loop. Surround yourself with nature and take an adventure to see the hidden gem itself.
INDIANA
Hemlock Cliffs
Location: National Forest Rd, English, IN 47118
Drive time from Louisville: 56 minutes
Located in the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana, Hemlock Cliffs can only be accessed by hiking a little more than a mile into the interior of the forest. Once there, hikers will experience seasonal waterfalls, rugged hiking, rock shelters, and a lush canopy. This area of the park is in Crawford County and has more than 200,000 acres of outdoor beauty.
Clifty Falls
Location: 1501 Green Road, Madison, IN
Drive time from Louisville:Â Just over 60 minutes
The waterfalls at Clifty Falls are definitely seasonal, with four marked ones in the park and many more smaller ones waiting to be discovered. In addition to fabulous (and somewhat challenging) hiking, the park also features many fossils, as is the case with much of this region. If hiking is not your thing, you also can enjoy great trails for biking or explore the abandoned railroad cave, a must-see!
Happy exploring, Lou!
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