Horseshoe Falls at Muir Valley - Out and Back

Overview. Short on daylight, I opted to hike Horseshoe Falls as a quick out and back. The trails were in great shape, and the falls were running beautifully. While the pics give you an inkling to the totality of these falls, its far, far better in person when you can see the full view from top to bottom.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1.8 miles
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate
Map of Muir Valley Climbing Area
Trailhead | 37.724528, -83.634544
Bridge | 37.723992, -83.629797
Horseshoe Falls | 37.725667, -83.623242
NOTE: Sign the liability waiver and pay the $10 parking fee online at https://muirvalley.org

Trailhead. Muir Valley is located off Big Andy Ridge Road south of Red River Gorge proper. You’ll turn onto Fincastle Road and stay left at each fork until you reach the parking lots of Muir Valley. On cold, rainy days like the one on which I visited, you’ll have front row parking. [map]

Trail navigation. From the shelter, take the fork to the right onto Main Trail South. From here, it’s a nice descent with a few switchbacks and some wooden stairs before reaching the Middle Fork of Lower Devil Creek. Follow the creekside trail downstream to the wooden bridge and cross it. Turn right to continue on the trail southeast toward ‘Bruise Brothers’ until eventually passing it and picking up signage to Horseshoe Falls. You will hear it long before you see it. Retrace your steps to return to the parking lot.

Best in Winter and Spring. Kentucky’s waterfalls are best during wet season from Winter through Spring - a.k.a. waterfall season. Ideally, come when the ground is wet and within a day or two of the last substantial rain or snow. Also, waterfalls are magnificent after a long cold spell with several days of temperatures below freezing.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are the most common poisonous snakes in the area. Stay alert, 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]