There are two arches in Muir Valley along the trail system and both are beautiful. Liz’s Arch calls to mind Angel Windows while Sunny Side is a really unique arch with a kind of slot canyon feel along its eastern entryway. Both are worth a stop when visiting the waterfalls here over Winter when climbers (primary trail users) are away.
Read MoreThis is one of my favorites in the region, and this is the first time I’ve taken the short route to get there. With the family along for Thanksgiving, this was a perfect hike to cap off a wonderful day. The creek has a couple slides and cascades along the way, but the scene at Dog Slaughter Falls is among the best in Kentucky. And, with the tail end of dry season, I enjoyed a 360-degree walk around and beneath the falls.
Read MoreThis is a must-visit for anyone hiking Kentucky. Known as the Niagra of the South, Cumberland Falls is a gorgeous, powerful waterfall and has all the overlooks to go with it;-) Here are the four developed viewing platforms on the Whitley County side of the river. More views can be had across the river from Eagle Falls Trail.
Read MoreThis easy little out and back is half road, half trail. While Vanover Falls wasn’t flowing on this day (toward the end of dry season), it’ll be rejuvenated shortly when Waterfall Season gets going in a few short weeks - typically mid-December through mid-Spring before sun and higher temps dry things out.
Read MoreThe cascades of Bark Camp Creek are a fantastic destination that can be enjoyed year-round. The hike follows the trail on the north side of the creek with rock walls and wet weather waterfalls lining the north side of the trail. Pack a lunch, pick a rock, and enjoy the view.
Read MoreThis is a beautiful creek and spectacular hike. Having visited in years past, on this day, the falls were flowing nicely during what is normally a very dry time of year. If ever in the region, this hike is worth the stop and be sure to visit Bear Rock that sits high above the creek gorge.
Read MoreThis is among the top swimming holes in Kentucky with some amazing riverside views framed by towering cliffs. Pool Point is located just downriver, and Ratliff Hole also serves as a great place to start a beautiful paddle on Russell Fork.
Read MoreThis is a gorgeous creekside hike through mature forest leading to the Russell Fork. Along the way, enjoy some small waterfalls below the trail and pass by a ‘balanced’ rock before reaching the river where The Chimney can be seen high above.
Read MoreThis quiet spot on the Russell Fork is such a nice complement to the spectacular views at Breaks Interstate Park. A mile long drive on gravel road leads to expansive parking and a peaceful spot. A Fall morning here epitomizes serenity.
Read MoreThis is a terrific trail and one that’ll be loved by the whole family. Walk along the scenic Clear Creek, pass through an old railroad tunnel, and see if you can spot the remnants of the old papermill. If you have younger kiddos, use the KY-1491 trailhead and walk east to shorten the hike.
Read MoreSituated below and behind the lodge, this forest walk goes through a garden of hemlocks with a number of very old hemlocks having recently fallen. From there, move through Fat Man’s Squeeze before heading out to Meditation Point. I visited after a dry period, but I see the appeal. From Winter through mid-Summer, this likely has a waterfall below with a giant rock rising up through the mature forest in the backdrop.
Read MoreBeautiful creek, old growth forest, huge variety of mushrooms, and one of the most beautiful pieces of rock in Kentucky. Oh, and that view’s pretty good too;-) Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve is one of the few examples of old growth forest in the Commonwealth, and this hike takes full advantage of this natural treasure.
Read MoreThis was the perfect hike to enjoy some long-awaited snowfall and take full advantage of waterfall season! This loop features Vanover Falls and the snow-covered rhododendron really set off an unnamed waterfall we came across in the second half of the hike.
Read MoreThis is a fantastic hike. While I caught the falls in the midst of a drought, the views atop Pine Mountain more than made up for it. High Rock and Mars Rock are wonderful destinations on their own, with expansive views west. It’s also worth exploring near the falls along the cliff face moving northwest, but stopping at the rock formation that I’d call the “Dragon’s Mouth” pictured below.
Read MoreI never thought a DNF could be so fun! In the inaugural running of Breaks 40, there were more DNFs than finishers with one aid station claiming a third of the field.
Read MoreAmong the best hikes in the Commonwealth, enjoy Cumberland Falls, Dog Slaughter Falls, and Eagle Falls on a single day hike. Along the way, take in sweeping vistas from Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
