Hiking in Kentucky is an adventure that everyone in our state should experience. And with so many beautiful trails to choose from, there is no excuse not to get out there and explore. Daniel Boone National Forest is perhaps the most popular area in the Bluegrass to hit up the trails, and there are plenty of them. From easy and paved to challenging, backpacking excursions, there is something for everyone. This waterfall hike in Kentucky falls right in the middle at just under five miles. The Bark Camp Creek Trail is not easy, but it’s not overly challenging, and it comes with a beautiful payoff of a magical cascade of waterfalls as you make your way along this underrated hiking trail in Kentucky.
The Bark Camp Trail #403 is located within Daniel Boone National Forest, not far from the town of Corbin or Cumberland Falls.
Alltrails/Victor Jordan There are so many great trails in this area and make sure not to overlook this one. At 4.7 miles, this out-and-back hike is a bit of a trek, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and rewarding within DBNF.
First off, after following the directions linked below, you can park in the small lot at the trailhead. Keep in mind there is room for three or four cars, which means the trail will not be crowded.
Alltrails/Katie Rayborn While there is signage for the trailhead, it can be a little tricky to get started. When looking downstream, you’ll want to start to the right of the culvert that’s located at the beginning of the trail. From there, it’s easier to see the trail that’s been blazed.
Most of the trail does follow along the water, but you’ll also walk along rock formations and thick plant life.
Alltrails/Victor Jordan Enjoy the scenery along the trail and as always, do not leave any trash or trace of your visit. Dogs are welcome along the trail, as long as they are on a leash.
While hiking this trail, always look around you and even up, because there are times when waterfalls seem to appear out of nowhere.
Alltrails/Rhonda Mulligan These run freely after a good rain and there are a couple of them along the trail. But keep going for the cascade that’s to come.
At the furthest point of the trail, you’ll find the Bark Camp Cascades which make an excellent spot for a break.
Alltrails/Harvey Lewis These cascading falls are flowing all the time but the force changes with the weather. With the rocks and overhanging trees, the area is incredibly peaceful and picturesque.
Find a nearby rock and have a seat for a while, taking in a real-life version of a relaxing sound machine.
Alltrails/Alicia Bullock Be sure to look down into the water for rainbow trout and other wildlife. And that being said, always be aware of your surroundings, especially since this tends to be a quieter trail.
This waterfall hike in Kentucky is scenic all year long and is even great on a hot summer day, thanks to the water.
Alltrails/Rhonda Kendziorski But remember that this is a longer hike, so come prepared with plenty of water and other essentials.
There’s very little elevation change on this trail, aside from a small staircase that takes you over a newer bridge along the trail.
Alltrails/Amy Blankenship The rest of this hike is filled with incredible scenery, many waterfalls, and that relaxing natural beauty in Kentucky that makes it one of the best hiking destinations in the country.
The Bark Camp Creek Trail is a magical waterfall hike in Kentucky that provides enough length and challenge for avid hikers but is moderate enough for those up for a bit of an adventure. You’ll experience the natural wonder and diversity of Daniel Boone National Forest and a cascade of waterfalls, among other features, that will likely make this your new favorite hiking trail in Kentucky. Have you hiked to the Bark Camp Cascades? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Alltrails/Victor Jordan
There are so many great trails in this area and make sure not to overlook this one. At 4.7 miles, this out-and-back hike is a bit of a trek, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and rewarding within DBNF.
Alltrails/Katie Rayborn
While there is signage for the trailhead, it can be a little tricky to get started. When looking downstream, you’ll want to start to the right of the culvert that’s located at the beginning of the trail. From there, it’s easier to see the trail that’s been blazed.
Enjoy the scenery along the trail and as always, do not leave any trash or trace of your visit. Dogs are welcome along the trail, as long as they are on a leash.
Alltrails/Rhonda Mulligan
These run freely after a good rain and there are a couple of them along the trail. But keep going for the cascade that’s to come.
Alltrails/Harvey Lewis
These cascading falls are flowing all the time but the force changes with the weather. With the rocks and overhanging trees, the area is incredibly peaceful and picturesque.
Alltrails/Alicia Bullock
Be sure to look down into the water for rainbow trout and other wildlife. And that being said, always be aware of your surroundings, especially since this tends to be a quieter trail.
