Waterfall Hero Hikes: Dog Slaughter Falls (Cumberland)

Dog Slaughter Falls is a 15-foot waterfall on Dog Slaughter Creek just upstream of Cumberland River in Whitley County, Kentucky. The waterfall is located in the London Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest, but can be accessed from Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

Hike Length: 6 miles
Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: London Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest

Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 36.83767,-84.34352
Waterfall GPS: 36.85838,-84.31174

Directions:

From Corbin, take I-75 south to exit 25 for US-25 west. Turn right on US-25/Cumberland Falls Road and go 7.4 miles and bear right on KY-90 west. Go 8 miles and turn right into the main parking at the visitor center for Cumberland Falls.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, pick up the Moonbow Trail (#1) that follows the river downstream past Cumberland Falls.

After the waterfall, the trail becomes more rocky and rugged.

At about 2.5 miles, the trail leaves the park and enters the national forest. Shortly after, the trail reaches Dog Slaughter Creek. Turn right on Dog Slaughter Falls Trail (#414) and go a short distance to the base of the waterfall.