Discover The 10 Most Impressive Waterfalls in Kentucky

Cumberland Falls
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Written by Volia Schubiger

Updated: May 28, 2022

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You may not know it, but the state of Kentucky is characterized by its breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural scenery features unique to Kentucky, ranging from valleys to ridges and forests. Kentucky is home to 48% forestlands, some with breathtaking waterfalls you have to see to believe! We’ve compiled a list of the ten best waterfalls in Kentucky to visit the next time you find yourself in this unique state. 

1. Eagle Falls

Eagle Falls Kentucky

Eagle Falls features a beautiful drop that plunges into a rocky pool

Location:McCreary County, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Animals to See:Bears, Wood Warbler 

Eagle Falls is located in Cumberland Falls State Park. The campgrounds at this park feature several amenities, including hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. In less than two miles, you will hike through some of the most spectacular terrains in the country to get to Eagle Falls. As you approach the falls, you’ll see a dramatic 45-foot drop that cascades directly into the Cumberland River. 

2. Creation Falls

Creation Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Kentucky for picnicking and swimming

Location:Campton, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Red River Gorge
Animals to See:Catfish, Bass

To reach Creation Falls from the Rock Bridge Trail Loop is a short, less than two-mile hike. There are a few lookout points along the trail that offer great views of greenery all around you. In addition to its scenic beauty, this waterfall has an exciting feature in that you can climb along its slopes, using them as water slides. This makes it a wonderful place to take children, as they will definitely have fun! 

3. Bad Branch Falls

Bad Branch Falls is beautiful all year round and open all year

Location:Eolia, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Bad Branch State Nature Preserve
Animals to See:Rainbow Trout, Barred Owl

Located in Bad Branch State Nature Preserve, Bad Branch Falls is a waterfall on the southern side of the Pine Mountains. The falls are 60 feet high and cascade over beautiful sandstone cliffs. It takes just over a mile to walk to the waterfall along an old timber road that dates back to the 1930s. 

4. Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls has been nicknamed “the Niagara of the South”

Location:Corbin, Kentucky 
Nearby Attractions:Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Animals to See:Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush

Cumberland Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Kentucky. It’s no wonder that this waterfall has become so popular, as it stands 69 feet high and spans 125 feet wide. It is most popular to visit during a full moon when a natural phenomenon known as a moonbow is supposed to occur. During the night, the light from the moon illuminates the mist from the waterfall. Now, that’s a stunning sight to behold!

5. Yahoo Falls

Yahoo Falls Kentucky

Yahoo Falls is said to be the tallest waterfall in Kentucky

Location:McCreary County, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Big South Fork National Recreation Area
Animals to See:Black Bear, Elk

Located in Big South Fork National Recreation Area is the Yahoo Falls. These 113-foot falls cascade into a pool below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Because Yahoo Falls has a seasonal flow, you may only see a trickle if you visit in the summer. The falls are pretty easily accessible, and you can even walk behind them. An unforgettable experience awaits you at these falls.

6. Broke Leg Falls

Location:Wellington, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Daniel Boone National Forest
Animals to See:Bald Eagle, Osprey

Broke Leg Falls is a waterfall in Kentucky with a lot of history. In the 1980s, it was privately owned and abandoned until Menifee County bought it and maintained it. Following the celebration of the park’s return, a tornado hit and destroyed much of the forest. Though the trail has been cleaned, there are still some parts blocked off, as well as some debris scattered throughout. You will appreciate the falls even more, knowing its history after trekking 60 feet up to see the 60 ft cascade.

7. Tioga Falls

Location:West Point, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Tioga Falls Trail
Animals to See:Deer, Turkey

This impressive 130-foot waterfall is a sight to behold. Even though Tioga Falls is the tallest waterfall in Kentucky, it is divided into many smaller cascades, leaving Yahoo Falls the tallest. Tioga Creek’s water creates a powerful cascade that flows down Tioga Falls. The hike to the falls is about two miles round trip.

8. Flat Lick Falls

Flat Lick Falls Kentucky

Flat Lick Falls is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by picnic tables and mossy rocks

Location:Gray Hawk, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Flat Lick Falls Recreational Area
Animals to See:Vulture, Hawk

The Flat Lick waterfall in Kentucky falls 30 feet into a deep pool of water as it cascades. There is a short and easy trail leading to the falls, about a half-mile long. Those visiting the pool are welcome to dip in the water, but be careful since the water is about 9 feet below the cascading falls.  

9. Princess Falls

Location:McCreary County, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:Daniel Boone National Forest
Animals to See:Mink, Muskrat

You can reach Princess Falls by taking the Sheltowee Trace Trail for about two miles. Along the trail, you’ll see many unique rock formations and small waterfalls. Those interested in seeing Princess Falls can do so from above or even on the sand below the bottom pool of water.

10. Anglin Falls

Anglin Falls, KY

The landscape surrounding Anglin Falls is green and full of wildflowers

Location:Rockcastle County, Kentucky
Nearby Attractions:John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest State Nature Preserve
Animals to See:Northern Cardinal, European Starling

The Anglin Falls, a 75-foot waterfall that rushes down boulders into a pool of water, is a picturesque sight. There is a trail less than a mile long that leads to the falls, and the surrounding vegetation is lush. Make sure you visit the falls after a heavy rain when the falls are at their best.  


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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