This Out-And-Back Waterfall Hike In Kentucky Is Breathtakingly Beautiful All Year-Round
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 12, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Most people associate waterfall chasing with the spring or summer, but here at Only In Kentucky, waterfall chasing is a year-round sport. It’s one we hold near and dear to our hearts, too, as some of our state’s finest natural features are waterfalls. From the Niagara of the South to one of the country’s tallest falls, Kentucky is teeming with incredible cascades. One of our favorite waterfalls is Princess Falls, and it’s a breathtaking beauty all year round. What’s more, the trek to Princess Falls is an easy, three-mile loop, making this one of the best and most accessible waterfall hikes in Kentucky.
Daniel Boone National Forest is a treasure trove of trails and waterfalls; a paradise for Kentucky waterfall chasers that's home to some of the state's most awe-inspiring falls.
One of our favorite waterfall hikes in this region is the trek to Princess Falls. Located in McCreary County near Whitley City is a stretch of the Sheltowee Trace Trail that leads to these fanciful, aptly-named falls.
This is a popular route that's about three miles round trip, and the trail is truly lovely in every season. In addition, there is very little elevation change on the trail, making this an incredibly accessible waterfall hike in Kentucky that's perfect for young hikers and beginners alike.
The trail takes you along Lick Creek and also parallels the Cumberland River. It's incredibly scenic with many little waterfalls and interesting rock formations along the way.
Before too long, you'll arrive at the falls, which can be viewed from a few different angles: behind, above, or at various sides. The picture changes depending on where you stand.
In fact, hiking to Princess Falls is a dynamic experience in every sense of the word -- no matter when you visit or where you stand, you'll enjoy new vistas and scenery.
Visit during the winter, and you'll enjoy a sublime, snow-covered scene that, if you're really lucky, might even yield the falls frozen mid-stream, like magic.
No matter when you visit Princess Falls, you're in for a treat. This is a glorious treasure hiding in a sprawling and scenic natural forest, and it's truly one of our all-time favorite waterfall hikes in Kentucky.
Have you experienced Princess Falls in person before? It’s such a beautiful sight to see! What are you favorite waterfall hikes in Kentucky? Share them with your fellow waterfall chasers in the comments below — we love suggestions!
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