I’ve been going to Red River Gorge ever since I was a teenager. It’s such a special place for outdoor adventure enthusiasts of all ages.
Only recently did I discover a popular hidden gem trail with a beautiful waterfall that you have to check out.
Where is Creation Falls Waterfall at Red River Gorge?
Creation Falls is located on the Rock Bridge Trail loop in the Cumberland Ranger District in the Red River Gorge.
The 1.5-mile trail is paved but it’s not paved like what you would expect on a bike trail. It’s definitely not stroller friendly and still has lots of stairs.
Where to Start on the Rock Bridge Trail Loop
Our quest to find Creation Falls by starting at the trailhead sign to the right of the picnic area. The hike gradually progressed into the ravine for the most part and it’s a moderate hike with lush vegetation.
I would recommend doing the full loop because the incline is easier to come back up toward the end of the trail. It was way easier to go down a steep trail than to double back and return back up it.
Rock Bridge is a popular hike and parking may be limited so be prepared to park on the side of the road. Your vehicle will definitely need a car wash after driving 3 miles on the gravel road to get to the trailhead but it’s worth it.
Two Beautiful Natural Formations Within Close Proximity
Creation Falls and Rock Bridge are located within about 100 yards of each other creating two picturesque spots within steps of each other.
Rock Bridge sandstone arch is the only “bridge” in the Red River Gorge that goes directly over the water. Kids and adults will love climbing on top of Rock Bridge arch for a fun photo op.
Creation Falls has a few vantage points from the trail and is easy to access. It’s recommended that you plan 1-2 hours to be able to relax and enjoy time by the waterfall and exploring Rock Bridge.
Relax at a Swimming Hole with a Sandy Beach
Creation Falls is the perfect spot to pack a picnic lunch or spend the afternoon. It’s also a good bribe. My kids are always more motivated to hike a trail if they know that there is a waterfall involved.
Kids will love playing in the soft sand on the beach and the waterfall makes a small slide to go down. They can also splash around in the shallow water.
Plan Ahead for Your Visit to the Waterfall
If you are visiting the waterfall with younger kids, I highly recommend having them wear a swimsuit and bringing a change of clothes.
It’s also good to have water shoes for walking across the stepping stones in creekbed to get to the waterfall.
There is also another creek nearby if you want more space to spread out and explore.
If you plan on staying for a while a blanket or a sheet would also be nice to sit on. I even saw kids playing with sand toys there.
Pack a backpack with drinks and snacks and make sure that you carry out your trash.
Driving Directions to Rock Bridge Trail
Directions to trailhead From Slade, take KY 15 for 7 miles to KY 715. Turn left on 715 and go 0.3 miles to Rock Bridge Road on the right. Follow this road to Rock Bridge Recreation Area.
More Things to Do at Red River Gorge
There are several stops that are perfect for a day trip at Red River Gorge.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is always a great start and then you can branch out and explore other trails if it’s your first time visiting the area. Tickets for the skylift chair lift can either be a round trip ticket or one way.
I recommend enjoying a round trip ride and hiking around the top of Natural Bridge, viewing it from below, and taking in the views from afar once you reach the top.
This will help you cover more ground in a day so that you can do more hikes. It’s also a great option if you are traveling with multi-gen family members.
Where to Stay at Red River Gorge
If you are looking for a great place to stay during your visit to Red River Gorge, I highly recommend Cliffview Resort. It’s very family-friendly and you can even go zip lining onsite.
The property feels like a getaway but it’s also a reasonable drive to popular trails in the area. This is a great option if you want to relax and take in the area at a slower pace.
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