Creation Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Red River Gorge, and rightfully so. Even though it’s a small waterfall, the shallow pool and beach at the base invite hikers to cool off and splash around.
The trail leading to the waterfall is one of the best hikes in Red River Gorge. It’s a manageable length and features the natural beauty that Daniel Boone National Forest is known for. And, of course, the trail features the Rock Bridge, the only natural bridge in Red River Gorge that crosses over water.
The kids loved our hike to Creation Falls and the Rock Bridge. We had fun wading around in the cool water at the base of the falls and chasing around the dog of another hiker.
If you’re considering hiking the Rock Bridge Trail to Creation Falls on your next trip to Red River Gorge, the guide below shares everything you need to know. So let’s go!
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Creation Falls: A Popular Red River Gorge Waterfall Trail
We loved our visit to Red River Gorge! The beautiful stone arches and fun trails make it one of the best places to hike with kids on the East Coast.
The only downside to Red River Gorge is the lack of official waterfall trails. When hiking with the kids, I like to keep it safe.
However, when researching Red River Gorge Waterfalls, the one that came up the most was Creation Falls. It’s a small but pretty waterfall along the Rock Bridge Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest.
Creation Falls isn’t too tall, about 12 feet, but it is still beautiful and offers a lot of fun at its base. And the “grottos” surrounding the falls add to its beauty, while the clear pool at its base is a fun place to cool off.
As one of the best things to do in Red River Gorge, you’ll want to do the Rock Bridge Trail to Creation Falls during your visit.
Things to Know Before You Hike the Rock Bridge Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest
Limited Cell Service
Cell service can be spotty in Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge area as a whole. It’s best practice to download a map before you start your hike.
Wildlife
Red River Gorge is home to many species of wildlife, including the occasional black bear and poisonous snakes. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for the wildlife.
Pets
Pets are allowed on the trails in Daniel Boone National Forest, including the trail to Creation Falls and the Rock Bridge.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Places like Creation Falls are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues.
We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels), and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Parking for Rock Bridge Trail
The parking area for the Rock Bridge Trail to Creation Falls is at the end of a 3-mile-long, unpaved road filled with bumps and potholes. You’ll want a vehicle that can handle the uneven terrain.
Parking for the Rock Bridge Trail is a larger loop that can hold a few dozen vehicles. It fills up quickly on the weekends, especially in the summer, so arrive early.
There is also a picnic area and vault toilets at the parking lot.
Hike to Creation Falls Via Rock Bridge Trail
| Trail Location: | Rock Bridge Picnic Area via Rock Bridge Road in Daniel Boone National Forrest (Trail #207) |
| Trail Length: | 1.5 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 300 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Rock Bridge Trail
The Rock Bridge Trail is one of our favorite hikes in Red River Gorge. The semi-paved trail is steep and rocky in sections but is on the easy side of moderate. It was fun to do after completing the trail to Grays Arch since we could cool off in the pool by Creation Falls.
We went counter-clockwise on the trail, starting with stairs. This gave us a more gradual incline at the end of the loop.
If you go counter-clockwise, starting at the eastern trailhead, the Rock Bridge and waterfall will be closer to the end of the loop, so you’ll have a shorter walk back to the parking lot.
Creation Falls
At about 12 feet, Creation Falls waterfall isn’t the tallest waterfall in Red River Gorge. But it still makes an impression!
Following the Rock Bridge Fork, you’ll encounter the top of Creation Falls. You may be tempted to cross the water at that point and follow the makeshift path down to the beach area. However, the rocks could be slippery at that point.
Instead, continue down Rock Bridge Trail until you see Swift Camp Creek. There, you can go off the trail towards the creek and cross over to the beach area of Creation Falls.
The pool at the base of Creation Falls isn’t too deep. It was about 12-18 inches deep during our visit. However, wading around in the water and exploring the “grotto” area is still fun.
While we were there, some visitors took turns climbing up and sliding down Creation Falls. If you want to try that on your visit, make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting wet!
The Rock Bridge
Crossing the Swift Camp Creek, the Rock Bridge is the only natural arch in Red River Gorge that spans over water. The bridge is one of the park’s smaller natural arches, but it is still big enough to make an impression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creation Falls in Red River Gorge
How Long Does it Take to Hike to Creation Falls?
The hike to Creation Falls from the parking lot is about .7 miles and will take about 20 minutes. The entire loop is about 1.5 miles and will take about 45 minutes to complete.
Can You Swim at Creation Falls?
At about one foot deep, the pool at the base of Creation Falls is too shallow for swimming. However, it still is fun for wading around, so wear a bathing suit and bring a towel.
Is There Camping at Creation Falls?
The closest campground to Creation Falls and the Rock Bridge Trail is Koomer Ridge Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest, about 20 minutes away. The campground has showers and flush toilets.
Other Hikes Near Rock Bridge Trail and Creation Falls
Swift Camp Creek Trail #219
The closest hike to the Rock Bridge Trail is the Swift Camp Creek Trail, which connects to the Rock Bridge Trail right near the Rock Bridge arch. The trail is considered difficult and is 7 miles long. It follows the Swift Camp Creek and terminates at Sky Bridge Road (KY 715).
Turtle Back Arch Trail
The Turtle Back Arch Trail is an unofficial trail that begins about 1 mile before the Rock Bridge parking area. The trail is a 2.2-mile, out-and-back hike that is considered difficult. You can also get to Turtle Back Arch via the Swift Camp Creek Trail.
Rock Bridge and Creation Falls Wrap-Up
We loved the Rock Bridge Trail to Creation Falls! It was definitely one of our favorite things to do in Red River Gorge. The kids loved splashing around at the base of the falls.
Since the trail is short and can be completed in less than an hour (or more if you play at the falls), you can easily combine it with some of the other fun hikes in Red River Gorge, like the hike to Grays Arch, Sky Bridge Arch, or Natural Bridge.
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