McCammon Branch Falls

Overview. Of the four waterfalls we visited on this day, McCammon Branch Falls stood out as the most beautiful. I love the shape of these falls and while this is a very short hike, it had a rope assist on the descent to the lower falls to make it interesting.

If you have more time, it’s likely worthwhile to crossover upstream from the top of the falls before making your way down to the lower falls on the other side. As is common with short hikes to big sights, there was a good deal of trash lining the waterway, so if you have an extra trash bag, feel free to pitch in and clean up:-)

Route Type | Forked Out and Back
Total Distance | 0.3 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate with Rope Assist
*this trail is unmarked, but easily navigated
Trailhead | 37.392118, -83.946588
Top of Falls | 37.391955, -83.945581
Bottom of Falls | 37.391784, -83.945766

Trailhead. This is an unmarked trail and even the trailhead can be hard to find. Go to the end of the park drive and to the right of the restrooms to park your vehicle. You’ll see a picnic shelter with the trailhead near the far corner of the mowed grass. [map]

Trail navigation. The trail is super short, and you’ll immediately hear the sound of the falls. We hiked the top section of trail first and then descended to the base of the falls. There was a rope that was fixed to some trees to help us along. When encountering these user-fixed ropes, use caution. This rope is simply for an assist and isn’t meant to support a great deal of weight.

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]