Natural Resources: Waterfalls

Wetlands | Watersheds

Waterfall-more than water pouring over a ledge. What is it about a waterfall that attracts us? Do we see power in the water as it falls? Could it be the freedom we sense, as each drop breaks away? If you could plot all the waterfalls within the Daniel Boone National Forest on a map you would notice an interesting pattern. Most of them are located near the mouths of small streams that flow into larger streams. These waterfalls are called “hanging valley waterfalls.” They form when a large stream cuts through the rock faster than a smaller stream, leaving the smaller stream hanging above it. The result is a waterfall where two streams meet.

There are seasonal waterfalls that can only be observed in the spring, during or after heavy rains. So don’t let the weather dampen your hiking spirit. The next time it rains, grab your raincoat and hit the trail. Waterfalls work their magic even on cloudy days.

Morehead District

Kellacey Falls is on the southern part of Cave Run Lake. This waterfall can be reached by boat from the Blackwater Boat ramp. Turn left from the boat ramp and go up to the second cove on the right.

London District

Van Hook Falls. You have to walk to see Van Hook Falls, but it’s well worth it when spring rains swell this tiny creek. The falls plummet about 40 feet in a thin stream that splashes on boulders at its base. To reach the falls, park at the Sheltowee Trace Trailhead at the junction of KY 192 and KY 1193. Take the Sheltowee Trace north for 2.75 miles. At 2.6 miles the trail crosses a bridge over Cane Creek. The falls are about 0.1 mile north of Cane Creek.

Dog Slaughter Falls. Don’t let the name deceive you. This is one of the prettiest waterfalls on the forest. It’s also one that you can count on being there even during the driest days of summer, when many other waterfalls have disappeared. The falls are about 20 feet high and lie at the bottom of a hemlock sheltered cove. Dog Slaughter Falls can be reached by hiking the trail of the same name. It is 1 miles from the lower trailhead off Forest Development Road 195, 2.7 miles south of KY 90.

Bark Camp Cascades. Just before emptying into the Cumberland River, Bark Camp Creek drops over a series of low, wide rock ledges and through massive boulders. The 2 mile hike to the cascades passes beneath a wet weather waterfall along the way. The Bark Camp Trail is located off Forest Development Road 193, two miles south of KY 1277.

Stearns District
Princess Falls and Lick Creek Falls. To view these falls take KY 478 west from Whitley City to KY 1651. Turn left (south) and follow 1651 for one mile before reaching Forest Development Road 662 on the right. The trailhead is 100 feet up Forest Development Road 622 on the left at the gate. The Lick Creek Trail follows an old roadbed along a ridge for one mile before changing to a footpath. During the next 0.5 mile, the trail will descend over 300 feet in elevation. Walk behind rock overhangs and shelters, and cross beneath a wet season waterfall before reaching the creek at two miles along the trail. At 2.25 miles, Lick Creek Falls Trail takes off to the left, a 0.58-mile trail to Lick Creek Falls. Be sure to watch for the white diamonds that mark the way. At 3.35 miles along the trail, you will reach Princess Falls. The falls are named after Princess Cornblossom, a Cherokee Princess.

Title: Waterfalls
Last Updated: March 21, 2005