Beautiful blue grass, rolling hills, and horse country — Kentucky has earned a name for itself among travelers whether they’re heading out by RV or not. But many people don’t realize that this heartland state has another thing going for it: a whole set of incredibly scenic and powerful Kentucky waterfalls, for those in the know who know how to get to them.
Top 10 Waterfalls in Kentucky
Visiting Waterfalls in Kentucky
Broke Leg Falls
Its name may be slightly morbid, but don’t worry: this gorgeous 60-foot cascade is accessible via a short trek on a moderately-trafficked out-and-back trail that runs less than half a mile altogether. That said, this rugged forest setting does involve some steep, rocky sections that may be damp with the waterfall’s spray. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to wear proper hiking boots and pay attention to your footing. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are also welcome to hike here!
Things to do near Broke Leg Falls
Set amidst the beautiful wilderness of eastern Kentucky about an hour and a half outside of Lexington, Broke Leg Falls isn’t far afield from other must-see natural preserves, such as Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Paintsville Lake State Park and more.
Anglin Falls
Anglin Falls is an ever-popular waterfall for its perfect combination of ease of access and away-from-it-all surroundings. It is approached via a two-mile round-trip hike just an hour south of Lexington. While the trail does undulate up and down a bit, its 300 or so feet of elevation gain make it friendly enough even for older kids and beginning hikers.
The fall itself is a thin but pretty stream that pours over a delicately carved rock ledge into the pool below, standing about 75 feet tall and really shining after a nice heavy rainfall. Along with the waterfall, this hike is known for its proliferation of wildflowers in the spring and early summer as well as ample opportunities for bird watching.
Things to do near Anglin Falls
Despite its close proximity to major population centers, this waterfall is tucked away into a beautiful natural setting that really makes you feel as if you’ve left the city behind. That said, nearby Berea offers basic resources as well as a few unique must-sees (we recommend the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea).
Flat Lick Falls
Set apart in its own designated Recreation Area, Flat Lick Falls is found, conveniently enough, along Flat Lick Creek. It plummets about 30 feet from the rock ledge it falls over to the waters below. This is one Kentucky waterfall that offers pretty reliable flow no matter what time of year you visit, and indeed the surroundings are extra beautiful with a fresh dusting of snow. Plus, the surrounding wilderness is filled with caves, overhanging rock ledges, and plenty of other scenery you’ll definitely want to explore; good thing the whole wilderness is criss-crossed with hiking trails.
Things to do near Flat Lick Falls
This recreational area is tucked at the edge of a much larger wilderness, so the outdoor recreation opportunities here truly are endless. Small nearby towns like Gray Hawk and Maulden have you covered on the essentials, and Lexington is just a 90 minute ride away.
Bad Branch Falls
Another Kentucky waterfall boasting its very own nature preserve, Bad Branch Falls is an impressive cascade, falling some 60 feet along the face of an imposing and beautiful rock wall. It’s all in the context of a larger gorge that’s been carved into the landscape over eons of time and geological activity.
The path to this stunning falls isn’t for the faint of heart, though. Traveling about six miles all told and seeing more than 1,600 feet in elevation change, Bad Branch Trail is a hike in the truest sense of the word. That said, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s all worthwhile once you arrive at this one-of-a-kind destination.
Things to do near Bad Branch Falls
Nestled into the gorgeous hills that straddle the Kentucky-Virginia border, Bad Branch Falls is fairly far afield of any major population centers — but we think that’s a feature, not a bug. Need something? Nearby towns like Whitesburg and Cumberland have you covered on essentials.
Dog Slaughter Falls
If you can ignore the gruesome name, Dog Slaughter Falls more than makes up for its somber moniker in ebullient natural beauty. Although it stands only 20 feet tall, this cascade pours with a strong flow into a gorgeous rock pool below, which is a popular place to take a dip during the dog days of summer.
Located off the Cumberland River as part of the larger Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, the best way to access this waterfall is along the Sheltowee Trace trail. This trail runs for hundreds of miles from Tennessee through Kentucky, but it connects Dog Slaughter Falls and Cumberland Falls in the space of just three miles.
Things to do near Dog Slaughter Falls
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers dozens of miles of hiking trails, opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, and, of course, some of the best views in the entire southeastern United States.
