Kings Bluff Trail

"Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated" - Confucius

Difficulty - ✹✹ (Out of 5)

Scenic Beauty - ✰✰✰✰✰ (Out of 5)

Directions - click here

Kings Bluff is the sister trail of Pedestal Rocks and can be found about 45 miles north of Clarksville off Interstate 40.  It's a loop trail only 1.7 miles in length and is moderate to easy.  The first half mile or so is pretty bland as you walk to the bluff and the only thing of real interest was a terrapin that I encountered on the trail.   However, once you get to the bluff line you will encounter amazing rock formations, vistas and if your timing is right, a majestic waterfall.

Inside Info - I really didn't have very high expectations for this hike and to be honest, the first half mile was fairly unimpressive.  I arrived about noon on a hot, sweltering August day and there were no other cars at the parking area at the trailhead.   In fact may only company while on the trail was a small terrapin that I came across early on the trail.  The forest was very dense and terrain fairly flat until it winds down a hillside to Haw Creek at the bottom of a ravine.  Once there you follow the creek until you arrive at King's Bluff and on the day I was there, the waterfall was fantastic.  The waterfall itself has about a 120 ft drop into a shallow pool below.  The view from the bluff is awesome and is guarded by a protective rail.  I was determined to find a path to the valley to be able to view the waterfall from below and about 50 yards past the bluff along the trail you will see a small path that meanders back and forth to the ravine and eventually to the base of the waterfall.  Along this path you may also encounter several smaller waterfalls and a few cave formations.   I spent probably 30 minutes soaking in the atmosphere at the base of the falls before making the trek back to the top.  Even if there were no more sights along the trail the bluff and waterfall would have been enough but there were several more smaller bluffs and awesome rock formations the rest of the way.  If you have kids with you be careful because the other bluffs don't have guard rails and it could be dangerous for the little ones so pay attention.  There is a sign at the trailhead warning you that there are bears in the area but I saw no tracks or signs of any kind.  All in all this was a great hike and one that I highly recommend.

Final Word - This is a relatively short and easy hike that I highly recommend for people of all ages who have only moderate fitness and mobility.  There are no particularly steep climbs or descents unless you venture to the bottom of the main waterfall.  The bluff, vistas and rock formations are really impressive but do exercise caution if you have young children with you.  

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Trailhead Pic

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