Beautiful Waterfall Day Trip to Springs Cove

We took a small day trip to the neighboring town of Frankfort, Kentucky… it just so happens to also be Kentucky’s state capitol. Was a lovely little hike with Gemma Roop and the kids. Take a look at our pretty little adventure!

We love chasing waterfalls! We often are searching for different areas in and out of our home state that have waterfalls- especially lesser-known ones. This little gem in nestled away close to the Kentucky River, in Cove Spring Park- Frankfort, KY. It is a 250 acre park with lots of hiking trails, ravines, streams, springs, and waterfalls.

It is easy to find on Apple or Google Maps, however, it will lead you to 2 different places, based on what you’re looking for. There is one area that is the park- it is higher up on a ridge and has the access to all the hiking trails in the area. This is the place we chose as we wanted to hike. There is also a handicap accessible area at the base of the trails, where the waterfalls are located. It’s also wheelchair accessible which is a plus! There are parking lots at each site, as well.

The trails are very well marked and maintained. We started on the Osage Trail and ended up winding down to the upland trail that would take us to the waterfall/springs area. Trails are easy to follow- probably would consider it a moderate hike- just due to the fact it does go down into a ravine and requires stepping down some areas that are rocky and slick at times, although this was not an issue for us and Gemma Roop 🙂

This hike is heavily wooded with dirt trails (mostly). There are a few cool spots of old historic ruins. This area was Frankfort’s first water reserve system that began around 1804. There are old overflow towers and dam walls you can see throughout the different hikes in the area. We did some exploring of a couple of these- it’s interesting how Frankfort used a natural spring to maintain its water supply in the early days. Pretty innovative!

At the bottom of the ravine, is the main stream/springs area. Of course, Gemma Roop had to stop for a quick drink HAHAHA. There is a medium-sized waterfall at the base of the ravine that was running well the day we hiked.

Beautiful waterfall! You can easily explore up and down the stream, as well. There are more trails at the base of the ravine that may be more walk-friendly. We did notice a trail that was paved, as well. Next, we ventured over to the spring fed waterfall. It was running a little slow the day we went. But it was still gorgeous! Lots of green and old rock formation, the sounds were fantastic. There is a small bridge directly in front of the springs for people to take pictures or enjoy the scenery of the springs. The water was extremely clear and, from what I have read, runs pretty much all year round. We took this opportunity to get our usual waterfall pics, including a Gemma Roop 🙂

She was such a good girl, as always. The kids had a great time too! We highly recommend this area to anyone that is close by… there are shelters you can rent, as well. Check out the website linked for information about this!! https://www.frankfort.ky.gov/751/Cove-Spring-Park

This was a great little day trip for our family! We plan to go back and explore a bit more when we have more time!

Happy hiking, friends!

And remember… Do good, Bee happy, Bee well! Ciao!