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.
2021 Yamacraw 50K
I wear a Road ID bracelet and on it is inscribed, “Last Place > DNF > DNS.” Translated, that’s, “Last place is better than did not finish is better than did not start.” Coming in undertrained and in conditions that I’d rather hike than run, I hiked. A lot. And got that last place finish with only seconds to spare:-)
Princess and Julia Lynn Falls Springtime Out and Back
I’ve always hiked here as part of longer routes, so the day before a 50K race made for a great reason to hike the short version. Princess Falls is among the more playful waterfalls in Kentucky and typically has decent flow except during significant droughts. Along the way, enjoy Julia Lynn Falls that was trickling after a dry stretch, but is gorgeous with recent rains.
2021 Carter Caves Half Marathon
Let me introduce you to Kentucky’s Prettiest Half Marathon. Seven natural bridges/arches, a number of wet weather waterfalls, a lakeside vista, a clifftop vista, a pair of footbridges, loads of wildflowers, and plenty of gorgeous hardwood forest in between. There was so much to see - and photograph - that my phone died!
Smoky Bridge Out and Back
This short hike will take you to the massive Smoky Bridge located below Caveland Lodge, but most easily accessed from this 3-season trailhead. There is an arch somewhat hidden above the bridge, a mini-cave that kids love, and a small (spring) waterfall just outside the bridge.
Spring at Creation Falls and Rock Bridge
When folks visit Red River Gorge for the first time, I always recommend this hike. It’s a gorgeous mile and a half through Clifty Wilderness with the always playful Creation Falls and beautiful Rock Bridge. Kids love it; dogs love it; everyone loves it!
Copperas Falls and Sandy Arch Out and Back
This is about as perfect a day as you can have at Copperas Falls - great flow, comfy temps, and loads of sunshine! With plenty of rain in recent days, I also stopped up at Sandy Arch to catch a little water spilling out there too.
Bell Falls
This narrow, but beautiful waterfall is always a nice stop while visiting Red River Gorge. On this day, it was flowing nicely after a couple days of decent rains and the upper falls were a real treat with plenty of water tumbling down Bell Branch.
Winter at Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Arch
Perhaps the most playful waterfall in all of Kentucky, Creation Falls provided a magical scene under bluebird skies with magnificent ice curtains adorning either side of the falls. Add Rock Bridge Arch, the only waterfall formed arch in the Gorge, and you get a spectacular Winter hike!
Snow Day at Moser Branch Double Falls
We had the pleasure of laying first tracks at Ft. Wright Nature Center on our way to Moser Branch Double Falls. This is a gorgeous little spot tucked away between a beautiful neighborhood and Highland Cemetery. For a longer hike, come in from the cemetery’s trail system that connects with the nature center at the falls.
Horn Hollow Falls
This beautiful cascading waterfall is just off the main road at Carter Caves State Resort Park and should be on your list each time you visit. The stream ducks underground before re-emerging here - providing an amazing little scene.
Shangra La Arch and Falls, Smoky Bridge, Arch, and Falls
This is fast favorite with an arch and waterfall on one side and a bridge, arch, and waterfall on the other! Enjoy this in Winter with a little extra road walking, or visit Spring through Fall as a pair of short out and backs.
New Year’s Day at Muir Valley
This was a “just kickin’ around” kind of hike that included a pair of arches, a nice flowing waterfall, and a couple wet weather spillers that made for another nice Winter day at Muir Valley.
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.