Bad Branch Falls – High Rock Trail

Bad Branch Falls Nature Preserve

  • address KY-932
    Eolia, KY 4082637.0692269-82.7608634

Bad Branch Falls, with it’s beautiful trail and enchanting 60 ft. waterfall, is a Letcher County treasure. It is a must see for visitors wanting to explore our area. The hike to Bad Branch Falls is a little over a mile (one way) and takes close to 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The trail will take you through an old timber haul road that was built in the 30’s or 40’s.
This hike is a categorized as a moderate hike because it requires climbing over rocks and walking around small ledges. During the winter, there is usually ice along the trail which can also make hiking somewhat dangerous. Most people that can walk one mile should not have any trouble. 
The scenery to the falls is breathtaking, including high sandstone cliffs, giant hemlock pines and many different types of rock formations. If you want something a little more challenging, there is an option to take the High Rock Loop Trail, a little over 2 mile hike to the crest of Pine Mountain. This trail joins in with the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail – which will stretch over 110 miles when completed.

Photo credit- Letcher County Tourism www.discoverletcher.com