Broken Leg Falls
Kentucky • 60 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
350 ft
About Broken Leg Falls
Broken Leg Falls is a scenic 60-foot cascade tucked into Menifee County, Kentucky. The falls sit within a small county-managed land unit listed as “Broke Leg Falls” (Designation: LP) and are managed at the county level (CNTY). Framed by lush forest, the drop creates a photogenic plunge pool and a peaceful setting that draws photographers and day-hikers looking for a relatively short outing into eastern Kentucky’s woods. The hike to the viewing area is a compact outing best enjoyed as a morning or afternoon loop—plan for a 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. There’s no USFS trail number associated with this site in the available records; the nearest developed camping is Koomer Ridge Campground, roughly 18.54 km away. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy shoes and water, and enjoy the quiet riparian forest that surrounds the falls.
The Setting
Broken Leg Falls sits at 912 feet within Broke Leg Falls, fed by the Red River, in the foothills of Kentucky. The falls drop 60 feet.
Height: 60 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles (round-trip). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The trail leads through forested terrain to a clear viewing area at Broken Leg Falls, where a 60-foot cascade is visible. Surface, grade, and formal trail class are not specified in the available land-unit data; the route is commonly used as a day hike and involves moderate uphill sections on the approach and return.
What to Expect
The falls drop 60 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Broken Leg Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Broken Leg Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Broken Leg Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. However, it is also a beautiful destination in summer and fall. Winter visits may offer a unique view if the falls partially freeze.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall, especially after rain. Stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on rocks or getting too close to the edge of the falls. Cell phone reception may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 66 years of record
2.84 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge RED RIVER NEAR HAZEL GREEN, KY (11 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
16 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
18 cfs
3/10Sun
Low
18 cfs
3/10Mon
Barely Flowing
16 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
13 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
13 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to mid April, peaking in February.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Ezel hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Broken Leg Falls is located near Wellington, Kentucky. Visitors can access the falls via Broken Leg Falls Road, which leads to a small parking area near the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available near the trailhead. Parking is free, but space may be limited during peak times.
Elevation
912 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.906734° N, -83.489602° W
Land Management
Managed by CNTY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the waterfall. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain may make the trail muddy or slippery.
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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Trailseeker Cabin w King Bed Hot Tub at Red River Gorge Natural Bridge
3 Mi to Cave Run Lake! Nature-Centric Family Cabin
The Willow, Secluded and Cozy country cabin
Romantic Secluded Hot Tub, Stargazing, Mt View
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
KOOMER RIDGE CAMPGROUND
11.5 miles away · 54 sites
Overview This Campground offers dozens of shaded, wooded campsites. 54 suitable for tents and 19 suitable for a trailer. Camping and fires are prohibited in rock shelters. Recreation The Red River Gorge offers untouched beauty for hiking enthusiasts. From the campground access: Hidden Arch Trail, Koomer Ridge Trail, Cliff Trail and Silvermine Arch Trail. Facilities All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Accessible vault toilets are available year round. Flush toilets and showers are ava
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Natural Bridge State Resort Park, both of which offer additional hiking and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area around Broken Leg Falls is home to various bird species, small mammals, and native plants. Visitors may spot wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Broken Leg Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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