Yahoo Falls
McCreary County, Kentucky
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- McCreary County, Kentucky
- Access status
- Official loop and parking documented
- The walk
- 1-mile loop
- Ground & access
- Easy except for some very steep metal steps. Slippery rock near the falls.
Yahoo Falls drops 113 feet and is Kentucky's highest waterfall, per the National Park Service. From the north end of the parking area, take the Yahoo Falls Trail; just after an overlook spur, go left down the long flight of steel stairs into the gorge. The trail passes behind the falls under a large rock shelter.
Plan your visit
Yahoo Falls parking area at the end of Yahoo Falls Road, Big South Fork: Yahoo Falls Loop
The National Park Service gives the Yahoo Falls Loop as one mile in length. A Waterfall Hero visitor account reaches the falls about a quarter mile after the stairs.
Easy except for some very steep metal steps. Slippery rock near the falls.
Where to start
Parking area at the end of Yahoo Falls Road. Waterfall Hero directions: from US-27 turn left on KY-700, drive 3.9 miles, turn right on Yahoo Falls Road and follow it 1.4 miles to the lot. The area has accessible restrooms and picnic facilities.
Timing & water
Water volume is much lower in dry weather.
Before you go
No entrance pass is required for Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Lick Creek FallsResearched route and starting areaMcCreary County, KY3.7 miS
- Big Spring FallsSigned trail and spur to viewing deck from Blue HeronMcCreary County, KY8.2 miS
Cumberland FallsPaved short walk from visitors center to overlooks; some platforms may closeMcCreary County, KY11 miNE
Eagle Creek FallsMarked state park trail with published GPS; closes in high waterMcCreary County, KY11 miNE- Dog Slaughter FallsOfficial open access from lower trailhead; creek ford required20 ft (6.1 m) · Whitley County, KY13 miNE
- Star Creek FallsWhitley County, KY14 miNE
- Devil Creek WatefallMcCreary County, KY14 miNE
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- Bark Camp FallsWhitley County, KY16 miNE