Vanover Falls Out and Back

Map of Vanover Falls Out and Back Hike, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County, KY

Elevation Profile of Vanover Falls Out and Back Hike, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County, KY

Overview. This easy little out and back is half road, half trail. While Vanover Falls wasn’t flowing on this day (toward the end of dry season), it’ll be rejuvenated shortly when Waterfall Season gets going in a few short weeks - typically mid-December through mid-Spring before sun and higher temps dry things out.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1 mile
Overall Difficulty | Easy
Map of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

GPS Waypoints
Parking Lot | 36.836526, -84.345158
Gatliff Bridge Trailhead | 36.835050, -84.340108
Vanover Falls | 36.835139, -84.337472

Trailhead. The trailhead is next to Gatliff Bridge on the south side of KY-90. Limited parking is available at Blue Bend Loop and Eagle Falls trailheads. Alternative parking is available at the Cumberland Falls parking lot across the bridge. [map]

Trail navigation. Start by heading east on KY-90, facing oncoming traffic in a single file line. Walk the road until reaching the bridge and crossing over to the Gatliff Bridge Trailhead. Follow the well maintained to a wooden staircase. Descend and look right up the stream to find Vanover Falls. Retrace your steps and take a side trail immediately adjacent to the bridge to descend to see the underbelly of Gatliff Bridge. This route may not be accessible during high water periods when the current is very strong and swift. Continue westbound on KY-90 to return to the parking area.

Waterfall season. Unlike big mountain areas, Kentucky has smaller watersheds that create smaller waterfalls. From mid-Winter through mid-Spring, persistent rains, cold temps, and limited sunlight make for the best waterfall conditions - thus the name Waterfall Season.

No dogs. We noted a ‘no dogs allowed’ sign along with a Kentucky State Nature Preserves (SNP) placard. SNP rules prohibit dogs along with a host of other rules that can be summed up as this - hikers allowed, day use only.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.

CAUTION - Bears. Black bears are growing in number throughout Daniel Boone National Forest. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]

Eagle/Vanover Falls Parking Area, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County, KY

Blue Blaze on KY-90 Section of Blue Bend Trail, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County, KY

Blue Bend Loop Gatliff Bridge Trailhead, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County, KY

Vanover Falls in Dry Season, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County, KY

Gatliff Bridge from Below, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Whitley and McCreary Counties, KY