Kentucky is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful waterfalls in the country -- one of which is world-famous! -- so we designed a three-day Kentucky weekend getaway trip that will take you to some of the state's most scenic falls. We also included suggestions of places to eat and stay overnight for your convenience.
It's best to take this trip after a nice heavy rain, so that the falls are flowing. Below is a photo of the route you will take, but if you need to adjust it or want to add on to it, view the interactive map on Google. Obviously, you can plan this trip out in whatever way will be best for you, but we've planned it over the course of three days and two nights. Ready to check out our Kentucky waterfalls weekend getaway? Let's go!
Our Kentucky waterfall weekend getaway starts in Red River Gorge with Creation Falls.
It is located on the Rock Bridge Loop Trail, which is a little bit less than 1.5 miles. To find the trailhead, you'll start on KY-15 before turning onto KY-715. Turn right onto Rock Bridge Road, which is a narrow gravel road. You'll take this road all the way to its end, which is where you'll find the trailhead.
Another stunning geological feature on this hike is Rock Bridge, which is the only natural arch in the Red River Gorge with water still flowing beneath it.
Red River Gorge is also known as The Grand Canyon of Kentucky!
After hiking, stop to refuel at Miguel's Pizza, which is located at 1890 Natural Bridge Road in Slade.
This build-your-own pizza place is an iconic destination in the Gorge.
There are lots of options of places to stay in the area. Of course, you could always just camp, but we recommend staying at the Hemlock Lodge or one of the many cabins or cottages at Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
Day two takes us to the most well-known falls in Kentucky, Cumberland Falls, near Corbin.
This waterfall is 68 feet high and 125 feet wide, and is nicknamed the "Niagara of the South." The most popular way to see the Falls is to park in front of Dupont Lodge, which is located at 7351 Highway 90 in Corbin. This half-mile paved route will descend 200 feet and offers excellent views of the Falls.
If you happen to make it to Cumberland Falls during or near a full moon, make sure you try to see the moonbow.
A moonbow is caused when the light from the full moon is refracted off of the water of the falls, thus creating a rainbow. Cumberland Falls is the only place in the western hemisphere where this natural phenomenon regularly occurs. The only other place in the world where it happens on a regular basis is Victoria Falls in Africa.
There are a couple of other Kentucky waterfalls in and around Cumberland Falls State Resort Park that are worth seeing while you're in the area, including Eagle Falls.
The Eagle Falls trail (also known as Trail 9) is a 1.5-mile loop that follows a cliff line and offers a unique view of Cumberland Falls. Eagle Falls itself is about 44 feet high. The trailhead for Eagle Falls is about a half mile west from the Cumberland Falls viewing area on KY-90.
Another wondrous waterfall to see while you're visiting Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is Dog Slaughter Falls. Don't be put off by the name, though, because this waterfall looks like something out of a story book!
Dog Slaughter Falls is a scenic 15-foot waterfall that pools to create an excellent swimming hole. This 2.2-mile out-and-back hike meanders through the boulders and rhododendrons of Daniel Boone National Forest before arriving at this peaceful waterfall. The trailhead is off of Forest Service Road 195, not quite a mile from its junction with KY-90.
Consider staying over night at the Dupont Lodge in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. This would be a great option if you're wanting to see the moonbow since the lodge is walking distance from Cumberland Falls.
The view from the Riverview Restaurant at the lodge is stunning. It looks out over the Cumberland River and the surrounding hills.
The last day of your waterfall adventure will journey to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The first stop is Yahoo Falls, which is an impressive 113 feet tall.
The Yahoo Falls Loop is about a mile, and is relatively easy. The trailhead is located about four miles outside of Whitley City, on KY-700 W.
The final stop is Princess Falls, a stunning waterfall named for a Cherokee princess.
To find Princess Falls, park in the gravel lot located to the side of Yamacraw Bridge on KY-92 W. You'll see a sign for the Sheltowee Trace #100 trail. Follow this trail for about a half mile until you reach a foot bridge that crosses Lick Creek. Instead of crossing the bridge, veer right onto the Lick Creek Trail #631. You'll see Princess Falls in about another quarter mile. There's an area facing the falls that makes the perfect place to camp or have a picnic. It's possibly the best waterfall hike in Kentucky!
What do you think of our little Kentucky weekend getaway to tour waterfalls? Doesn't it sound positively perfect? If you prefer more private accommodations, you can always consider a RV rental for the trip! Hopefully, it inspires some fun adventures in The Bluegrass State!
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