Broken Leg Falls
Kentucky • 60 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
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
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 short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
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
4 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 66 years of record
2.65 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
4 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
4 cfs
4/10Best 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
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 144 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 60 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 928 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 46 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 44 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 928 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 144 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
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.
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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