Whittleton Arch Falls and Whittleton Branch Falls

Overview. This hike had been on my list for a number of months - it was just a matter of timing. Whittleton Arch Falls is the coolest waterfall on marked trail in Red River Gorge. The catch, of course, is you have to be there at the right time. With saturated ground conditions, local flooding, and some heavy overnight rain, it was a perfect day for a visit!

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 5.25 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
Map of Whittleton Branch and Arch Trails
South Trailhead KY-11 | 37.779725, -83.675544
Trail Intersection | 37.786006, -83.660739
Whittleton Arch Falls | 37.782764, -83.661858
Whittleton Branch Falls | 37.792133, -83.655700
North Trailhead KY-15 | 37.797175, -83.654628

Trailhead. The trailhead is located at the north end of Whittleton Campground which is closed in the Winter. Park behind the chains on the sides and take the road all the way back to reach the start of the trail. [map]

Trail navigation. This trail is well marked and easily navigated with only two distinct user trails on the route (each is short and leads to Whittleton Branch). From the official trailhead, follow the trail a little more than a mile to reach the intersection with the spur to Whittleton Arch. From there, it’s a quarter-mile uphill before reaching the arch and falls. Retrace your steps to the intersection and turn right to continue on Whittleton Branch Trail and keep looking left to find the falls. You can turnaround here, as it’s just forest further along, or you can keep going to the top of the trail if you’d like to enjoy a little longer walk in the woods.

Best in Winter and Spring. Kentucky’s waterfalls are best during wet season from Winter through Spring - a.k.a. waterfall season. Ideally, come when the ground is wet and within a day or two of the last substantial rain or snow. Also, waterfalls are magnificent after a long cold spell with several days of temperatures below freezing.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are the most common poisonous snakes in the area. Stay alert, 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]