Posted in Kentucky Nature July 06, 2021 by

Ranked One Of The Best Kid-Friendly Hikes In Kentucky, Have Fun Exploring This Waterfall Trail In The Bluegrass

Thank goodness for the outdoors! Here in Kentucky, we have miles and miles of hiking trails, many of which are open during the day for your enjoyment. They range in level of difficulty from very challenging to easy and paved, so there’s bound to be a place for your family to enjoy. If you ever find yourself wondering, “what are some kid-friendly waterfalls near me in Kentucky?” — read on! Today we’re tackling one of the best kid-friendly waterfall hikes in Kentucky, the glorious Van Hook Falls. This waterfall hike in Kentucky actually offers the opportunity to see many different waterfalls along the trail, and even though it’s fairly long, it is easy enough for young explorers to tackle, too.

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Thanks to the help of the hikers from AllTrails, the site has compiled a list of the best kid-friendly hikes in Kentucky.
AllTrails/Deba Jyoti Khawas
Number two on the list is the Van Hook Falls and Cane Creek Valley Trail near the town of London. It's a beautiful, moderate hike that is appropriate for all ages.
The trail is a five-mile, out-and-back section of Sheltowee Trace, and mostly follows a scenic creek.
AllTrails/Will Singleton
Aside from muddy spots after heavy rain, the nearness to the water is one of the best things about this scenic hiking trail in Kentucky.
You'll hike along it, and even over it, a whimsical feature that the kids are sure to love.
AllTrails/SW
It is a longer trail, but with no big hills or obstacles, the Van Hook Falls and Cane Creek Valley is still a very doable hike for families with children. It is also a popular trail in the area, so keep that in mind if you plan on visiting on a weekend, especially.
You'll come across many waterfalls along the trail, especially after a healthy rainfall (which, if you're okay with a little mud, is when we recommend tackling this beautiful trail!).
AllTrails/Jacklyn Weaver
Take your time exploring each waterfall, but please be sure to leave no trace of your visit. Since it is a longer trail, carry a bag for your trash, and come prepared for a few hours out in the woods. Be sure to pack plenty of water, granola bars, and wear light layers so you're comfortable as you hike.
Be sure to look all over as you walk along this well-marked trail, and you may see a waterfall hiding in an unexpected place!
AllTrails/Deba Jyoti Khawas
While you likely won't get lost on this trail, you may feel as if you're lost in a magical landscape and far away from your everyday life in Kentucky.
Don't forget to bring along your camera or phone along for photos and also to commemorate this glorious adventure.
AllTrails/Deba Jyoti Khawas
Avid hikers of this trail appreciate its diverse beauty, multiple waterfalls, easy-to-follow path, and accessibility for all ages.
If the length of the trail seems a bit too tough for younger hikers, take advantage of the places along the path to stop and rest.
AllTrails/Plagueless User
If you're looking to visit when the trail is less crowded, try going in the early morning and on weekdays, although even those times can get a little busy on a beautiful day. It really is one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in Kentucky!
The trailhead has its own parking lot, and from there you can venture off into the woods.
AllTrails/Plagueless User
Directions and more information about this kid-friendly waterfall hike in Kentucky are linked below, so take a closer look and plan an outing for the whole family to this delightful adventure in the Bluegrass State.

A waterfall hike in Kentucky may be just the thing you need to embrace this season. And when you want to take the little ones along, check out one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Kentucky on AllTrails that will keep everyone happy and relaxed for a few hours. (Of course, we share some of our favorite family-friendly, accessible hikes in Kentucky in this article!)

Have you hiked along the Van Hook Falls Trail before? What is your favorite waterfall hike in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments section below! For more information on the Van Hook Falls Trail, visit its Alltrails website.

And if you’d like to learn more about the trail that was rated the #1 kid-friendly hike in Kentucky, check it out in our previous article.

Address: Vanhook Falls Trailhead, 13307 W Laurel Rd, London, KY 40741, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

waterfalls near me in Kentucky

July 11, 2021
Sarah

What are some must-visit waterfalls near me in Kentucky?

No matter where you are in the Bluegrass State, you’re bound to be within close proximity to a beautiful waterfall. Our eight-stop road trip winds through the state, visiting falls in each region of Kentucky. Hop on at a waterfall near you, and follow the route to see some of the best cascades! The state is home to a striking number of waterfalls, too — over 700, in fact. And the beauty is, many of these cascades are incredibly accessible and easy to find. One of our favorite waterfalls in Kentucky is 76 Falls, a Lake Cumberland treasure that measures — you guessed it — 76 feet tall. Another stunner is Creation Falls, a generous reward following an easy, 1.4-mile hike along the Rock Bridge Trail in Red River Gorge.

What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Kentucky?

If you enjoyed the kid-friendly trek to Van Hook Falls, you’ll love these amazing waterfall hikes in Kentucky. Here we share some of the most scenic, accessible hikes in the Bluegrass, all of which feature the most winsome, wondrous waterfalls. One of our favorite kid-friendly waterfall hikes in Kentucky is Flat Lick Falls. The cascade can be found just outside of McKee along a family-friendly, 0.4-mile trail. While easily accessible, this area has abundant natural beauty and still provides plenty of adventure.

What’s the most well-known waterfall in Kentucky?

The star of the show here in the Bluegrass State is most definitely Cumberland Falls. This glorious cascade, known as Little Niagara, is 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide. It is the second largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, and the largest waterfall as measured by water volume in the Eastern United States, south of Niagara Falls. It’s a bucket list must-visit, for sure!

Address: Vanhook Falls Trailhead, 13307 W Laurel Rd, London, KY 40741, USA