Alltrails/Rhonda Kendziorski
But remember that this is a longer hike, so come prepared with plenty of water and other essentials.
Alltrails/Amy Blankenship
The rest of this hike is filled with incredible scenery, many waterfalls, and that relaxing natural beauty in Kentucky that makes it one of the best hiking destinations in the country.
For more information on the trail and directions to the trailhead, visit the USDA Forest Services website.
And if you’re in the mood to continue the waterfall chasing party in the Bluegrass state, be sure to check out these beautiful waterfall hikes in Kentucky.
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Address: Bark Camp Creek, Kentucky, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls near me March 19, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other beautiful hiking trails in Daniel Boone National Forest?
Dog Slaughter Falls Trail
The Daniel Boone National Forest is one of the most beautiful areas of the Bluegrass State, with lovely scenery and winsome waterfalls seemingly around each and every corner! One of our favorite treks within this resplendent region is also a marvelous waterfall hike in Kentucky: the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. This 2.4-mile trek to the falls is a truly gorgeous Kentucky hike, winding through a tunnel of rhododendrons and lush forests along Dog Slaughter Creek to the waterfall. This 15-foot waterfall stays flowing even during dry spells when other waterfalls have disappeared. It will be more spectacular just after a big spring rainstorm, but you’re guaranteed to have a gorgeous view no matter when you go! What are some other scenic waterfalls in Kentucky?
Cumberland Falls Yahoo Falls
The Bluegrass State is a waterfall chaser’s paradise, home to some of the most acclaimed and superlative falls in the country! Of course, there’s Cumberland Falls, which is known around the globe as one of the only places that sports a moonbow on the regular; if you’ve never experienced this phenomenon in person, you’re in for a real treat! And with regard to our state’s superlative falls, Yahoo Falls isn’t just the tallest cascade in Kentucky … it’s also one of the grandest in the country!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls near me
March 19, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other beautiful hiking trails in Daniel Boone National Forest?
Dog Slaughter Falls Trail
The Daniel Boone National Forest is one of the most beautiful areas of the Bluegrass State, with lovely scenery and winsome waterfalls seemingly around each and every corner! One of our favorite treks within this resplendent region is also a marvelous waterfall hike in Kentucky: the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. This 2.4-mile trek to the falls is a truly gorgeous Kentucky hike, winding through a tunnel of rhododendrons and lush forests along Dog Slaughter Creek to the waterfall. This 15-foot waterfall stays flowing even during dry spells when other waterfalls have disappeared. It will be more spectacular just after a big spring rainstorm, but you’re guaranteed to have a gorgeous view no matter when you go! What are some other scenic waterfalls in Kentucky?
Cumberland Falls Yahoo Falls
The Bluegrass State is a waterfall chaser’s paradise, home to some of the most acclaimed and superlative falls in the country! Of course, there’s Cumberland Falls, which is known around the globe as one of the only places that sports a moonbow on the regular; if you’ve never experienced this phenomenon in person, you’re in for a real treat! And with regard to our state’s superlative falls, Yahoo Falls isn’t just the tallest cascade in Kentucky … it’s also one of the grandest in the country!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
- Dog Slaughter Falls Trail
The Daniel Boone National Forest is one of the most beautiful areas of the Bluegrass State, with lovely scenery and winsome waterfalls seemingly around each and every corner! One of our favorite treks within this resplendent region is also a marvelous waterfall hike in Kentucky: the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. This 2.4-mile trek to the falls is a truly gorgeous Kentucky hike, winding through a tunnel of rhododendrons and lush forests along Dog Slaughter Creek to the waterfall. This 15-foot waterfall stays flowing even during dry spells when other waterfalls have disappeared. It will be more spectacular just after a big spring rainstorm, but you’re guaranteed to have a gorgeous view no matter when you go!
What are some other scenic waterfalls in Kentucky?
- Cumberland Falls
- Yahoo Falls
The Bluegrass State is a waterfall chaser’s paradise, home to some of the most acclaimed and superlative falls in the country! Of course, there’s Cumberland Falls, which is known around the globe as one of the only places that sports a moonbow on the regular; if you’ve never experienced this phenomenon in person, you’re in for a real treat! And with regard to our state’s superlative falls, Yahoo Falls isn’t just the tallest cascade in Kentucky … it’s also one of the grandest in the country!
