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Frozen Princess Falls
Introduction
Introduction
A LOT of people here in Kentucky (and from out-of-state too) absolutely rave over the beauty of the Bluegrass, and you'll hear a lot of people talking about the trails we have here!
Daniel Boone National Forest covers over 21 counties, 708,000 acres of forest land, and over 600 miles of trails! Where would one even begin to start if they wanted a nice bite of what Kentucky has to offer?
Sure, you can traverse north to Red River Gorge and take on any of the trails up there, but what about the southern part of the state?
Here's a compiled list of 3 hikes that you absolutely cannot miss when visiting the Bluegrass state!
Natural Arch Loop Trail #510
Natural Arch Loop Trail #510
Level: Easy - Length: 1 mile loop - Happiness: Maximum
Natural Arch Scenic Area is located on the Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. It's an absolutely breathtaking landform, and provides tons of amenities at the trailhead and parking area!
Natural Arch Loop Trail #510 would be a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Natural Arch, Kentucky's (as of now) 3rd largest arch!
You'll start in the parking area and go along a completely paved pathway to the base of the arch (as seen in the accompanying image). The trail passes right by two beautiful scenic overlooks, so don't miss them!
You'll meet another trail on your way around this loop, but follow Trail #510 around the cliffline and you'll return to the base of the arch.
Try to take in the arch's nearly 100 feet of span and the surrounding environment when you're there. Notice the old signage telling people to stay from behind the fences, and the deep forest that the arch almost seems to protect.
Bring some cash with you! A fee is required at the Natural Arch Scenic Area!
$5/day pass, $7/3-day pass, $50 annual.
Additional Information: US Forest Service Maps for Natural Arch Loop Trail #510 - US Forest Service Website for Natural Arch Loop Trail #510
Directions: Take US 27 south from Somerset for 21 miles, turn right (west) on KY 927 and follow the signs for 2 miles. From Whitley City, proceed north on US 27 for 5 miles; turn left on KY 927 and follow the signs for 2 miles.
Natural Arch Loop Trail #510 is located near Whitley City, Kentucky.
PLEASE USE THE USFS WEBSITE FOR ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS!
Three Forks of Beaver Creek Trail #512
Three Forks of Beaver Creek Trail #512
Level: Moderate to Hard - Length: 1.5 mile loop (or more) - Happiness: Maximum
Beaver Creek Wilderness is a very special place located in the Stearns Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest.
It is designated as a Wilderness area, which requires visitors to be self-reliant and to possess excellent outdoors skills. Few, if any signs are provided to guide you (this trail is decently marked with signs though), cell or radio communications are nearly nonexistent, and only foot travel is permitted. It's the true revelation of what the forests here can provide from the hiking enthusiast to the hardened explorer. One of my FAVORITE places to go!
This particular trail can either lead you on a loop hike that provides you with a glimpse into what unfettered forest land can look like, a scenic overlook of awesome proportions, and even a creek stop at the fork of three beautiful rivers and have a snack while listening to the water trickle by.
The trailhead hosts a huge parking lot, and after visiting the information board, you can start heading down the trail!
You'll eventually come to a cleared area where you can take a right to visit Three Forks Spur #512B to add on only .5 miles to get to one of the most beautiful overlooks in the area. A completely panoramic view overlooking Freeman Fork, Middle Fork, and Little Hurricane Fork. I'd highly suggest you check this overlook out!
If you want a bit of a challenge (and I do mean it, literally about 400 feet of elevation drop within a half mile!) take the trail to the left to go down Three Forks of Beaver Trail #512A. You'll pass some amazing boulders the size of houses on your way down, eventually reaching a beautiful intersection of the three creeks mentioned above!
Additional Information: US Forest Service Maps for Three Forks of Beaver Loop Trail #512 - US Forest Service Maps for Three Forks of Beaver Trail #512A - US Forest Service Maps for Three Forks Spur #512B
Directions: Take US 27 south 16 miles from Somerset or US 27 north 12.5 miles from Whitley City. Turn east onto Bauer Road (Forest Service Road 50), and then go 2.25 miles to Forest Service Road 51. Take Forest Service Road 51 for 0.75-mile to the Three Forks trailhead on the right.
Three Forks of Beaver Creek Trailhead is located in northern McCreary County, Kentucky.
PLEASE USE THE USFS WEBSITE FOR ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS!
Princess Falls via Sheltowee Trace Trail
Princess Falls via Sheltowee Trace Trail
Level: Moderate - Length: 3 miles out and back - Happiness: Maximum
Princess Falls is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, with a span of about 80 feet and a height of 13, this falls and the gorge its tucked into provides a glimpse into what Daniel Boone and his companions trailblazed through the forest and stumbled upon.
This trail starts at the base of Yamacraw Bridge, located in McCreary County, Kentucky. You'll start at the very clearly marked trailhead and after checking out the information board, you can start down the trail!
After about .7 miles down the trail headed east, you'll encounter Julia Lynn Falls, a waterfall that has sentimental value to me, and an amazing one to catch when the flow is perfect!
As you hike down the trail, you can see the beautiful scenery surrounding the Big South Fork. When it whips away from the trail, you're getting close!
You'll start heading down a descent and to a bridged area. This is Lick Creek Cascades, one of my absolute favorite places in the state of Kentucky. The cascades there are enough to dream about weeks after you leave!
Don't go across the bridge and head back up the incline and you should be able to hear Princess Falls roaring!
For an extra leg that'll give you yet ANOTHER awesome waterfall to visit while on this hike, check out Lick Creek Falls Trail #631A! It'd make for a long one, but a great one!
Additional Information: US Forest Service Maps for Lick Creek Falls Trail #631A - Google Maps Directions for Princess Falls Trailhead
Directions: Take US 27 to Whitley City. Turn onto KY 92 and follow it out until you reach Yamacraw Bridge. Trailhead has parking available.
Princess Falls is located in McCreary County, KY
PLEASE USE THE USFS WEBSITE FOR ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS!
Julia Lynn Falls
Conclusion
Conclusion
These three hikes really are some of my favorite hikes in this area. I hope this list helps you be able to better plan for a trip to southern Kentucky this hiking season!
Whether it's seeing the beauty of the massive Natural Arch, hearing the calming waters of the Three Forks of Beaver Creek, or admiring the draping water that pours over Princess Falls, even just one of these hikes would make even the most cynical person fall in love with Kentucky and it's natural beauty!
Check out my socials to follow me around Kentucky to some of these places and more!
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