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!
Google Maps
Our Kentucky waterfall weekend getaway starts in Red River Gorge with Creation Falls.
Flickr/Karen Roussel 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.
Flickr/CHeitz 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.
Flickr/Blake Hall 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.
TripAdvisor/BookLuvr
Day two takes us to the most well-known falls in Kentucky, Cumberland Falls, near Corbin.
Flickr/Arthur T. LaBar 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.
TripAdvisor/management 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.
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf 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!
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf 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.
TripAdvisor/management
The view from the Riverview Restaurant at the lodge is stunning. It looks out over the Cumberland River and the surrounding hills.
TripAdvisor/KYTravelMan39604
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.
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf 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.
Flickr/Amy Nelson 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!
Google Maps
Flickr/Karen Roussel
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.
Flickr/CHeitz
Red River Gorge is also known as The Grand Canyon of Kentucky!
Flickr/Blake Hall
This build-your-own pizza place is an iconic destination in the Gorge.
TripAdvisor/BookLuvr
Flickr/Arthur T. LaBar
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.
TripAdvisor/management
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.
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf
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.
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf
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.
TripAdvisor/KYTravelMan39604
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.
Flickr/Amy Nelson
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!
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Address: Creation Falls, Campton, KY 41301, USAAddress: Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USAAddress: Miguels Pizza, 1890 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USAAddress: Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USAAddress: Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USAAddress: Eagle Falls, Kentucky 42634, USAAddress: Dog Slaughter Falls, Kentucky 40769, USAAddress: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USAAddress: Yahoo Falls, Kentucky 42653, USAAddress: Princess Falls Trailhead, Stearns, KY 42647, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kentucky Waterfall Weekend Getaway May 27, 2021 Sarah Does Kentucky have many waterfalls? If you’re into chasing waterfalls, you’ll be pleased to learn that The Bluegrass State is home to well over 800 waterfalls! That’s a lot of waterfalls, but don’t be overwhelmed. We’ve devised a road trip to see the best of the best: The Ultimate Kentucky Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Scenic Spots In The State. This road trip travels across the state, stopping at breathtaking beauties such as Creation Falls, Yahoo Falls, Flat Lick Falls, and, of course, Cumberland Falls. One hidden gem many people don’t know about is 76 Falls in Lake Cumberland. While this area tends to be overshadowed by the eponymous (and totally spectacular) Cumberland Falls, 76 Falls is absolutely glorious, and easily viewed at 1749 Seventy Six Falls Road, Albany, KY, 42602. If you want to see more Kentucky waterfalls (and who could blame you?), this six-stop road trip is a perfect little loop that takes just under five hours to complete. What are some beautiful natural wonders in Kentucky? Kentucky is one, big wondrous place to behold, and we do our best to really showcase the immense splendor of the state. Happily, not only does Kentucky offer some truly bucket-list-worthy adventures, but many of these spectacular places are free and open to everyone. Come and let your sense of wanderlust lead the way as you enjoy these seven natural wonders in Kentucky that you can witness for free. What are some fun weekend trips I can take in Kentucky? Pack up the car and hit the road – The Bluegrass State is a wonderful place for a little weekend getaway! One of our favorite places to visit is Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg. With plenty of overlooks, trails, and a scenic lodge, it makes for a unique vacation destination for the entire family. Read more about this particular park here. If you are pining for a tropical vacation, head to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. It seems unlikely, but the beach here has beautiful, white sand and emerald water that rivals the Caribbean! Find out more about the beach at Pennyrile Forest here. If you’re looking for a next-level romantic getaway, Farmer & Frenchman in Henderson County is a winery, restaurant, and bed & breakfast that meets all of your needs for one of the most enchanting vacation spots in Kentucky. Book one of their adorable cabins for a memorable getaway. See more of this property and restaurant here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kentucky Waterfall Weekend Getaway
