Bell Falls in Winter

Overview. Waterfalls are best in Winter and Spring before Summer’s heat and Fall’s dryness sap their flow. Bell Falls is a beautiful and short roadside hike that can be done as a pair of out and backs to upper and lower falls or as a loop. On this day, we chose a pair of out and backs to reduce erosion impacts on the user trail near the falls. To compare flow in Winter versus Fall, click here.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 0.14 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
Bell Falls | 37.830678 -83.602049
Upper Bell Falls | 37.83124 -83.60216
*this hike is unmarked, but easily navigated

Trailhead. The trailhead for this hike is a small pull-off parking lot with space for two to three cars on the north side of KY-715. It’s unmarked, so be sure to use the map link to avoid passing it by. [map]

Trail navigation. There are two trails at the west end of the parking lot. Start by taking the one on the right when facing Bell Falls. From there, you’ll follow the trail and cross Bell Branch before making your way behind the falls. This is a very slick area, so be careful with your footing. From here, retrace your steps back to the road and look for the trail to Upper Bell Falls that takes to higher ground immediately off the road (on your left as you look at Bell Falls). Continue up and swing around to the right to reach the upper falls.

Additional parking. There are a couple more parking areas just to the east of this one. If you miss the lot while driving east, catch the next one and walk it back. Each roadside pull-off has room for 2 to 3 cars each.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Be careful to avoid getting too close the edge of cliffs, as this is the leading cause of serious injury and death when hiking in Red River Gorge.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. While the gorge is within the range of timber rattlesnakes, copperheads are the most common poisonous snake encountered. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.

CAUTION - Bears. Black bears are growing in number throughout Daniel Boone National Forest. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]