Hiking to Calista Falls and Bandy Creek Falls in Big South Fork with Bret and Mandy. Amazing Folks!

Bret and I had been in contact for some time. He and Mandy planned a trip to Big South Fork and wanted to see some off trail waterfalls. Calista Falls and Bandy Creek Falls came to mind. Both are outstanding waterfalls but have no trails to them. Neither falls are easy to find. I had been to both previously and they were very interested.
I’m care sure they loved them both.
We had a great day of hiking and friendship. We said our goodbyes near the end of the day. I headed home, Bret and Mandy were going to East Rim Overlook for the sunset.
Big South Fork never runs out of things to see, especially for adventurous off trail hikers. Come on back guys, I’ll be happy to accompany to more!

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

I love the beautiful waterfalls and the great nature around it. 😊😊😊

[@papawinthewoods]

There’s a lot of amazing things like this in Big South Fork. What more could anyone want than a nice hike to spectacular waterfalls and not seeing anyone else all day! Take care and stay healthy!

[@JUANORQUIO]

WoW! That’s Lovely! Absolutely Stunning And Breathtaking! 🤩❤️✨

[@papawinthewoods]

Thank you Juan! There are a lot of waterfalls like these in Big South Fork without trails to them. I’m trying to get them out there for the world to see and hopefully trails will be built. I appreciate it! Take care, stay healthy and safe.

[@Packsalot]

Nice meetup and hike. Those were some beautiful falls. Plus you had them all to yourselves. So awesome. Take care and have a wonderful day.

[@papawinthewoods]

Thanks Steve. If you ever make it out this far East again, spend a few days and nights in Big South Fork. I’d be more than happy to show you around. It’s definitely not crowded here at all. Google “Charit Creek Lodge” sometime. That would be a great place for you and Kristy to spend a night. Take care and stay safe!

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

That was a beautiful walk in the woods. I enjoyed the scenery and the falls. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@papawinthewoods]

Thank you for watching and leaving the nice comment. I’m so fortunate to live in a beautiful place like Big South Fork. I’m sure there are more off trail, undocumented waterfalls like these. I’m going to try to find them this winter. I appreciate it so much nationalparksprincess. Please take care and stay safe.

[@cindystelzman3570]

Lovely falls

[@papawinthewoods]

It sure is Cindy. I have to go back when there’s a lot of water flowing. Thanks, and take care!

[@whatthefunkwasithinking7645]

Another Great Video and even w a few of my NKY Folks :) Thanks Papaw!

[@papawinthewoods]

Yep, Northern Kentuckians for sure… “FLORENCE Y’ALL” like it says it says on the water tower by I-75. These are a couple of BSFs finest waterfalls and not terribly hard to get to. Appreciate it! Take care!

[@ervinslens]

These shots are just fantastic my friend! Absolutely amazing work!

[@papawinthewoods]

I sure appreciate that ervinslens. I just try to do the best I can. Thank you, be safe and stay healthy my friend.

[@homesteadingwithsadie]

oh wow those falls are gorgeous ,

[@papawinthewoods]

@@homesteadingwithsadie Thank you Robin, yes they both are gorgeous. I watched your short on the rain bands from tropical storm Debbie. You guys are pretty soggy it looks like. Stay dry, keep safe and take care.

[@JimHayesHiking]

Man those Bandy Creek Falls are amazing! Seemed like some good folks you hiked with. Nicely done my friend!

[@papawinthewoods]

If you ever make it over this way I’ll show these waterfalls and some other off trail things that are rarely seen. I swear, if either of these were in the Smoky Mountains there would be trails to them and a half million people every year would hike to them. There are some other waterfalls as nice or nicer than these are here in BSF. You gotta work a little to get to them but you never see anyone else out there. No waiting for people to clear out so you have a minute to take a photo or two. I guess that’s one of the things that makes BSF so special! Thanks my friend. You take care, be safe and stay healthy.

[@jilletta1]

Beautiful!

[@papawinthewoods]

Thanks jilletta! Big South Fork has several gorgeous waterfalls without any trails to them. I’m just trying to get some information on them out for folks to see. Take care, be safe and stay healthy!

[@jilletta1]

@papawinthewoods It's all breathtaking beautiful country there. I want to go back so bad.

[@karlo8093]

Calista is a pretty little fall. I like it. Have never seen it before, well, haven't seen Bandy Falls yet either, but have on video. 😃. Gonna have to track it down one day. Bandy was flowing good too! Great day you had Papaw!

[@papawinthewoods]

Yep, you’d love to see both of these falls. They’re beautiful. Thanks Karl. Please take care.

[@TrailStrider909]

Wow my friends!! Now this is a waterfall!!

[@papawinthewoods]

No trails to either of them. BSF has several spectacular waterfalls like this. I believe I can locate another one this winter. Thanks, be careful and stay safe!

[@TrailStrider909]

@@papawinthewoods looking forward to seeing!! Same to you!!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

First time seeing Calista Falls. Really beautiful. I’ve been to Bandy creek a few times. Really beautiful day and area my friend.

[@papawinthewoods]

@@BackpackingWithJason How’s the ankle Jason? When you get well I’d be happy to help you get to see Calista Falls. It’s like a smaller version of Cumberland Falls. If the video doesn’t give you all the information to find it just give me a shout. Take care my friend.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@papawinthewoods my ankle is getting better each day. Thank you for asking. I’d love to see those Falls. Maybe one day you can show it to me. Thank you

[@papawinthewoods]

@@BackpackingWithJason Whenever you’re healed up and would like you see it. Just let me know a little in advance and we’ll go. I’d be happy to hike there again, hopefully with a bit more water flowing. Thanks Jason.

[@kerrywoolbright5716]

You are right about one thing. Climbing out will take it out of you! Bandy Creek Falls reminds me of an angry bear that got startled 😂

[@papawinthewoods]

There was once a startled bear near Bandy Creek Falls if I remember correctly… 😂… There was also a startled hiker too! I just about needed an underwear change! 😮…

[@wanderingoutyonder]

We need to get to this area! It looks amazing! Looks like some awesome falls!

[@papawinthewoods]

Yes, yes, WOY needs to spend some time in Big South Fork! There are still some undocumented formations and waterfalls here. I’m trying my best to locate some of them. I’d be happy to help you get to see some of them. Please take care and be safe!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

@@papawinthewoods thank you! We will keep that in mind if we get that way!!

[@TrailHunters]

That was the John Smith trailhead to Calista? We’ve not seen that falls (I don’t think) but gotta go! Beautiful spot! Thanks for sharing it. Time to go hiking!

[@papawinthewoods]

Yes, John Smith Road down to the river and up Bill Branch to Calista Falls. It’s well worth the climb back out of there to the trailhead. I need to get back there when there’s some better water flow. I’m just awaiting the wetter, cooler winter months for places like this. I have identified a few other places with good possibilities of locating some undocumented waterfalls. BSF still has places like that! Take care TrailHunters, be safe and stay healthy.