Hike With Me To Dog Slaughter Falls

When you think of Kentucky you probably don’t think of waterfalls and fantastic outdoor adventures.  I’m here to change all of that.  I’m going to give you an intimate look of some of our favorite spots that you can easily access when you stay with us here at the Corbin/Laurel Lake KOA.  Don’t judge this first spot by its less than stellar name.  Hike with us to, “Dog Slaughter Falls.”  The trail head is less than 30 minutes from the KOA.  The last portion of the drive is on a forest access road that’s gravel but so well maintained that I didn’t even mind the 6 miles of travel.  The parking is just on the roadside but I had no issue parking a long bed dually truck.  There is no fee to park.  The trail head is well marked.  There are only a few hundred feet of elevation gain throughout the total 3.47 mile out and back hike.  It’s my favorite kind of hike where it’s not all downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back.  Rather it is short stints of uphill meshed in with a bit of downhill and some relatively flat areas too.  There are lots of roots and some rocks that must be traversed so wear your ankle support.  Right in the beginning of the hike there is a bridge out but some kind soul that has gone before put a whole bunch of nice flat rocks all in a row that are easy to walk on.  I have terrible balance and I made it without getting my feet wet.  The hike follows a creek for most of the way so you are treated to the relaxed gurgling of water.  This hike is heavily canopied so it makes an excellent one to do on a hot sunny day.  You’ll find that you are shaded for most of the journey.  Many of the trees are deciduous so in the winter you will get the warming rays of the sun.  I look forward to going back in winter during several days of hard freeze to see the falls frozen.  We haven’t managed to catch it yet but it is on my goal list this winter.  Like most of the trails in Kentucky, this is a dog friendly hike.  Leash up Fido and pack those poop bags so even your pup “leaves no trace.”  In the warmer months a swim suit is advised.  There are ample places to pull over and wade on the journey or wait until the falls where there is an excellent swimming hole.  I encourage you to pack a picnic and stay a spell and admire the view at the falls.  There’s a nice sandy beach or choose a big ol’ boulder with an excellent view of the falls as your lunch spot.  Crawdads skittle around and minnows hide in the shadows of the crisp stream.  The falls cascade down about 15 feet to continue on their way meandering through the Daniel Boone National Forest.  I find the sound of the falling water so soothing.  There is a ledge behind the falls where you can walk behind them and take some cool photos or just admire the falls from a different angle.  It is a beautiful spot and a wonderful place to unwind and recharge.  Dip your toes in and let your cares seep out into the liquid soul calming water.  There aren’t any trash cans so be prepared to pack out what you pack in.  There are not any formal bathroom facilities so be prepared for that as well.  Remember to make any “pit stops” at least 70 feet away from the water so as not to contaminate.  Stop in the office and we can give you a detailed map of how to get there or search on “All Trails” for GPS coordinates.  We’d love to hear about your trip. Tag us in pictures on socials or just stop in and show us.  Happy hiking!