Flat Lick Falls
Eastern Kentucky is home to some of the most breathtaking wilderness on Earth. The Red River Gorge area alone offers a lifetime worth of opportunities to hike and see nature at her finest. This concentration of geologic wonders can make for large crowds though, often times spoiling the very solitude that one seeks in nature. For those willing to look for it though, the Bluegrass state has tons of other scenic natural areas that offer a bit more seclusion. One such spot can be found off of State Route 421 in McKee Kentucky.
The Flat Lick Falls recreation area is a perfectly sized little campground centered around the titular waterfalls. It offers ample parking, multiple primitive campsites, and requires only a short walk from both to reach the falls. The path to the primary observation area of the falls is even paved, making it handicap accessible.
For those who can handle a very mild scramble you can also climb down to the top of the falls and get a magnificent view of the creek as it rushes over the rocks. In drier times you can even step into the creek at the falls edge without fear of being swept over. Although the site features multiple warning signs against diving from the falls, I’m told that locals very frequently ignore these warnings.
For those wanting to reach the bottom of the falls WITHOUT jumping, there is a very mild hiking trail that will carry you to the creek below, after which it’s only a short hike along the creek to reach the base of the falls. Fair warning, although the creek is shallow and there is a makeshift rock bridge across the creek, you should 100% expect to get your feet wet in crossing the creek. Once at the base of the creek there are several large boulders you can scramble up, and a large swimming/fishing hole at the base of the falls.
During my early fall visit the park was almost completely deserted. Using the rockbridge I was able to cross the creek and stay dry in my hiking boots, but my sandal wearing companion had to stay behind (it was cool enough that the water was very chilly). The crossing itself was a bit sketchy though on wet and slippery rocks, and if the water temp had not been so chilled I would probably have just stepped off into the creek and been safer.
Flat Lick Falls is a perfect destination whether you’re looking for a place to let the kids play in a creek, take your romantic partner on a nice hike, or just immerse yourself into nature all alone. Its greatest strength is also its greatest weakness though, as it’s at least 45 minutes away from anything else of interest, or any place to eat. If you’re looking for a nice getaway spot though, it’s well worth the trip.
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