Hiking to Copperas Creek Falls with Kids
The kids playing around the pool formed by Copperas Creek Falls
Copperas Creek Falls Trail:
This is an unofficial and unmarked trail in the Red River Gorge Geologic area. I don’t usually recommend trying unmarked trails with kids, but this one is hard to get lost on because you are following the creek bed for the entire route. It is also a moderately popular hike and well-worn. The giant rock house with Copperas fall spilling 42 feet over its roof into a cool pool below is a great payout for kids. In the summer, the water, which comes mostly from underground springs, is still surprisingly refreshing. The deep creek bed, with boulders on each side gives a cathedral feel to parts of this hike as well. My kids love this hike, because it has a good payout with minimal elevation change. We have even jogged this trail once before for a fun footwork challenge. Despite this being an unmarked trail, it still makes my list of top 10 favorite RRG hikes to do with kids.
Small water fall along Copperas Creek
Length:
3.1 miles out and back
Difficulty:
Easy-moderate. The main difficulty of this hike is the uneven trail and multiple creek crossings. There are actually several common use trails and you can either walk in the creek bed itself, if the water is low, or choose the trail on either side of the creek. When walking in and crossing the creek, you will need sure footing. As a result, this isn’t a good trail for elderly people or people with balance issues. Kids love jumping on the rocks and exploring the creek, making this a good trail for kids ages 4 and up.
Elevation change:
167 feet up on the way out and down on the way back
Payout:
8/10
The 42 ft drop of Copperas Creek Falls into a pool filled with small fish.
Best time to hike Copperas Creek trail:
This trail could be difficult after big rains since crossing the creek and walking in the creek will be more challenging. On the other hand, the waterfall payout will be larger at that time. This is a four season hike, with benefits to all seasons. We have done the hike on a 45 degree day and an 85 degree day. Hiking this trail in the snow is also on my list of things to do in the future.
Dangers: There are no large drops around this trail, which makes it relatively stress free with kids. We did encounter a Yellowjacket nest on the trail in the creek embankment about 1 mile into the trail. Once we recognized it, we were able to avoid it. You wouldn’t have to worry about stinging insects three seasons of the year.
Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on leash.
The trailhead to the north of KY-715 heading up the creek bed.
Trailhead:
Since this is an unofficial trail, there is no marker for the trail head. If you search Google maps for the Copperas falls trailhead, however, it will take you to the right place. You can either park in the Eagle Point Butress Parking lot or park along KY-715 northwest of the Eagle Point Parking lot. The trailhead is located along the north side of the road, across from the river, in a relatively flat area just east of the creek itself.
Dry creek bed coursing between two large boulders. Copperas Creek.
Following the Copperas Creek trail:
As I mentioned before, there are multiple common use trails that work their way along each side of the creek to ultimately reach Copperas falls. We have never taken the same route twice on this trail and you can choose any of the trail options depending on conditions. Just make sure you do not take any trails that lead away from the creek. I prefer walking in the creek itself when possible, because I like the way out feels to walk between the large boulders that line the creek. Once you reach the falls, just follow the creek back to the trail head.
Crossing Copperas Creek using a fallen hemlock tree.
Tips for Copperas Creek Falls Trail Hike:
Wear shoes that can get wet due to the multiple creek crossings.
Do not follow any trails that lead perpendicular to the creek.
Watch out for yellowjackets in the summer.
Pack a snack/picnic for the falls and plan to spend some time playing there.
Don’t do this hike with anyone that doesn’t have sure footing as there is a good bit of boulder hopping.
Final thoughts:
This is a fun and easy-moderate hike that isn’t quite as crowded as other trails in the RRG. It is good for kids because the challenges of the hike (boulder hopping) are fun for them and there are relatively few dangers along the way. The waterfall and large rock house at the end of the hike also make a lovely natural playground for kids. Share your experiences with Copperas Falls Hike in the comments below.
The water hits hard when cooling off in Copperas Creek Falls.