The Best Central Kentucky Waterfalls
Kentucky may not be known for having the most waterfalls in the United States, but the ones we have are worth the hike. Whether you are heading to the most famous Kentucky Waterfall, Cumberland Falls, or the lesser known falls like Dog Slaughter or Anglin Falls, you are going to love the trails and the views at these Kentucky waterfalls.
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The Best Central Kentucky Waterfalls
There are 6 waterfalls in the central Kentucky area that we have visited many times and we are regularly hearing about new-to-us waterfalls that we haven’t explored.
Remember when hiking to any waterfall with your family that you should always have a first aid kit, the right hiking shoes and snack bars. You should never underestimate a hiking trail and be unprepared.
Dog Slaughter Falls
This is hands down our favorite trail! There are boulder to climb, creeks to cross, and amazing views from the top of the falls as well as access to the bottom of the waterfall.
Cumberland Falls
Definitely the most popular of all Kentucky waterfalls, Cumberland Falls is the classic that you simply cannot miss on a trip to Central Kentucky!
Tip: Make sure everyone carries their own water bottles on your hike. I started out carrying all the water in my own backpack and then got smart. The kids all have drawstring backpacks so they can carry their own water bottle. If you don’t want to carry a backpack, you might want to pick up one of these mesh water bottle straps. They look super convenient for toting a water bottle without having to hold it in your hands!
Princess Falls
Princess Falls was a hard one for us to find. It actually took us two tries to actually get there but once we did find the Falls, it was a beautiful hike and a pretty view. This is one of the falls that is best viewed after a a rain.
From the McCreary County Tourism Website: Princess Falls is the first of two waterfalls one will view when trekking up the Lick Creek Valley from the Big South Fork basin. Princess Falls, a “very wide Niagra-like falls,” is just over a mile from the trailhead in the Yamacraw Day Use Area of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Located east of Yamacraw bridge on west KY Hwy 92.
What is your favorite waterfall in Central Kentucky? I’d love to hear so we can go check it out too! See you on the trails!
Maybe you can help me. I saw on pinterest a trail that was 5 miles long and had views of four waterfalls. It was in Kentucky. I thought I had pinned it on my KY board but I can’t find it now. Thank you!
There are several great waterfall trails that are under the 5 mile mark and offer multiple waterfalls. The Princess Falls/Lick Creek Falls trail would be perfect for you! There are several smaller unnamed falls along that trail. It’s a great hike!! Hope that helps!