Kentucky Waterfalls, Arches and Landscapes

Enchanted Forest / Water Wonderland

This is Lower North Fork Big Creek Falls in McCreary County, Kentucky. It is partially visible through the trees from the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail in the Daniel Boone National Forest. A short off trail scramble is required to get this view. The white strip behind the waterfall is the remnants of a mostly melted ice cone.

I scouted the waterfalls on this hike two days before this photo was taken. The flow was too low for my satisfaction at that time. This photo was taken immediately after the end of a rainfall which provided over one inch of accumulation. At times my seventeen inch boots were barely tall enough to keep my feet dry during the many stream crossings. That's my idea of perfect conditions. A good rain takes this already beautiful place to a new level. That's when the two major waterfalls become the main attractions. As an added bonus, streams along the way turn into whitewater beauties swiftly zigzagging down steep inclines.

This hike still has a lot to offer even during dry periods and winter months. The hike upstream from Big Creek Road passes through a deep gorge with lots of hemlock, rhododendron and mossy boulders to provide beautiful greenery. The cliff faces and rock shelters also offer rugged beauty.

20180207Daniel Boone National ForestKentuckyLandscapeLower North Fork Big Creek FallsMcCreary CountyNatureScenicSheltowee Trace National Recreation TrailWaterfall