Waterfalls in Kentucky
Kentucky has plenty of waterfalls, and is a very scenic state overall, especially in the east. The trouble is that I've barely scratched the surface of these falls. So far, I have only been to two Kentucky waterfalls, and they were both awesome, so I will surely be back one day.
Cumberland Falls
Description: Cumberland Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls I have ever been to, and should be on the list for everyone. It's easy to get to, and there are plenty of waterfalls nearby (not been to any, sadly). I have only been to the east side, but you can also hike to the west side on the way to Eagle Falls (another awesome waterfall that I haven't been to yet). My second visit here, in February of 2022, was after quite a lot of rain, and it quite possibly could be the highest volume waterfall I have ever seen after only Niagara (see pictures below).
Hiking Description: Park in the gigantic parking lot outside the visitor center here (36.837415, -84.343525). Head north on the wide concrete trail. You will pass by the visitor center and some other buildings. After just a few minutes of walking, you will approach the river, and a trail will lead to the left towards the base of the falls. You will have to go down some stairs, but there aren't very many. If you continue down the trail a bit further, there are some more overlooks of the falls and river from a distance.
Total Mileage: ~0.2 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: August 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: February 26, 2022
Rank: A
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Yahoo Falls
Description: Yahoo Falls is (maybe) the tallest waterfall in Kentucky. I visited after quite a lot of rain, and it was amazing. It has a very nice trail complex that is fun to hike. It might have the deepest alcove I've ever seen behind a waterfall, which extends a solid 50 feet behind the waterfall. Side trails lead to numerous viewing angles of the falls.
Hiking Description: Park at the small lot at the end of Yahoo Falls Road. Start out on the flat dirt trail. After just over a tenth of a mile, you will come to a trail split. You could go either way, as it makes a loop, but the quickest way to go is left. This will lead you downhill and to a massive metal staircase. Once down this, the trail will level out some, but continue downhill to the falls, which you will come to after just over a quarter mile. There will be two side trails heading off to the left. The first goes down quite a few stone steps to a small wooden bridge that crosses the creek and continues the loop, and the second goes down some stone steps and dead ends at the very base of the falls, almost under the massive thing. The view from down here is incredible, as you can get very, very close to the falls. These side trails can be easy to miss, and I didn't even see the one going to the bridge until I was on my way out. Even if you don't go down the side paths, the main trail will take you to the massive undercut behind the falls, which is pretty amazing in it's own right. Once you're done, you can continue the loop, or go back out the way you came for a shorter hike. The photo is from the main trail, and the video is from the very base.
Total Mileage: 0.6 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: February 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: February 25, 2022
Rank: A+
