Spring, summer, and fall are all popular times to check out the numerous hiking trails in Kentucky, but some of the best in the state are those that have something to offer all year long. Especially since our weather can be so fickle, it’s a great idea to keep a list of trails in mind for any day of the year when you just have to get outside. A perfect example that belongs on this list is Dog Slaughter Falls in Kentucky. This picturesque hiking trail near Corbin and Cumberland Falls is definitely a popular one, but if you go during the off season, it may just feel like you’ve discovered a natural hidden gem in our beautiful state.

The area along the Cumberland River near Cumberland Falls is filled with scenic hiking trails making this an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Alltrails/Alyssa Kurzyniec While many visit for Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and all it offers, don’t forget to check out the nearby Dog Slaughter Falls trail. There are multiple points of entry to this trail and you can see a complete map through the link at the end of the article.

If you take the entire out and back trail, it’s about four miles of picturesque, winding trail.

Alltrails/Penny Begley Due to the type of foliage, you’ll find greenery here all year long and each season has something different to offer. Rated moderate, there are some more difficult spots and you will want to come prepared for mud after rainfall.

You’ll follow Dog Slaughter Creek through the woods until you arrive at the 15-foot waterfall.

Alltrails/Jesse Payne This is a very popular trail in the summer thanks to its waterfront location and shade, so if you want to enjoy this as a hidden gem, check it out in late fall, winter, or early spring.

Thankfully it really is a beautiful area no matter when you visit.

Alltrails/Neil Gwin The photo above shows Dog Slaughter Falls in March, before most trees and plants had even bloomed.

Fall is a magical season along this trail and you’ll want to take time to relax and take in the natural beauty.

Lisa/@wanderingaroundtheus, Contributed Photo If you want to make this trail a true adventure, it does connect to Sheltowee Trace, which then follows along the Cumberland River. You can stop here for a quick hike, but we highly recommend spending extended time in this area to experience as many of the scenic trails as possible.

Dog Slaughter is a favorite thanks to its waterfall, but also the unique rock formations along the way.

Alltrails/Vanessa Gum You can read many detailed accounts from hikers on the Alltrails site linked below, but you’ll definitely want to visit to form your own opinion.

This really is a gorgeous trail all year long and you can see that even on a frigid day in January you’ll be treated to scenic greenery.

Alltrails/Alicia Bullock As one of the most popular hiking areas in the state, hopefully you’ve been able to stop here at some point. But if not and if you missed the chance to hike the Dog Slaughter Falls trail, be sure to plan an adventure any time of year.

Dog Slaughter Falls in Kentucky offers color, foliage, and picturesque scenery all year long. No matter the season, keep this hiking trail in mind and make it your next outdoor adventure in Kentucky. Have you hiked to Dog Slaughter Falls? What’s your favorite year-round trail in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments and feel free to tell us about it with our Nominations Page.

Alltrails/Alyssa Kurzyniec

While many visit for Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and all it offers, don’t forget to check out the nearby Dog Slaughter Falls trail. There are multiple points of entry to this trail and you can see a complete map through the link at the end of the article.

Alltrails/Penny Begley

Due to the type of foliage, you’ll find greenery here all year long and each season has something different to offer. Rated moderate, there are some more difficult spots and you will want to come prepared for mud after rainfall.

Alltrails/Jesse Payne

This is a very popular trail in the summer thanks to its waterfront location and shade, so if you want to enjoy this as a hidden gem, check it out in late fall, winter, or early spring.

Alltrails/Neil Gwin

The photo above shows Dog Slaughter Falls in March, before most trees and plants had even bloomed.

Lisa/@wanderingaroundtheus, Contributed Photo

If you want to make this trail a true adventure, it does connect to Sheltowee Trace, which then follows along the Cumberland River. You can stop here for a quick hike, but we highly recommend spending extended time in this area to experience as many of the scenic trails as possible.

Alltrails/Vanessa Gum

You can read many detailed accounts from hikers on the Alltrails site linked below, but you’ll definitely want to visit to form your own opinion.

Alltrails/Alicia Bullock

As one of the most popular hiking areas in the state, hopefully you’ve been able to stop here at some point. But if not and if you missed the chance to hike the Dog Slaughter Falls trail, be sure to plan an adventure any time of year.

For more information, directions, and a map of Dog Slaughter Falls in Kentucky, check it out on the USDA website and read more reviews on Alltrails.

And for a similar trail in a different area of our state, check out this scenic waterfall trail in Kentucky.

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Address: Dog Slaughter Falls, Kentucky 40769, USA