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Van Hook Falls

📍 London, KY🥾 2.75 mi round trip · moderate🎟 No fees are required for this site

A 40-foot waterfall on the Sheltowee Trace; 2.75-mile moderate hike with no fees.

DirectionsOfficial site

Getting there

moderate2.75 mi round trip40 ft

No fees are required for this site

Conditions

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Our take

Van Hook Falls is a 40-foot waterfall located in Daniel Boone National Forest’s London Ranger District, near London in Laurel County. The waterfall is accessed via the Sheltowee Trace Trail (KY 192 Trailhead), a 2.75-mile round-trip hike with moderate difficulty. No fees are required to access the trail.

The Sheltowee Trace is a major trail in Daniel Boone National Forest, well-maintained and marked. The moderate difficulty and documented site status (“Site Open”) make this a reliable destination for visitors looking for an official, maintained waterfall trail experience. The 2.75-mile round trip is a manageable half-day outing.

The U.S. Forest Service maintains the trailhead and marks it as permanently open. Check the Forest Service website or stop at the ranger district office for current trail conditions and seasonal information.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Year-round access; site marked 'Site Open' on official page.

Who it suits

Good for

  • moderate hiking
  • waterfall viewing
  • Sheltowee Trace trail

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Van Hook Falls?

No fees are required for this site

How do I get to Van Hook Falls?

Via a 2.75-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.

Van Hook Falls in Cumberland Falls Country

We track 8 waterfalls in Cumberland Falls Country.

Other waterfalls near London

There is 1 other waterfall we track in Laurel. All Cumberland Falls Country waterfalls →

Quick facts

Height40 ft
Trail2.75 mi round trip
Difficultymoderate
Fee / permitNo fees are required for this site
Managing agencyU.S. Forest Service — Daniel Boone National Forest (London Ranger District)
DogsNot published
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyLaurel
RegionCumberland Falls Country
Official pageView source ↗

Directions

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Source

fs.usda.gov

Height (40 ft), 'no fees required,' coordinates, and 'Site Open' status all from the official U.S. Forest Service Sheltowee Trace KY 192 Trailhead recreation page, checked live 2026-09-04. Trail length (2.75 mi round trip) from the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission's official trailhead flyer, not independently confirmed by the Forest Service page. Closure check: page shows 'Site Open'.

Checked September 2026.