Lick Creek Falls Parking Lot - Whitley City, KY
Lick Creek Falls Parking Lot in Whitley City, KY, offers a fantastic starting point for dog-friendly hiking adventures along pet-friendly trails. This area features a well-maintained trail that leads through lush vegetation, impressive limestone rock formations, and a scenic canyon, making it a unique outdoor experience for dog owners and nature lovers alike. The trail is moderate in difficulty, suitable for those in reasonably good shape, and provides a refreshing escape with cooler temperatures and beautiful views.
Dog owners will appreciate the opportunity for their pets to enjoy cooling off in the creek along the trail, as well as the chance to explore a natural environment rich with wildlife activity, including beaver dams and diverse plant life. The parking area is small but convenient, making it an ideal spot for a quick getaway or a longer visit to the adjacent Big South Fork Recreation Area. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a more challenging hike, this dog park in Whitley City, KY, is a hidden gem for pet-friendly outdoor fun.
FAQ for Lick Creek Falls Parking Lot in Whitley City Kentucky:
- Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is at the Lick Creek Falls Parking Lot located on Stearns Ranger Sta Rd, Whitley City, KY 42653.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there is an easy in/out trail starting at the parking lot, featuring impressive caves, rock formations, and a scenic view of the Cumberland River. The trail also leads to Lick Creek Falls and Princess Falls.
- Is the park open year-round? While not explicitly stated, reviews mention hiking at different times, suggesting the park and trails are accessible year-round.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the hiking trail is described as wide and well maintained, making it easy to navigate.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trail goes through lush vegetation and a canyon which is reported to feel cooler, indicating natural shade along the route.
Reviews
Best hiking I’ve done in a long time, beautiful trail! It’s not an easy trail, so be in shape!
This is a gem of a hike. It starts off somewhat unimpressively, with a simple trail through relatively flat terrain. About a mile in, it drops into a canyon (via ladders & switchbacks) and follows Lick Creek over, around, and through massive limestone formations – including a cave and numerous overhangs. The end of the trail (its an out and back) is a circle theatre finish, with a waterfall cascading off the top – roughly 70-80 feet up (don’t hold me to that – a guess). Great little 3 hour hike – have done it twice, once a.m. and once p.m. Both slots provide uniquely different lighting scenarios, particularly with fall colors (last visit three weeks ago). Moderate hiking level, but doable for anyone in reasonably good shape. Great way to start – or finish – a longer visit to the adjacent Big South Fork Recreation Area.
09/22, Sunday. A easy in/out trail with impressive cave, rock formation. In about 4 miles reaching cumberland river, then turned back and visited lick creek falls by a side trail. Very Dry season, only a little dripping at princess falls, and bone dry at lick creek falls. Lickcreek falls is very like Ozone falls, but with much less water. Saw many beaver activities presence. Beaver dam, chewed down trees. This is new to me, I have hiked this trail several times in last a few years. Have not seen much mushrooms this time. I am only one on the trail this morning. My dog enjoyed any opportunity cooling off in the creek.
You have to do this hike, the first mile is just nice trail walking with lots of huge mushrooms (Aug 24), but then you get into what feels like Jerrasic Park. The lush vegatation combined with surprisingly huge rock formations make you feel like you are in another world, also it feels at least 15 degrees cooler. I turned around after 2.6 miles out and never saw the waterfall, but maybe I turned around just a little bit too soon. Still, I am not sad, because the views were amazing. Another thing that is great, is that you will not get lost. The trail is wide and well maintained. Enjoy this incredible gem!!
Parking area is small but the hiking trail head is fantastic. The falls are spectacular.