💦🐾 Hiking to Hidden Copperas Falls with Simba the Adventure Pup - Clifty Wilderness, KY 🌲⛰️

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I took a turn off the beaten path to explore one of Red River Gorge’s most secluded waterfall gems: Copperas Falls in Clifty Wilderness near Pine Ridge, Kentucky. 🐶💚

If you love hidden hikes, rugged terrain, and discovering peaceful cascades tucked deep in the forest, this one’s for you. It’s not an official trail, but it’s a must-see for experienced hikers and curious pups willing to get a little muddy in exchange for pure trail magic. 🌿💦

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Copperas Falls – Clifty Wilderness, Pine Ridge, KY
Distance: ~3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to rugged (unmarked trail, creek crossings, rock scrambles)
Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba loved the adventure 🐾
Trail Type: Out and back (unofficial/user-created trail)
Highlights: Hidden waterfall, solitude, forest beauty, shallow creeks

🥾 The Hike In

We parked near the Copperas Creek trail area (unmarked), followed the user-created path into the forest, and started our journey by listening for the sound of water — it’s your best trail guide on this one! 🎧🌊

The route winds through dense woods, across shallow creeks, under rock overhangs, and over fallen trees. It’s rugged and wild, with no signage and very little cell signal, but it’s also peaceful, quiet, and full of that untouched wilderness feel. 🌲🪨

🐶 Simba’s Kind of Trail

Simba was thriving on this one:

💧 Splashing through creeks
🐾 Navigating mossy rocks like a pro
🐶 Sniffing every fern and fallen log
🛁 Getting very muddy… and very happy

We took our time, followed the trail markers left by others (small footpaths, tree ribbons), and eventually heard the unmistakable roar of falling water — Copperas Falls calling! 💦👂

💦 Discovering Copperas Falls

This waterfall feels like your own private retreat — no crowds, no railings, no fences. Just the soft crash of water into a shaded grotto, with towering cliffs and moss-covered stone all around.

We took a break on the rocks, had a snack, and soaked in the sounds of the forest. Simba flopped down with a muddy belly and the biggest golden smile on his face. 🐶❤️

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail Tips

✔️ Leash up, especially near slick rocks and creek crossings
✔️ Bring a towel (trust me, your dog will get wet!)
✔️ Water + snacks — it’s a workout getting there
✔️ This hike is best for confident trail dogs and humans — not recommended for beginners
✔️ Simba’s trail rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 “Wild, wet, and perfect!”

🚐 RV Travel Notes

• No direct RV access — park your rig at a nearby campground like Koomer Ridge
• Bring your tow vehicle or van to reach the forest roads
• No bathrooms, no services — plan ahead!

🎥 Watch the Full Adventure


This week’s video captures:

🎬 Our full hike to Copperas Falls
🐶 Simba splashing, sniffing, and smiling his way through Clifty Wilderness
💧 Hidden waterfall views + trail tips for off-map hiking
🌿 All the messy, magical moments from the road

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📲 Follow us: @lifeonpawsandwheels

✨ Why We Loved It

✔️ A true hidden gem in Red River Gorge
✔️ Solitude, scenery, and a bit of mystery
✔️ The kind of hike that rewards patience and curiosity
✔️ One of Simba’s favorite wild adventures yet 🐾🌲

If you love finding the trails most people miss, Copperas Falls is a must-do. Just bring your sense of adventure, your pup, and a towel for the ride home. 😅

Until next time — happy hikes, hidden falls, and muddy paws!
– Ash & Simba 🐾💦🌿

Location: Pine Ridge, KY 41360, USA

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