LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Before you go
We could not find a public trail to Irvine Fall or confirm whether it is on public land.
About Irvine Fall
Irvine Fall is a named falls on the Allen-Barren county line in south-central Kentucky, near the Barren River just below Barren River Lake dam and the Corps of Engineers tailwater area. We found no published trail or visitor information for it. It is not related to the town of Irvine in eastern Kentucky.
Trail & Hike Details
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Irvine Fall?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Irvine Fall?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and after periods of rainfall are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall is more likely to be flowing.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be unmarked and uneven. Visitors should exercise caution, especially after rain, as rocks and paths may be slippery. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Barren River, 0.5 miles away, not on Irvine Fall's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
84.07 ft
Water depth at gauge
67°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
What does this mean for your visit?
Water temperature is a refreshing 67 degrees F, good for a quick swim.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BARREN RIVER NEAR FINNEY, KY (1 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late December to late January, 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 Scottsville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Irvine Fall Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Irvine Fall is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 68°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Kentucky.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 15 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Irvine Fall. The ground at the falls is roughly 475 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 475 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 15 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are near the Barren River just below Barren River Lake dam, between Glasgow and Scottsville. The nearest public facilities are at the Tailwater Recreation Area below the dam.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
469 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.902070° N, -86.136800° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
La Quinta by Wyndham Bowling Green
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Glasgow by IHG
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bowling Green, KY
Wingate by Wyndham Bowling Green
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
TAILWATER
0.6 miles away · 49 sites
Overview The Tailwater Campground offers 48-sites located along the Barren River, just below the dam. This lazy riverside campground is quieter than neighboring campgrounds and seems to have a slower pace since it is set below the lake, yet close enough for easy lake access. Annually, the campground is host to the Barren River Lake Scout Celebration which began in 1995. Scouts from surrounding states converge at the Tailwater Campground to celebrate, compete, and demonstrate their skills over the
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Barren River Lake and the Tailwater Recreation Area below the dam offer camping, fishing and a boat ramp.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Kentucky wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Irvine Fall
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