Eagle Falls
Yet another stunning cascade in this same set of square miles, Eagle Falls is almost directly across the river from Cumberland Falls (which we’ll get to in a bit). All of this is part of the larger expanse of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
This particular cascade stands about 44 feet tall and tumbles over an overhanging rock ledge, creating a beautiful splashing effect on the waters below. The trail to this waterfall runs one and a half miles each way (for a round-trip total of three miles). It also includes some fun extras like a stream crossing and a few boulders to scramble.
Things to do near Eagle Falls
While waterfalls may be the main draw to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, they’re far from the only attraction! This park is chock full of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and also offers a well-appointed visitors center for those looking for more information.
Yahoo Falls
With a name like Yahoo Falls, how can you miss it? Tucked away into the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, this cascade lives up to its exciting name. It stands approximately 113 feet high and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state of Kentucky.
It is important to note that the flow can vary from a slight summer trickle to a big, wide-open rush of water right after a heavy spring rain. That said, it’s pretty much always well worth the four-point-two mile hike it takes to get there, even with its 600 feet of steep elevation change.
Things to do near Yahoo Falls
While the falls themselves are the main attraction, there are plenty of other beautiful natural attractions to see in this area, such as the nearby Yahoo Arch. Campgrounds are also available nearby, though we’re talking about primitive sites without electricity.
Seventy Six Falls
If you follow the Cumberland River far enough west, it snakes out into a vast, lake-like serpent of water surface. At the southern edge of this, you’ll find Seventy Six Falls. Don’t be fooled by its name though, this cascade actually plunges about 90 feet, not just a paltry 76.
Best of all, this is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls on our list. All visitors have to do is drive ten minutes out of the downtown heart of the Seventy Six community.
A picnic area with shelter and seating can also be found nearby.
Things to do near Seventy Six Falls
South-central Kentucky is full of small southern towns whose friendliness and charm can only be described as big. And, if you’re willing to drive just another hour and a half west, you’ll be close to one of the most incredible natural landscapes not just in Kentucky, but in America and the world as a whole: Mammoth Cave National Park.
The Best Kentucky Waterfalls for RVers
Torrent Falls
As its name suggests, Torrent Falls is a torrential cascade located along the Middle Fork of the red river, tumbling some 165 feet from its source to the waters below. Part of the wider Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Torrent Falls even has its very own camping cabin that can be reserved for a sweet and simple night or three in the deep woods, surrounded by nothing but the flowing rivers, the ringing hills, the singing birds and the beautiful greenery that surrounds and holds it all.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
We love that this park offers onsite camping, meaning you can park your RV very near the waterfall and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Things to do near Torrent Falls
Natural Bridge State Resort Park has so much to offer visitors. It boasts more than 20 miles of hiking trails that are also great for running, bird-watching and wildlife spotting, and from May to October, you can participate in regular Hoedowns, where you’ll learn some traditional Appalachian dance for just a few bucks per person. Here are some local RVshare rentals to consider.
Cumberland Falls
You knew we were coming to it — because if there’s one waterfall in Kentucky you have to see, it’s Cumberland Falls, the cascade Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is named for. Nicknamed the “Niagara of the South,” this waterfall isn’t the tallest you’ve ever seen, but at 125 feet wide, it’s definitely an impressive sight.
This waterfall has an extra-special feature for those who visit after the sun goes down. You see, thanks to the unique angle of the moon on the splashing curtain, this is one of the few places in the world where you can see a nighttime rainbow, also known as a moonbow.
The falls can be easily seen from a viewpoint or hiked to on a strenuous trail; it’s all up to how much effort you want to put in.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
This, along with the other waterfalls in this state park, are ideal destinations for the RVer. This is because the state park offers onsite camping as well as plenty of awesome outdoor activities to keep you busy for days.
Things to do near Cumberland Falls
Once again, we’ll tell you that Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is an incredible place to spend a weekend, or even a week — especially if you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime whitewater rafting adventure. The nearest moderately sized town, Williamsburg, has all the vacation essentials you need.
Planning an RV Trip to Kentucky
While these Kentucky waterfalls surely aren’t the only draw to the Bluegrass State, we hope you’ll agree they’re impressive — and whatever brings you, we hope you’ll consider making your getaway an RV trip.
While you’re there, make sure to check out the best Kentucky campgrounds and state parks. You’ll also want to explore Kentucky’s world-famous Mammoth Cave National Park and well as the lovely city of Louisville.
