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.
Fall Colors at Bell Falls
Bell Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a classic Red River Gorge cliff line to go with it. We stopped here to enjoy the waterfalls (lower and upper) and the colorful forest scenes to kickoff our day in the Gorge. It had been dry for a good while, so the flow was minimal, but still enjoyable with a little rainbow action at the upper falls which was nice.
2024 Carter Caves Half Marathon
The Carter Caves Half Marathon is Kentucky’s prettiest half marathon. Prior to the pandemic, this race was put on by EJ Adventures and has since been resurrected after a couple years off by John’s Run/Walk Shop out of Lexington, Kentucky. The race tours some of the iconic natural bridges and arches and the forest here is truly beautiful.
Henson’s Arch, Whittleton Arch and Falls, Whittleton Branch Falls, Hanson’s Point, The Veranda, and Rush Ridge Overlook Lollipop
Hike to two arches and two premium views with this lollipop route from the Whittleton Branch day use parking lot. Hike this after heavy rains and enjoy Whittleton Arch Falls and Whittleton Branch Falls too!
Ice Cone at Copperas Falls
This is a top destination after a deep freeze thanks to the accessibility and gorgeous scenes at Copperas Falls on ice. We arrived after a long cold snap that eventually formed a full ice column. We caught it mid-formation, and the ice chandelier and cone were fantastic - especially with blue skies and abundant sunshine coming through the forest. Add snow falling from the trees, and it was a magical day on trail.
Ice Cone at Bell Falls
We stopped at Bell Falls for a preview of what was to come at Copperas Falls. After a cold snap, conditions were perfect to see the frozen falls on a sunny bluebird day. This is a short walk from the road, but was a little slick thanks to a light coating of snow. During larger snow and ice events, microspikes would be an excellent idea. As it was, plain old hiking shoes were just fine.
Whittleton Arch Out and Back from Pinch 'em Tight Trailhead
This is a beautiful springtime hike to a massive sandstone arch with a rotating variety of wildflowers and a small waterfall along the way. After soaking rains, a waterfall flows over the top of the arch - creating one of the most magical scenes in the Red River Gorge Region.
Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole Out and Back
This is a terrific short hike while visiting the region. Enjoy a seasonal waterfall, sandstone arch, and idyllic swimming hole in the Clear Fork River. I imagine in the dog days of Summer, this is the place to be in Rugby.
Henson’s (Cave) Arch and Whittleton Arch Out and Back from KY-11
This is one of the best Spring hikes in Red River Gorge with plenty of wildflowers lining the trail, a massive arch, and when the weather is right, a waterfall flowing over the top of the arch. Kids love this hike - just be sure to keep them close when you arrive at the arch.
Swift Camp Creek and Spurs - Creation Falls, Rock Bridge, Pooch’s Turtle Falls, Turtle Back Arch, and Angel Windows
This is a nice day hike or first day of backpacking starting at Rock Bridge Trail in Clifty Wilderness and finishing at the Rough-Swift Camp Creek Trailhead on KY-715. Included are two waterfalls and three arches on nearly all marked trails with the exception of the spur to Turtle Back Arch, requiring a short Class 3 Scramble. Be sure to check the hiker notes and cautions below before hiking this route.
Grayson Lake Damsite Tower and Spillway
On the west side of the dam on KY-7 is a small tower, spillway, and trail. We popped in to checkout the tower and spillway and while the view from the tower is less than pristine, it does provide excellent birdwatching. And the spillway had a little manmade “waterfall” with a blue heron perched on the rocks - so not too bad for a quick stop on the way home.
Lick Falls Loop
This short hike is a nice walk through three distinct forest sections that passes the top of Lick Falls. Though the falls were barely flowing, it was a nice hike through the woods to round out our trip to Grayson Lake.
Copperas Creek Nine Arch Tour
WARNING | This trail is on unmarked, unmaintained trails; portions of this hike are on poorly defined user trails with unstable soil/rock and a risky crawl; getting lost is possible even for experienced hikers; no cell service is available in this canyon and GPS is far from accurate; inexperienced off trail hikers should NOT attempt this hike
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.
Winter at Broke Leg Falls
This is a classic Kentucky waterfall with plenty of height to impress along with some beautiful cascades just upstream from the big plunge. The area is highly developed with shelters, picnic tables, paved walkways, and railings. Just take care to keep children close as soon as they exit the vehicle - trouble can be found only steps from the parking lot.
Snow Day at Rock Bridge and Creation Falls
This hike is always a pleasure - and getting a snow day before the road closes for the season is even better! With 6 to 10 inches of snow in the area, the setting was fantastic. I strapped on some microspikes and enjoyed a nice, safe hike over snow and ice.
Summer Paddle to Grotto Falls
This was so much better than expected - and I expected it to be pretty awesome! The paddle to Grotto Falls was gorgeous with plenty of cliffs and boulders dotting the lake. And squeezing through the narrow channel before floating around the corner to have Grotto Falls revealed is the kind of thing that words can’t fully describe.