5 Must-See Waterfalls in Kentucky (2026)
If you only have time for five Kentucky waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork and Red River Gorge and the Eastern Knobs.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Kentucky waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Cumberland Falls
Whitley City, KY · McCreary County · Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork
Why it is a must-see
With 1,511 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Kentucky, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Huge waterfall tumbling 69-ft. over a sandstone bed, offering the occasional lunar rainbow sighting." Older records also call it The Great Falls. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. It is one of 9 named falls in the Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork region. The nearest town is Whitley City, about 11 miles to the southwest.
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2. Seventy Six Falls
Albany, KY · Clinton County · Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork
Why it is a must-see
With 148 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Kentucky, and it holds 4.6 stars. In short: "Well-known, picturesque waterfall popular for kayaking & swimming, with picnic spots nearby." 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Jock Falls. It is one of 9 named falls in the Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork region. The nearest town is Albany, about 6.1 miles to the south.
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3. Anglin Falls
Berea, KY · Rockcastle County · Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork
Why it is a must-see
With 93 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Kentucky, and it holds 4.5 stars. In short: "Mile-long hiking trail through a forest preserve, terminating at a 75-ft. waterfall in a gorge." It is one of 9 named falls in the Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork region. The nearest town is Berea, about 6.4 miles to the northwest.
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4. Yahoo Falls
Whitley City, KY · McCreary County · Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork
Why it is a must-see
With 91 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Kentucky, and it holds 4.7 stars. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Cumberland Falls and Eagle Falls. It is one of 9 named falls in the Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork region. The nearest town is Whitley City, about 4.1 miles to the southeast.
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5. Broken Leg Falls
Frenchburg, KY · Menifee County · Red River Gorge and the Eastern Knobs
Why it is a must-see
With 15 Google reviews it is the 8th most visited waterfall in Kentucky, and it holds 4.6 stars. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Rock Bridge Falls. It is one of 5 named falls in the Red River Gorge and the Eastern Knobs region. The nearest town is Frenchburg, about 8.0 miles to the west.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 139 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Broken Leg Falls (start, near Frenchburg)
- Anglin Falls, about 49 mi southwest
- Cumberland Falls, about 46 mi south
- Yahoo Falls, about 10 mi southwest
- Seventy Six Falls, about 34 mi west
When to Visit Kentucky's Waterfalls
Kentucky's falls depend on rainfall, and the wettest, most reliable period generally runs from late winter through spring. From about February into May, most falls on the Cumberland Plateau and in the Red River Gorge flow well, and wildflowers fill the ravines in April. By late summer and early autumn many smaller falls shrink to a trickle, though Cumberland Falls on a large river runs year-round. Autumn color, usually peaking in late October, makes for good scenery even when flows are modest. Hard freezes in January occasionally create ice formations. For the Cumberland Falls moonbow, clear nights around the full moon are required, and those dates draw crowds.
Before You Go
Kentucky's best-known falls are on public land: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and state nature preserves such as the one around Anglin Falls. Some preserves restrict pets, swimming or off-trail travel, so it is worth reading posted rules. Smaller falls may sit on private property. Sandstone ledges above falls are often covered in moss and wet leaves and are very slippery, and cliff falls are a recurring cause of injuries in the Red River Gorge area. Above Cumberland Falls the river current is strong, so stay out of the water there. Seventy Six Falls depends partly on Lake Cumberland's level, which changes how much of the drop is visible.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Kentucky Waterfalls
See all 18 waterfalls in the Kentucky waterfall guide, or browse by town: Whitley City, Albany, Berea, Frenchburg.
More Kentucky Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Kentucky?
Cumberland Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 1,511 Google reviews. It is near Whitley City in McCreary County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Kentucky waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 139 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Kentucky?
Our directory lists 18 named waterfalls in Kentucky. See them all, sorted by town, in the Kentucky waterfall guide.
What is the moonbow at Cumberland Falls?
It is a rainbow formed by moonlight in the falls' mist, visible on clear nights around the full moon. Cumberland Falls is one of very few places in the world where a moonbow appears with some regularity.