After leaving Cumberland Gap and Cumberland Falls, while on our way home, we stopped for a nice hike at one of our favorite places, Yahoo Falls (not far from Whitley City, KY). This is in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area.
We have been here several times --at different times of the year. We knew that, due to the drought this year, there wouldn't be much water coming over the falls.. But--the hike to the falls and the area itself is fabulous --as you will see from our pictures.
The above picture shows the trail which leads us by some huge rock croppings as we go down into the gorge. All of these pictures were taken on September 25, 2010. Below are more.
There are two ways to hike into the gorge... You can do what we did (see picture above) by going down the steps they have built. OR--you can go around the gorge and enter on the other side... We chose to go down the steps ---and then we hiked back out by going around the other way. There is an arch you can also hike to --but we didn't do that this time.
Look at some of the huge rocks and boulders in this area... This is a fabulous hike even in the hot summer --since you can cool off in this shady, secluded area. There are rocks to sit on along the way---so that you can take in the beauty all around you.
Here's another picture of the trail we hiked... Since it was September, there wasn't much Autumn color yet --but the ferns were still as green as can be!!!!! It would be nice to see this area when the Fall colors are showing off!!!!
Of course, I had to sit and relax a bit also ---just wishing I could stay there forever.. What a gorgeous place!!!!!
Finally, here is one more picture of the trail we hiked. The trail is in good shape --and really is a fun hike to take. AND--if you are ever near Highway 27 in southern Kentucky, this hike is not far from there... We highly recommend it.
Tomorrow, I'll show you the waterfall itself --and the big bowl surrounding it.
Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Wonderful photos from your hike Betsy! It is a beautiful place and a nice place to hike.
ReplyDeleteThe trail looks like it is hiked quite a bit. I love the big boulders.
ReplyDeleteGoodness ~ those are some amazing rocks Betsy! Looks like you had a terrific day. Good for you!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
What a wonderful place to hike and view. Wish I could have joined you on that one!
ReplyDeleteLooks like it would be a gorgeous hike any time of the year. You and George sure do visit a lot of amazing places, wonderful!
ReplyDeleteNothing like amazing and awesome sized rocks to make us feel our true size in relation to the Creator!
ReplyDeleteYAHOO ? what a name!
Gave me a chuckle this morning.
Beautiful ... (not the steps) the scenery!!!
ReplyDeleteYour right Betsy, this is a beautiful place for hiking. The rock formations in this area are huge and gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another wonderful journey I would love to take.
be well, be happy :)
I had never heard of Yahoo Falls so thank you for sharing! Learn of many new places from you and love to pass them on to the daughters and families. Can't wait to see the falls.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to hike. I would have preferred the path to those stairs.
ReplyDeleteHowever, you and George scare me how you love to take pictures of each other under giant boulders.
I keep thinking the ones you sometimes sit on were once "up there". Color me scaredy cat.
mmmm mmm mmmmmm.... goodness gracious ~ those are some big old rocks!!!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, you made me want to drive up to the place and hike it...that is until I saw those 99 stairs that you have to climb! ☻
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, These are beautiful photos. The rocks are magnificent! I'm looking forward to seeing the falls tomorrow. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! You look like you're having so much fun!
ReplyDeleteLove it Betsy! It is so beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful area. (but everywhere you visit seems gorgeous!)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...those stairs!! yikes.
This looks like a really neat place! But, my first thought was, "Betsy, do you really want to do all those stairs?"
ReplyDeleteAwesome boulders, you look like ants near the boulders! It must be a terrific hike, it must have been difficult to use those tall steps...But most of all i really appreciate your uniform, that's too sweet. Excited waiting for your fall photos. Now whenever i see falls, i remember you. There is also a very big waterfalls in Mindanao called Tinago Falls, i am sure you will love it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful hike. Looks like your knee has made a complete recovery! YeeHaw!
ReplyDeletesince I love rocks, boulders, stones and pebbles as much as you and george love waterfalls, this is my favorite post ever. also added in the photos were in my favorite of all states, KY. amazing boulders and trails and i would love love love to hike down those steps and back the other way. incredicle mountain trails. can you tell i got excited over this post????
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are huge rock cliffs! Beautiful scenery to hike in. I imagine it's more fun going down those steps than up - haha!
ReplyDelete☼ Sunny
You and George really know how to find the most beautiful places.
ReplyDeleteOh that really DOES look like a wonderful place & the huge rock formations would keep in engrossed!
ReplyDeleteWoW, Betsy, great hike that must have been!!!
Looks like a really nice hike! Now if I just had a hiking partner!(Jeep doesn't like to hike)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike! Reminds me of some of the hikes up around Monteagle. Love the Stone Door hike:)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous place Betsy. I love those rocks it looks like here, where we live!!
ReplyDeleteHow is your knee holding up with all the hiking?
What beautiful shots. I love the rocks!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, those stairs are frightening! I'm afraid of heights and don't do stairs that you can see through!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a beautiful place to hike. I know I would really love to hike there. Too bad it's all the way across the country from me. Those cliffs make you guys look like little ants they are so big.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos! This is my first visit here but I'll be back. Your blog is interesting and quite inviting. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteYahoo Falls, what a funny name! I'll try really hard to refrain from any jokes about it, there are countless possibilities! Yikes, those steps!! Don't get me started! Here's what comes to mind right away on this cool post. You are both put into such perspective in God's great creation. Who are we that he should think of us and love us? Disobediant little children. and yet we're his children...hey, I sense a post on this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place! I love the rocks!
ReplyDeleteBetsy that looks like a challenging hike! Going down lots of steps is a killer for my knee..I'd rather climb up steps anytime. It's wonderful you and George stay so active! I can't wait to see the falls!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice area to play. I like to climb abd clamber over all.
ReplyDeleteThank you Betsy again for taking us along on another great trip. I envy you and George, but in the same time happy for you. No, those flowers are from my yard.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful place with all those huge rocks. Your knee must be completely healed to be able to handle those stairs,wow, good for you.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed tomorrow
Marilyn
What a beautiful area! I admire your hiking abilities, Betsy. You and George must have a lot of stamina! Can't wait to see the falls.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Cheryl
You two look so teensy next to those huge rocks. Nice place to explore. Diane
ReplyDeletebeautiful area. i think i would take the steps. you would have to wear good shoes for hiking. thanks for your sweet comment on my post re decorating. i had taken some days off and took the young friend that i have mentioned in my previous pst. i have christmas dinnerware. we shall have to share photos. take care. rose
ReplyDeletelove this pics from the hike!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place, those huge rocks are just fabulous. I'll bet the colors there are so pretty in the fall. I really like the photo of you at the top of the stairs.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the waterfall.
Looks like a pretty interesting hike.
ReplyDeleteYou two amaze me! You must be in really great shape to be able to hike through all these trails! I expected George to next take a photo of you rappelling up that huge rock!:)
ReplyDeleteCan just imagine what the colors would look like right now -- magnificent, I bet!
The trail is beautiful! That's quite an impressive stairway, too.
ReplyDeleteLove it! This is my kind of place. We've never been to BSF but it's on my list!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness Betsy, what a gorgeous area to hike and visit! I am just awestruck by the huge boulders/rock formations. As for the steps...whew! Maybe a quick slide down the "bannister" railings??
ReplyDelete