About Bad Branch Falls

Bad Branch Falls is the crown jewel of the Bad Branch State Nature Preserve, a protected wilderness in the rugged coal country of Letcher County in far eastern Kentucky. The falls drop 60 feet in a dramatic plunge into a deep pool carved from Black Mountain sandstone. The preserve protects one of the most botanically rich areas in the entire Appalachian region.

The trail to Bad Branch Falls is the most demanding on this list — a 6-mile round trip with 850 feet of elevation gain through some of the wildest terrain in Kentucky. But the preserve rewards the effort: rare wildflowers, old-growth hemlock groves, and near-certain solitude on all but the most popular spring weekends. This is Kentucky backcountry at its finest.

Trail Highlights

• 60-foot plunge in one of Kentucky's most protected wilderness areas
• Botanically exceptional — rare wildflowers and old-growth hemlocks
• Long approach guarantees solitude even on busy weekends
• Dramatic Black Mountain sandstone canyon walls
• Gateway to the highest point in Kentucky (Black Mountain) nearby

Trail Description

From the preserve trailhead on KY-932, the Bad Branch Trail climbs steadily through second-growth forest before entering the designated wilderness area. Old-growth hemlock groves appear after the first mile, with enormous trees towering over the trail.

The final mile to the falls descends steeply into the Bad Branch gorge. The canyon walls close in dramatically, and the sound of the falls grows louder through the hemlocks. The base of the falls is a shaded, mossy alcove. Return via the same route — the long climb back to the trailhead is demanding but the forest keeps you company.

Tips & What to Bring

• This is a full-day hike — start by 8am and carry 2+ liters of water
• The old-growth hemlock section alone is worth the hike even without the falls
• Trekking poles help significantly on the steep descent to the falls
• May is prime wildflower season in the preserve — look for trillium and bloodroot
• Black Mountain (the highest point in KY) is nearby; combine the two for an epic day

Getting There

From Whitesburg, KY, take KY-15 South to KY-932 near Millstone. Follow KY-932 into the Bad Branch State Nature Preserve. The trailhead is at the end of KY-932. GPS: 37.1000, -82.6000.