Waterfall Hikes in Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky's waterfalls are chiefly found along the Cumberland Plateau and its escarpments, where resistant sandstone and shale form cliffs and narrow gorges, while limestone karst and river valleys farther west feed sinkhole streams and recessed drops. Most waterfall hikes are moderate, featuring rocky streamside trails, ridge-to-gorge approaches, and occasional backcountry scrambles, with a smaller number of short, family-friendly paths. The juxtaposition of plateau escarpments and karst drainage yields distinctive recessed and seasonal cascades. See waterfalls near major Kentucky cities .