A summertime hike in Kentucky is best when water is involved and that’s just what you’ll find along this popular trail in Red River Gorge. The Rock Bridge Trail is fairly short and easy, but it has so many incredible features and is great for the whole family. Perhaps the best feature, especially in the summer, is the waterfall and beach area along the trail. The beach of Creation Falls in Kentucky is a favorite spot for many to cool off, relax, and marvel at the beauty of this scenic trail in the Bluegrass.
There are so many scenic trails throughout Red River Gorge and one of the most popular is the Rock Bridge Trail.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State If you’ve taken this hike, then you know why so many enjoy it. It’s fairly short at just over a mile, but offers so many beautiful features.
After a drive down a 3-mile gravel road, park at the trailhead and follow the signs to the trail.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State At the trailhead you’ll find restrooms and picnic areas and on a warm, sunny day, you are likely to find quite a few more people. If you want to avoid the crowds, try during the week and other off times.
As you descend into the woods, you’ll walk for a bit and then be treated to your first views of Creation Falls.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State The trail makes its way down to the falls, with many photo op spots throughout. The trail is lined with thick foliage and beautiful scenery all year round.
Once you get to the bottom, it’s only a few steps to reach the sandy beach and waterfall.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State This area is an open space with large rocks lining the creek. It’s a popular place for hikers to stop, relax, and play in the water.
The water levels and flow of the waterfall are dependent on the weather, but it’s always a beautiful scene.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State Here you can take your time, sit in the sand, and admire the sights and sounds of the waterfall. Little ones (and adults) will love cooling off in the water.
Of course you’ll want to keep an eye out for wildlife and always leave no trace during your hike.
DanBrandenburg/Istock/GettyImages Plus via Getty Images It’s extremely important that we all treat our trails with respect. Enjoy the scenery and definitely have some fun and adventure, but be sure to clean up after yourself.
When you continue along the trail, you’ll also come to the Rock Bridge, the trail’s namesake.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State This is another scenic spot along the trail where you can explore and relax. Here you can connect with a longer trail or continue along the Rock Bridge Trail back to the beginning.
This trail may get busy on warm, sunny days, but there’s a reason so many love it. The beach of Creation Falls in Kentucky is a great spot in the summer and the entire trail is scenic and fun for the whole family. Have you hiked the Rock Bridge Trail in Red River Gorge? Do you have another favorite swimming hole hike in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
If you’ve taken this hike, then you know why so many enjoy it. It’s fairly short at just over a mile, but offers so many beautiful features.
At the trailhead you’ll find restrooms and picnic areas and on a warm, sunny day, you are likely to find quite a few more people. If you want to avoid the crowds, try during the week and other off times.
The trail makes its way down to the falls, with many photo op spots throughout. The trail is lined with thick foliage and beautiful scenery all year round.
This area is an open space with large rocks lining the creek. It’s a popular place for hikers to stop, relax, and play in the water.
Here you can take your time, sit in the sand, and admire the sights and sounds of the waterfall. Little ones (and adults) will love cooling off in the water.
DanBrandenburg/Istock/GettyImages Plus via Getty Images
It’s extremely important that we all treat our trails with respect. Enjoy the scenery and definitely have some fun and adventure, but be sure to clean up after yourself.
This is another scenic spot along the trail where you can explore and relax. Here you can connect with a longer trail or continue along the Rock Bridge Trail back to the beginning.
For more information on this trail including directions and more photos, visit the Daniel Boone National Forest website and also its Alltrails site (says it is closed, but it is not. Refer to DBNF site for up-to-date closure info).
And for another kid-friendly waterfall hike in Kentucky, check out this scenic spot near the town of London.
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Address: Creation Falls, Campton, KY 41301, USA
