This is the fifth in my series of blog post about short hikes on the Kentucky side of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and this one features the Devil’s Jump Rapids.
This class IV rapid is best known for the challenge it presents to paddlers, but for those who prefer dry land, you can also get a great, fairly close-up view of Devil’s Jump with a short hike from the Blue Heron Mining Camp parking area. For background on the source of the rapid’s wicked name, check out The Legend of Devil’s Jump on the official park website.
As with my previous post about Cracks in the Rocks, this spot is actually on the 6.4-mile Blue Heron Loop hiking trail. Again, I don’t consider 6 miles to be a “short” hike, but Devil’s Jump can also be visited as a separate out-and-back short hike!
The trail for this section of the loop starts at the end of the parking area at Blue Heron, near the boat ramp that accesses the river. The round trip out-and-back is approximately 1 mile. The trail is mostly easy, with a few downed trees to navigate over or under. When you reach Devil’s Jump, it’s also possible to climb out on the boulders for a closer view, but exercise caution so as not to fall into the fast-moving river.
For an alternate view from a considerably higher point, a short drive back up the hill from the Blue Heron Mining Camp and out a side road will take you to the parking area for the Devil’s Jump Overlook, and an awesome view is just a short, paved trail away!
For more information about the Blue Heron Loop and a map of BSF’s Kentucky hiking trails, check out the park’s official Kentucky Hiking Brochure.