The road that leads to the parking area is gravel, so plan accordingly. While you’re there, don’t miss the view from the Bear Creek Overlook. Going left where the trail divides will lead to the base of the stairs, while going right will lead to the top of the stairs.
To make the hike longer, follow a spur trail for 0.8 miles (each way) to visit Yahoo Arch in the adjoining Daniel Boone National Forest.įrom the Bear Creek parking area (follow the signs from Stearns to Bear Creek), one of the best short trails (a 0.6-mile loop) in the Big South Fork leads to the impressive Split Bow Arch and a set of wooden stairs allows hikers to climb up or down through the arch itself, depending on the direction of approach. Other than the stairs, the trail is easy and well-maintained. Going clockwise on the one-mile loop trail leads down a steep set of metal stairs to the base of the falls and the trail continues through a large rockshelter that goes behind the falls before returning up switchbacks to overlook viewpoints of the falls on the way back to the parking lot. Located just north of Whitley City, Yahoo Falls drops from 113 feet, making it Kentucky’s tallest waterfall. Even better, there is no entrance fee for the Big South Fork NRRA or for any of its hiking trails, so this a great low-cost activity. In addition to river-based activities and the opportunity for a ride on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, the park plays host to an abundance of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, natural arches, gorgeous overlooks and an abundance of unique natural features. True to the reputation of the park system, the natural beauty of the area does not disappoint! This is a good place to take active kids and dogs that like long walks, but do beware, there are some rocks that could be dangerous to climb or fall off of.The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, located in scenic McCreary County and stretching across the border through several counties in Tennessee, is one of just nine national park system units in Kentucky. There is a rental shop before the lake if you want to go canoeing etc. Beware that you may not get any cell phone service here.
If you go when there has been a lot of freezing weather, a portion of the waterfall may be frozen. You will occasionally have to climb over fallen trees and may need to scramble up a few steeper areas if you don't want to retrace your steps. If there has been recent rain, skip going because the trails will be muddy. It is gorgeous in the fall when the leaves are changing. Camping is illegal but you will see signs that people do this, also. People do litter on the trail because there aren't any trash cans. Some of the trails are narrow or dwindle unexpectedly but you can't really get lost, you will either run into the lake or the rocks. There is a seasonal waterfall at the end (stick by the trail near the rocks on the right that is higher up to wind around to it, the trails on the left go to the lake). My boys love finding frogs, turtles, fish and crayfish here. There are trails to the right of the lake which have off-shoots that lead to the lake. My kids and I love this place! There is both a lake and a hike and being without a boat we always take the hike. When we sat for our picnic, a mosquito came close, so we sprayed down with but spray and wore but bands and had no further trouble with them. The kids wore wellies and played in the small pool at the bottom of the fall. There hasn't been much rain and I wondered if there would be any water at all,but there was still a bit. I'd call it moderate and for the adventurer. The path is dirt with roots and lots of rocks and trees to climb over. There were lovely formations and if you stay on it you will be rewarded with the waterfall. We took the one to the right that goes up toward a large boulder/rock/ledge. At one spot the trail does a v and it looks questionable which path to take. There is a big main trail and small trails that go off, but it is relatively easy to see they are just side trails. The trail itself was fairly easy to follow. Note the hours that you may not park there due to it being a school bus turn-around. The parking lot to the right is where the trail to a small waterfall begins. We had a picnic by the lake on folding chairs we brought. The one to the left leads to the lake and a place to put your small water craft in (paddle boards, canoes were there when we visited).
0 kommentar(er)
