Whether it’s catching a rare moonbow over Cumberland Falls or the towering grandeur of Yahoo Falls, the Appalachian region of Kentucky offers the highest concentration of waterfalls in the state.
If you want to squeeze in a weekend adventure before the back-to-school rush, we’ve got you covered. We’ve assembled an itinerary of Kentucky’s most spectacular waterfalls, along with what to know about each site. For most Kentuckians, these waterfalls are well within driving distance for a day trip; if you’re in Central Kentucky it’s only about a two-hour drive.
While you may be eager to see some of these locations, it’s worth noting spring is generally the best time of year to appreciate Kentucky’s waterfalls in their full glory. So before you hit the road, keep in mind water flow may be reduced in the summer. The best time to visit one of these waterfalls is likely after a good rain.
With that in mind, here’s a look at Kentucky’s most spectacular waterfalls:
Cumberland Falls
Location: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Often described as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls stands at roughly 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide. As much as 3,600 cubic feet of water spills over its sandstone edge every second, producing a mighty roar and a magnificent sight for the park’s visitors.
What makes Cumberland Falls special isn’t necessarily the waterfall itself, though it is awe-inspiring in its own right.
Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world where observers can routinely spot moonbows, or lunar rainbows.
While you may have seen a moonbow elsewhere under particular conditions, at Cumberland Falls you have a chance of spotting one around each month’s full moon on clear nights. The park even regularly posts the monthly dates when moonbows are most likely so you can plan ahead.
Want to catch a glimpse of a moonbow in KY this spring? These dates are your best shot
Aside from the majesty of Cumberland Falls, the area also offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing and hiking. Every Kentuckian should see Cumberland Falls at least once.
Yahoo Falls
Location: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Only about a half hour’s drive southwest from Cumberland Falls, you’ll find the largest waterfall in Kentucky, measuring 113 feet high.
Compared to the cascading Cumberland Falls, Yahoo Falls is more of a stream. You’ll likely want to visit this one during the spring, since its flow slows to a trickle during drier parts of the year.
That said, Yahoo Falls has its own distinct character.
If you enjoy taking pictures, Yahoo Falls makes for an excellent spot for long-exposure photography. The waterfall plummets off of a bluff, and hikers can walk behind it because the cliff forms an overhang called a rockhouse. While you’re in the area, make sure to see the spiraling Yahoo Arch.
Princess Falls
Location: Stearns
Not far from Yahoo Falls, near the small village of Stearns in McCreary County, you’ll find Princess Falls.
During the wet season, this waterfall presents as a broad curtain of water that tumbles off a low-lying sheet of rock into a tranquil forest pool.
The trail for accessing Princess Falls is 1.3 miles each way, making this waterfall relatively easy to reach. If you go, look out for the smaller, though picturesque Julia Lynn Falls, which is along the way to Princess Falls.
Seventy Six Falls
Location: Clinton County along Indian Creek near the headwaters of Lake Cumberland
Seventy Six Falls varies between 84 and 38 feet tall depending on the depth of the pool it hurdles into and the time of year. Access is available via Seventy Six Falls Road in Albany, which is just a handful of miles from the Tennessee state line.
If you visit, make sure to heed the warning signs and stick to designated lookout areas near the falls. It’s a long way up and the cliffs can be slippery.
There are several ideas about where Seventy Six Falls gets its name from. Some attribute it to the nearby community of Seventy Six in Clinton County that it shares a name with, while others liken it to the number of little streams that make up the waterfall. Regardless, Seventy Six Falls is considered one of Kentucky’s hidden gems.
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