Last spring, just in time for the surging waterfall season—and to help cool off during the hot summer months—Kentucky debuted a new trail that connects travelers with the old-growth forests, mountains and, yes, cascading falls of the Bluegrass State. The newly established Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall Trail is found in the Wildlands area, a 14,000-square-mile wilderness region spanning eastern and southern Kentucky, and the new trail includes a curated collection of 17 of the most magnificent natural falls in this beautiful corner of the state.
“The trail is meant to expose visitors—many of whom might be unfamiliar with the area—to the unfiltered beauty of the region and encourage them to explore,” Tammie Nazario, director of the Kentucky Wildlands, the regional tourism office that established the trail, told Afar. “We hope this easy-to-follow guide inspires them to plan a trip to experience some of the many waterfalls we have to offer.”
When narrowing the list of waterfalls from more than 800 in the area to just 17, Nazario said her team weighed a variety of elements, including accessibility and uniqueness. Some of the standouts include Yahoo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Kentucky at 113 feet, and Cumberland Falls, also known as the “Niagara of the South,” with 3,600 cubic feet of water spilling over the sandstone cliff every second.
Throughout the process of creating the trail, the Kentucky Wildlands consulted with experts within the region (now official “waterfall trail ambassadors”) who were intimately familiar with the waterfalls to help zero in on the would-be winning falls.
An illustrated map of the new Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall trail
Courtesy of Kentucky Wildlands
“These 17 impressive waterfalls tie the Kentucky Wildlands together and best represent the area as a whole,” Nazario said. “Our hope is that the waterfall trail will be just a starting point for visitors and will encourage them to discover all the other waterfalls in our 41 counties that are just as amazing.”
Roughly 553 miles in length, the trail could be the inspiration for an ideal road trip through the region or offer inspiration for day trips that visitors can take from nearby Lexington. Those feeling adventurous can even combine this trail with some or all of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Some of the other notable falls along the Wildlands trail include Creations Falls in Wolfe County, a popular spot for swimming; Jenny Wiley Falls in Johnson County, featuring a staircase-style fall with natural pools between the steps; and Bad Branch Falls in Letcher County, with its 60-foot flume.
The waterfall trail can be found on the Kentucky Wildlands website as an illustrated map, which can be downloaded. The website also includes photos of the falls, important details (such as the length and difficulty of the hiking path to the waterfall), and insider tips (such as good places to park and the best viewpoints).
Flat Lick Falls can accommodate most mobility levels, thanks to its one-mile paved loop trail.
Photo by John Brueske/Shutterstock
ADA-accessible trails
What makes this collection of waterfalls so special is that you don’t have to be a skilled or advanced hiker to reach the cascades or take in beautiful views. Some of the trails leading to the waterfalls are even ADA-accessible. If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device—or are simply looking for an easier stroll in the woods—Kentucky Wildlands has designated a few trails for you.
- Cumberland Falls: The 68-foot-tall, 125-foot-wide “Niagara of the South” is especially dramatic during a full moon when you might witness an ultra-rare moonbow. The main viewing areas are designed to be wheelchair accessible, and the Moonbow Trail is mostly paved and level and leads to other viewpoints of the falls.
- Jenny Wiley Falls: Beloved by birders, hikers, and rock climbers, these tranquil falls are reached via a 0.9-mile hike out and back. The park in which the falls are located also includes ADA-compliant cabins and facilities.
- Flat Lick Falls: A one-mile loop trail leads to this 33-foot-high waterfall, which drops into a deep blue pool that is a popular wading spot. While there are plenty of trails to get different views of the cascades, the most accessible is a paved one that leads to an overlook that is manageable if you’re using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller.
Additional reporting by Nicholas DeRenzo. This story was originally published in May 2023 and was updated on August 7, 2024, to include current information.
