Anglin Falls

Overview. Anglin Falls is a must-visit waterfall! We thoroughly enjoyed the hike and ran into a couple secondary falls en route to the top. There was a nice mix of beauty, challenge, and exploration making for a great day in the forest.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1.9 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest State Nature Preserve Trail Map
Base of Anglin Falls | 37.497733, -84.216613
Secondary Falls #1 | 37.497162, -84.216492
Secondary Falls #2 | 37.497180, -84.216251
Cascades Above Anglin Falls | 37.498777, -84.215496

Trailhead. The trailhead is off a shared private drive, is well marked (pictured below), and easy to find. When we visited, the parking lot was a bit rough, so low clearance vehicles may run into trouble. [map]

Trail navigation. Though unblazed, the trail is easily followed up the drainage. You’ll begin by crossing the creek and then moving high above it before coming back to it near the falls. Once at the falls, the trail continues to your right when facing the falls. This leads to a pair of secondary falls just before gaining the ridgetop. Once up top, you can take the fork left to the top of the falls and up to some small cascades upstream, or take the right fork that leads out to an open meadow. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Best in Winter and Spring. Kentucky’s waterfalls are best during wet season from Winter through Spring - a.k.a. waterfall season. Ideally, come when the ground is wet and within a day or two of the last substantial rain or snow. Also, waterfalls are magnificent after a long cold spell with several days of temperatures below freezing.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Be careful to avoid getting too close the edge of cliffs, as this is a major cause of serious injury and death among hikers.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads are the most common poisonous snakes in the area. Stay alert, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.

CAUTION - Bears. Black bears are growing in number throughout nearby Daniel Boone National Forest. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]