Whenever you get the chance to see a waterfall in Kentucky, it’s always a memorable experience. But since our beautiful state is filled with these natural wonders, why not visit several at once? This Kentucky waterfalls road trip through a portion of the Bluegrass takes you to six of the best waterfalls in Kentucky. Some of them can be seen just a few steps from your car, while others require a bit of hiking. But all of these stunning areas of Kentucky are worth a visit and you can turn this loop into an unforgettable weekend in Kentucky road trip.

For specific directions and to plug in your own address, take a look at the waterfalls in Kentucky map featured below.

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1. 76 Falls on Lake Cumberland

Seventy Six Falls, Kentucky 42602, USA
Lake Cumberland - Visit Russell County, KY/Facebook
Of course, you can choose to visit these waterfalls in any order, but 76 Falls is a great place to start. This large waterfall cascades into Lake Cumberland and can be seen on the water by boat or by car from the overlook above the falls. See more of 76 Falls and its easy-to-access overlook in our previous article.

Would you dare attempt this 50-foot plunge? Watch all the fun you can have at 76 Falls and Lake Cumberland in this video:

2. Princess Falls

Princess Falls Trailhead, Stearns, KY 42647, USA
Brandon Pitman/AllTrails
Next up, head to Whitley City and try the popular 2-mile, out and back trail to Princess Falls. This is an easy, kid-friendly hike with plenty of beautiful scenery. The trail is a small portion of Sheltowee Trace, so you can tell everyone you walked along one of the most well-known trails in the country. The flow of the falls depends on the weather, but it's always a lovely area. Take a look at our previous article for more on Princess Falls.

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3. Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
BambiG/istock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Not far from Princess Falls is the largest waterfall in Kentucky, Cumberland Falls. The paved walk to view the falls is easy and quick from the parking lot, but keep in mind there will likely be many people when visiting at peak times. As one of the best waterfalls in Kentucky, this spot should be seen at least once by all locals. Be sure to take a closer look at Cumberland Falls in our previous article.

Check out the cool little walk to see Cumberland Falls in Corbin, KY - Stop three on our scenic drives with waterfalls road trip series:

4. Eagle Falls

Eagle Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
Kannan Sundaram/istock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
You don't even have to leave the park to visit the next waterfall. Eagle Falls can be found within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and many argue it's along one of the best hiking trails in the state. In fact, you'll get another view of Cumberland Falls while hiking to this beauty on a trail that's just about two miles long. And as you can tell from the photo above, Eagle Falls is beautiful any time of year.

5. Van Hook Falls

Vanhook Falls Trailhead, 13307 W Laurel Rd, London, KY 40741, USA
Deba Jyoti Khawas/AllTrails
Head just a little ways north to reach the trailhead for Van Hook Falls. This scenic trail is five miles long, but you can choose to make it shorter if you like and still be treated to many waterfalls. Even though it is lengthy, it's relatively easy and great for all ages. The natural beauty along this trail is undeniable. Check out our previous article for more on Van Hook Falls.

6. Flat Lick Falls

Flat Lick Falls Recreational Area, McKee, KY 40447, USA
Llede Romero/AllTrails
The last waterfall on this loop is up near McKee and is situated on a short, paved trail that is easily accessible. Flat Lick Falls can be viewed from an overlook on the paved trail and you can also take the dirt path down to the base of the falls. Like the others, the flow depends on the weather, and this one is best seen after rainfall. Take a closer look at Flat Lick Falls in our previous article.

The hike to Flat Lick Falls might only be about a half mile long, but it is still a wonderfully scenic hike - and the reward at the end is spectacular:

If you began at 76 Falls and returned there at the end, then you’ve completed the loop. You could easily spend weeks, months, and even years exploring all of the waterfalls in Kentucky. But since that’s tricky for most of us, start with this scenic loop road trip around Daniel Boone National Forest that takes you to six of the best Kentucky waterfalls.

How many of these scenic spots have you visited on our Kentucky waterfalls road trip? Which ones should we include on the next waterfall road trip in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments! If you are looking for waterfall hikes in Kentucky, we’ve got you covered there too. Grab a map from AllTrails+ and start exploring!

The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Kentucky Who Loves Waterfall Hikes

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More to Explore

Kentucky Waterfalls Road Trip

Sarah | March 10, 2021

What are the most beautiful waterfalls in Kentucky?

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kentucky include:

  • Flat Lick Falls
  • Yahoo Falls
  • 76 Falls
  • Cumberland Falls
  • Creation Falls

 

The Bluegrass State could easily be called "the waterfall state," as Kentucky is home to countless absolutely beautiful waterfalls. In addition to the above Kentucky waterfall road trip, we have another epic waterfall trip that takes you to even more resplendent falls in the state, including Yahoo Falls, Flat Lick Falls, and Creation Falls. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kentucky, in our humble opinion, is 76 Falls. Located in Albany within Lake Cumberland, this is a tranquil spot to relax or picnic. You can view it from the shelter above, or take a boat right up near it. It's a stunning waterfall, with an absolutely fascinating history, too.

What are some of the best road trips in Kentucky?

There's nothing better than a road trip in The Bluegrass State, and opportunities abound to satisfy any variety of wanderlust.

Are there any hidden waterfalls in Kentucky?

Some of the most scenic hidden waterfalls in Kentucky include:

  • Garner Branch Falls
  • Fairmont Falls
  • Cumberland Falls
  • Beckley Creek

 

Cumberland Falls, sometimes called the Little Niagara, the Niagara of the South, or the Great Falls, is easily one of the most popular outdoor places to visit in Kentucky; but despite how well-known it is, some hidden gems within this park will truly surprise you. Along Lake Cumberland, you can paddle to two hidden Kentucky falls that are scenic, remote, and the perfect place to seek relaxation. One of the secret waterfalls is located at Twyford Point, where, at the end of Twyford Point Road, you'll find a section of the lake where you can put in a kayak and take off on an adventure throughout this more remote part of the lake. And as you paddle from Twyford Point, you'll come upon Garner Branch Falls, which is only accessible by boat. You can read more about these secret waterfalls, as well as even more hidden falls near Louisville in this article.

 

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