Kentucky’s natural beauty is on display all over our state in many different forms. The Bluegrass State may be home to many farms of gently rolling hills, but it’s also home to many magnificent waterfalls. If you love chasing waterfalls, Kentucky is a great place to be and one of the best destinations to do so is McCreary County. We featured the incredible beauty of this county before, but today we are going to focus on its unforgettable waterfalls. McCreary County is actually home to some of the best waterfalls in Kentucky, and it’s definitely worth a visit.

McCreary County is located along the Tennessee border and spans up into Kentucky and Daniel Boone National Forest.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USA
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
The area is known as an outdoor paradise where you can do everything from hiking, mountain biking, boating, and, of course, waterfall chasing. It is home to the "Niagara of the South" - Cumberland Falls. Cumberland is the largest waterfall in Kentucky and is a sight to behold. Since it's relatively easy to access, you must experience it on your visit.
Another must-see in the same vicinity is Eagle Falls.
Eagle Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
Eagle Falls often gets overshadowed by Cumberland, but it's truly worth seeking out all on its own. You can find out more about an amazing trail you can take to experience both of these waterfalls in our previous article about Kentucky waterfalls.
These two popular waterfalls are just the beginning of the list of countless waterfalls to seek out in McCreary County.
Lick Creek Falls, Stearns, KY 42647, USA
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
Another stunning spot — especially when you catch the water flow just right — is Lick Creek Falls. You'll find this beauty along the 5.4-mile Lick Creek Trail within Daniel Boone National Forest.
While traveling along this trail, be sure to seek out Jewell Falls.
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
This waterfall has a very special meaning to the photographer of these amazing photos. Brian Solomon, an avid hiker, waterfall chaser, and photographer, took his 83-year-old "Mamaw" to this very spot. He named it after her, calling it Jewell Falls, so now when you visit, you'll know that many special memories have been made in this lovely spot in McCreary County!

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If you need more ideas for waterfalls to hunt down in the county, check out Princess Falls and Julia Lynn Falls.
Princess Falls Trailhead, Stearns, KY 42647, USA
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
Princess Falls is one of our favorite easy-access, kid-friendly waterfalls in Kentucky!
These two spots are very different but equally beautiful.
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
To plan your hiking trips, start on the McCreary County website to choose the best destinations for you.
These are just a few of the incredible falls found in this one single county.
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
There are also countless waterfalls throughout the county located on private property, and while you likely won't be able to track down, this just goes to show how many mesmerizing cascades are in this area of Kentucky.
If these photos don't have you planning a waterfall-chasing trip through McCreary County, then you should take a second look.
Photo Courtesy of Brian Solomon / @east_tn_hillbilly
Kentucky's natural beauty is undeniable and you can experience some of the very best of it in this beautiful county that is filled with countless waterfalls.

Did you have any idea all these cascades were hiding in one Kentucky county? McCreary County truly is a waterfall lover’s dream come true with countless hidden gems, easy-to-access falls, and many other waterfalls near me you’ll want to explore. Do you love chasing waterfalls in Kentucky? Which county is your favorite destination to do so? Let us know in the comments below! For more information on McCreary County and all it offers, be sure to check out the official tourism website for this beautiful Bluegrass county.

And a huge thank you to Brian Solomon for sharing his stunning photography. If you love waterfalls or even just beautiful images, you’ll definitely want to follow him on Instagram.

For more fun chasing cascades in the Bluegrass, buckle up and set out on our epic waterfall road trip through Kentucky! This is a really fun tour de force of some the best waterfalls in Kentucky… and it’s a must for all waterfall chasers in the Bluegrass.

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More to Explore

best waterfalls in Kentucky

Sarah M. | March 05, 2022

Is Kentucky a good place to see waterfalls? 

Yes! Kentucky is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful waterfalls in the country — one of which is world famous! There are so many wonderful waterfalls in Kentucky, that we designed a three-day weekend trip that will take you to some of the state’s most scenic falls. From Creation Falls in Red River Gorge to Dog Slaughter Falls in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (and several cascades in between!), this road trip leads to some of the best and brightest falls in the Bluegrass State, sure to stoke and satisfy your waterfall wanderlust.

What are the most beautiful waterfalls to visit in Kentucky?

The most beautiful waterfalls in Kentucky are:

  • Bark Camp Cascades
  • Eagle Falls
  • Flat Lick Falls

 

Kentucky may be known as The Bluegrass State, but really, its waters steal the show. Resplendent rivers, cerulean swimming holes, pristine lakes, and rushing waterfalls — you’ll find it all right here. The state is home to a striking number of waterfalls, too ... over 700, in fact! Yes... 700. Wow! And the beauty is, many of these cascades are incredibly accessible, so you don't need to be a master hiker or adventurer to behold the beauty of these waterfalls in Kentucky. One of our absolute favorite easy-access waterfalls in Kentucky is 76 Falls in Lake Cumberland. It's easily one of the lake's most surprising treasures, and it can easily be seen on the water by boat or car from the overlook! A stunning spectacle, this waterfall's moniker refers to its height, which is, as you guessed, approximately 76 feet. Swoon!

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