If you haven’t hiked Copperas Falls yet, it should be on your bucket list for Kentucky waterfalls! The trail itself is actually one of our favorites. Although Copperas Falls is a popular trail, it is not an official trail in Red River Gorge. This means that there are no signs marking the trail and the trail is not kept up by the park. However, the trail is well worn, and the path is relatively easy to follow.
This trail is a 3.1 mile out-and-back trail located in Pine Ridge in Eastern Kentucky. We would say to allow at least 2-3 hours to hike the trail, especially if you want to explore more than a beautiful waterfall at the end. The trail is considered moderately challenging; however, we found it to be a relatively easy hike.
We visited Copperas Falls in February 2023. Winter is our favorite time to visit waterfalls. Why? The waterfalls are more likely to be stronger and less likely to be dried up considering winter is a relatively wet season in the state of Kentucky. We’ve visited waterfalls several times in the summer to be disappointed at the trickling streams. There are also fewer bugs and snakes during this time of year. Honestly, we think it’s perfect and we plan almost all of our waterfall trips between December and May.
How to Get There
We actually found Copperas Falls very easily. We entered Copperas Falls into Google Maps and were led very close to the trailhead. There are several roadside parking areas that you can park at. We elected to park on the right side of the road where public restrooms are accessible. You can see the loading dock for the Copperas Creek to your left as you walk the short distance from the parking lot to the trailhead of Copperas Falls. Once parked, head down the road on your left until you see an unmarked trail leading into the woods.
If you aren’t an avid hiker, that may sound scary. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to hiking. I know my mother thinks I’m crazy anytime I mention an “unmarked trail.” However, as mentioned it is a popular trail. You’ll find several cars parked on the side of the road around the trailhead.
Hiking the Trail
This trail is super unique when comparing it to other hikes in Kentucky and even other hikes in Red River Gorge. The woods you hike through at times will feel like a jungle and the vegetation is incredible. You’ll see some amazing rock formations along the trail that you’ll want to check out.
What makes the falls at Copperas Falls unique? The waterfall shoots out over a cave. It was so interesting to walk around the falls from the sandy edge of the beautiful blue pool to the inside of the cave. Make sure to walk across to get a unique vantage point.
The trail is relatively easy to follow. There are times when the trail crosses over a creek and so we would recommend waterproof shoes and socks. We had waterproof hiking boots and our feet remained dry through the entire hike. The trail does not follow just one path once you begin to hike across the creek which makes this a little more challenging than marked trails. However, as long as you remain close to the creek at all times, you’ll make it to the end of the hike to see the awesome waterfall!
We hope this helps you plan your hike to Copperas Falls! We hope you enjoy this hike as much as we did as it is one of our favorites. If you have any questions about the hike, be sure to reach out to us by commenting below or directly messaging us on Instagram. Safe travels y’all! – Justin & Caitlin