Ice Day at Vanover Falls
Map of Vanover Falls Out and Back
Overview. 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.
Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1 mile
Elevation Gain | 131 feet
Physical Demand | Easy
Navigational Challenge | Beginner
GPS Waypoints
Eagle Falls Trailhead | 36.836844, -84.345531
Vanover Falls | 36.835300, -84.337494
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Map
Parking. Limited parking is available at the trailhead and across the street at Blue Bend Trailhead. Overflow parking is available across the river at the Cumberland Falls parking lot. A trash bin is available, but restrooms are at the visitors center across the river.
Trail Navigation. From the end of the Eagle Falls parking area, walk eastbound on KY-90 using the right side of the road without the guardrail in case you need to bail for passing traffic. Yeah, pedestrians have the right of way, but don’t make that the cross you die on! Continue around the bend to find the Sheltowee Trace/Blue Bend Trailhead and start walking at the base of the cliffline. Continue a short distance before reaching a nice bridge and turn right as you come off to walk up the drainage with Vanover Falls at the end of it. Retrace your steps to return to the parking area.
HIKER NOTE - Wet Weather Waterfall. I have yet to visit this waterfall when it’s running well, but I generally pick dry days to hike - so there’s that. If you visit during or immediately after heavy rains, this would be a beauty for sure. Just remember to pack an umbrella for you and your phone/camera.
CAUTION - Ice. Beneath the ice curtains, you’ll find ice on the trail. Step around it or if ice is more prevalent, use microspikes as needed. Also, know that even in below freezing temps, sunshine can melt the ice, causing deathcicles to drop down - don’t get hit. Also, we decided deathcicles would be a good name for a band.
CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide
CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips
KY-90 from the Far End of Eagle Falls Parking Area
Infoboard at KY-90 Sheltowee Trace-Blue Bend Trailhead
Vanover Falls Draped in Ice