About Lick Falls
Lick Falls is a named waterfall in Carter County, Kentucky, located about 8.8 miles northeast of Sandy Hook. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Bruin 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 38°11′52″ N, 83°02′46″ W (38.19790, -83.04611). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lick Branch (stream, 0.1 mi), Little Gimlet Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), and Buckeye Branch (stream, 0.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Caney Falls, 11 miles to the east.
More Photos
28 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Lick Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Lick Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Lick Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Lick Falls holds a 4.2 average from 13 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Lick Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Lick Branch — stream, 0.1 mi
- Little Gimlet Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Buckeye Branch — stream, 0.4 mi
- Bowling Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
- Big Gimlet Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Bruin Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
- Whitley Branch — stream, 1.7 mi
- Birchfield Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 38.19790, -83.04611. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Lick Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lick Falls located?
Lick Falls is in Carter County, Kentucky, about 8.8 miles northeast of Sandy Hook. Its coordinates are 38.19790, -83.04611 (38°11′52″ N, 83°02′46″ W).
What town is closest to Lick Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Sandy Hook, KY, about 8.8 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Lick Falls?
The closest is Caney Falls (11 mi east). Others within reach include Broken Leg Falls (31 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Lick Falls?
Lick Falls appears on the USGS Bruin 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.