May 27, 2021
Sarah
Does Kentucky have many waterfalls? If you’re into chasing waterfalls, you’ll be pleased to learn that The Bluegrass State is home to well over 800 waterfalls! That’s a lot of waterfalls, but don’t be overwhelmed. We’ve devised a road trip to see the best of the best: The Ultimate Kentucky Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Scenic Spots In The State. This road trip travels across the state, stopping at breathtaking beauties such as Creation Falls, Yahoo Falls, Flat Lick Falls, and, of course, Cumberland Falls. One hidden gem many people don’t know about is 76 Falls in Lake Cumberland. While this area tends to be overshadowed by the eponymous (and totally spectacular) Cumberland Falls, 76 Falls is absolutely glorious, and easily viewed at 1749 Seventy Six Falls Road, Albany, KY, 42602. If you want to see more Kentucky waterfalls (and who could blame you?), this six-stop road trip is a perfect little loop that takes just under five hours to complete. What are some beautiful natural wonders in Kentucky? Kentucky is one, big wondrous place to behold, and we do our best to really showcase the immense splendor of the state. Happily, not only does Kentucky offer some truly bucket-list-worthy adventures, but many of these spectacular places are free and open to everyone. Come and let your sense of wanderlust lead the way as you enjoy these seven natural wonders in Kentucky that you can witness for free. What are some fun weekend trips I can take in Kentucky? Pack up the car and hit the road – The Bluegrass State is a wonderful place for a little weekend getaway! One of our favorite places to visit is Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg. With plenty of overlooks, trails, and a scenic lodge, it makes for a unique vacation destination for the entire family. Read more about this particular park here. If you are pining for a tropical vacation, head to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. It seems unlikely, but the beach here has beautiful, white sand and emerald water that rivals the Caribbean! Find out more about the beach at Pennyrile Forest here. If you’re looking for a next-level romantic getaway, Farmer & Frenchman in Henderson County is a winery, restaurant, and bed & breakfast that meets all of your needs for one of the most enchanting vacation spots in Kentucky. Book one of their adorable cabins for a memorable getaway. See more of this property and restaurant here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re into chasing waterfalls, you’ll be pleased to learn that The Bluegrass State is home to well over 800 waterfalls! That’s a lot of waterfalls, but don’t be overwhelmed. We’ve devised a road trip to see the best of the best: The Ultimate Kentucky Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Scenic Spots In The State. This road trip travels across the state, stopping at breathtaking beauties such as Creation Falls, Yahoo Falls, Flat Lick Falls, and, of course, Cumberland Falls. One hidden gem many people don’t know about is 76 Falls in Lake Cumberland. While this area tends to be overshadowed by the eponymous (and totally spectacular) Cumberland Falls, 76 Falls is absolutely glorious, and easily viewed at 1749 Seventy Six Falls Road, Albany, KY, 42602. If you want to see more Kentucky waterfalls (and who could blame you?), this six-stop road trip is a perfect little loop that takes just under five hours to complete.
What are some beautiful natural wonders in Kentucky?
Kentucky is one, big wondrous place to behold, and we do our best to really showcase the immense splendor of the state. Happily, not only does Kentucky offer some truly bucket-list-worthy adventures, but many of these spectacular places are free and open to everyone. Come and let your sense of wanderlust lead the way as you enjoy these seven natural wonders in Kentucky that you can witness for free.
What are some fun weekend trips I can take in Kentucky?
Pack up the car and hit the road – The Bluegrass State is a wonderful place for a little weekend getaway! One of our favorite places to visit is Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg. With plenty of overlooks, trails, and a scenic lodge, it makes for a unique vacation destination for the entire family. Read more about this particular park here. If you are pining for a tropical vacation, head to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. It seems unlikely, but the beach here has beautiful, white sand and emerald water that rivals the Caribbean! Find out more about the beach at Pennyrile Forest here. If you’re looking for a next-level romantic getaway, Farmer & Frenchman in Henderson County is a winery, restaurant, and bed & breakfast that meets all of your needs for one of the most enchanting vacation spots in Kentucky. Book one of their adorable cabins for a memorable getaway. See more of this property and restaurant here.
