Of all Daniel Boone’s winding trails leading to secluded spots, Yahoo Falls is the most spectacular I have seen.  We planned on coming to this location to look for the geocache that is hidden along the trail.  After a little bit of exploring we had forgotten what we had came here for so we will have to go back and find the geocache later.  Along the nice wide trail with the signs pointing us in the correct direction, I had to stop and admire Mother Nature’s beauty in a great variety of new spring vegetation.  There was a great abundance of these little purple and white flowers; I was thrilled when I spotted two or three wild Iris! 

Then a lone red Trillium, further down the trail I saw an entire hillside full of them.  Just as we were leaving we spotted several Jack-in-the-pulpits.  All were breath-taking.  

We took the loop around Yahoo Falls (we went to the right at the trail split where the signs are located) so we could see the falls from above.  We knew we were getting close to the falls as we could hear it.  Along the trail was the creek, it was a pleasant creek with magnolias hanging over on both sides which abruptly appeared to end.  Even an amateur’s eye found the creek to have early beginnings as the water sparkled upon clean bedrock.  The trail and the creek wound around for another view where we had to cross the creek on nicely placed stepping stones.  The trail began going down ward into multiple switchbacks, when there was a split in the trail and a distant view another falls.  We of course had to check this out.  This was a different creek and nearly impossible to describe its own splendor.  The water fell in between large rocks which had various types of trees hanging over with their fresh spring leaves popping out.  Across the creek at this particular location were several logs that looked as if they could be easily walked across, but believe me they are slippery as are the rocks.   We did get a few pictures of this falls.

Back on the main trail we came upon several rock ledges or overhangs.  If you go on this hike, take notice of the artwork the water has created over the years—you will see really neat areas of erosion in the rock.  Around the corner you will see the falls, I had to stand in awe for several seconds.  I felt so small among the magnificent rocks and the height of the falls!  I could not help but wonder what our pioneers thought when they came upon this beauty!  I like to imagine they were walking along the upper creek and came to this huge cliff—can you envision what they thought!  Did they almost fall off?  Or did they stand in awe as many of us do.  Prior to this hike I viewed several pictures of the falls and the surrounding area, but did not expect such fantastic beauty.  In the area where the falls reach the creek below it was very windy and it was not a windy day.  It reminded me of a helicopters downdraft.  The air under the overhang was cool, since it was a fairly warm day the wind created by the rush of water and coolness from down below continue to mix and swirl around.  One moment we felt a cool swift wind, the next a warm swift wind.  The final leg of the hike consists of many steel steps that are very steep however at the top of the stairs where the trail come backs to the loop there are two benches and a great place to stop and rest.  Absolutely indescribable.       

Yahoo Falls is located in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area just outside of Whitley City, Kentucky.  From US 27 in Whitley City, take KY 700 west. Follow KY 700 approximately 3 miles. The trailhead is a gated road on the right. 

Topo and trail maps for this beautiful area are located here.  Click here for Pictures of Yahoo Falls.

Categories: Hiking