Bear Creek Falls (5138)

Total Miles 2.4
Technical Rating
2 Easy
Best Time Spring
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

Access to a beautiful waterfall into the Rockcastle River. Characteristics of an old Forest Service Road. Large gravel, dirt, and shallow water crossings. Some washouts around one foot deep. Beautiful drive through a less-trafficked area of Daniel Boone National Forest. There is a possibility of downed trees at times, as this is rarely maintained. This trail intersects the Sheltowee Trace, DO NOT attempt to drive the Sheltowee Trace.

Photos of Bear Creek Falls (5138)

Difficulty

Washouts and shallow creek crossings.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Randy H
Oct 27, 2025
Open
The initial downhill portion of the trail had some deep washouts, ~2ft, that required straddling or hugging the edge of the trail to proceed. Hugging the edge of the trail in one spot left very little room for error. Would advise not doing it in wet conditions if traveling alone. Other than that it was an easy ride with 2 creek crossings maybe 1ft in depth and a few other washout areas that were easily straddled/ bypassed. We stopped at the turn around area just past where the hiking trail intersects the road, and then found an old logging road to walk to the creek and then back upstream for the falls. Very muddy in the creek bottom, but the waterfall isn't too far of a hike. In hindsight the walking trail would probably put you right next to the falls, but the kids enjoyed the adventure. I would rank the trail overall a 2/3 for average washouts, but give the larger washout a 4/5 just for the wetness of today and the slick leaves pulling you towards the drop off. Stock 05 Silverado with 33's.
Jacob Brown
Jun 18, 2025
Open
Hit the trail post a rain storm the morning of. Both water crossings were still accessible and just over a foot with all of the rain. I believe it averages around half a foot deep or less during dryer conditions. Worth noting, the first quarter mile of the trail was pretty carved out due to natural erosion from annual rainfall, but it’s still very manageable as with spots to cross over the ruts. The rest of the trail was very manageable/enjoyable. Also worth noting, once you get to the end of the trail, you there is a turnaround point and then you will have a to drive back to the start. In total it took almost an hour there and back. Overall a solid solo trail with a little technique at the start of the trail.
Brian Foard
Jun 07, 2025
Open
Shortly after the road starts descending from the ridge, a shallow rut starts. This rut quickly became 2 feet deep winding across the trail. Most likely from recent spring storms.

Bear Creek Falls (5138) Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Bear Creek Falls (5138) Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map