Ice Day at Dog Slaughter Falls
This is among the most popular waterfalls in Daniel Boone National Forest with a relatively short hike to reach an absolutely gorgeous scene. On this day, there was plenty of ice hanging around the falls and a really nice flow. We spent a good bit of time here to enjoy the surroundings before heading back just before dark.
Ice Day at Cumberland Falls
Wintertime can be a bit of a crapshoot visiting Cumberland Falls in terms of the number of overlooks that are open. On this day, two of the four were open for business and that was good enough to enjoy the cold Winter scenes Mother Nature provided. The lower platform was closed (likely due to icy conditions) and the third platform was closed due to a stone pillar slipping off the clifftop (picture below).
Ice Day at Vanover Falls
This is one of the many hundreds (thousands?) of wet weather waterfalls in Kentucky, and with the cold conditions, we were hoping to see a nice icescape. While there were plenty of ice drapes, it was a little underwhelming. That said, at only a mile of flat hiking (half on pavement), it was worth the small price of admission to enjoy a different kind of waterfall scene for the day.
Ice Day at Eagle Falls
After extended freezing temperatures, this hike provided gorgeous Winter scenes complete with ice curtains and chandeliers. This waterfall remains among my favorites in Kentucky with a short, sweaty hike along the Cumberland River. You can enjoy views of Cumberland Falls, Eagle Falls Trail Arch, the river, and of course, Eagle Falls.
DuPont Lodge Overlook of the Cumberland River
We had some time to kill and visited the DuPont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. It’s a beautiful lodge constructed of local sandstone blocks and features an outstanding view above the Cumberland River from the back deck. The view is directly east, making for an outstanding sunrise spot nearest the Spring and Fall equinoxes. Enjoy breakfast on the deck or enjoy the view from behind the glass at the restaurant one floor below.
Winter at Eagle Falls
With dry weather leading up to our hike, we opted for this dependable waterfall that flows year round with the rare exception during drought. The falls are gorgeous, the cascades above are peaceful, and the views of Cumberland Falls from the shoreline boulders are fantastic! This is a hike I like to revisit year after year and reasonable river levels make it all the better.
Summer at Eagle Falls
This is a classic route in Kentucky with views of Cumberland Falls, a beautiful forest loop, Eagle Creek Cascades, and the always glorious Eagle Falls. It’s not an easy hike, but short and a must-hike when visiting the region.
Summer at Cumberland Falls
This is easily the most developed set of overlooks in the Commonwealth of Kentucky - and for good reason. Cumberland Falls - a.k.a. Niagra of the South - is a massive and powerful waterfall, and summertime is an ideal time to visit with the whole family.
Summer at Moonshiner’s Arch (Whitley County)
There are two Moonshiner’s Arches in Kentucky - this one in Whitley County and the other in Menifee County. Both are short hikes, large arches, and have chimneys in each, but this one is just a little prettier;-) Anytime you’re in the Cumberland Falls area, this arch is worth a quick stop just off KY-90.
Buzzard Creek Arch Out and Back
It was fun seeing this arch in the distance as we drove down Long Bottom Road. The arch is a classic ridgetop beauty - even with the spray paint at its base.
Hollow Rock Arch Out and Back
This is a large, sandwich like arch that is supported by at least four small pillars with multiple windows all around it. It’s a fascinating formation and one that is well worth the long drive and very short hike.
Dog Slaughter Falls Short Out and Back
This is one of my favorites in the region, and this is the first time I’ve taken the short route to get there. With the family along for Thanksgiving, this was a perfect hike to cap off a wonderful day. The creek has a couple slides and cascades along the way, but the scene at Dog Slaughter Falls is among the best in Kentucky. And, with the tail end of dry season, I enjoyed a 360-degree walk around and beneath the falls.
Cumberland Falls Overlooks Loop
This is a must-visit for anyone hiking Kentucky. Known as the Niagra of the South, Cumberland Falls is a gorgeous, powerful waterfall and has all the overlooks to go with it;-) Here are the four developed viewing platforms on the Whitley County side of the river. More views can be had across the river from Eagle Falls Trail.