• Start Here
    • ABOUT
    • MCW Podcast
    • Subscribe
    • CONTACT
  • Kentucky
    • Louisville
  • Destinations
    • North America
      • Alabama
      • Arizona
      • Colorado
      • Georgia
      • Indiana
      • Tennessee
      • Ohio
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • Utah
      • West Virginia
    • Caribbean
    • South America
    • Europe
  • Blog
    • Playlists & Books
    • Packing & Gear
      • Shop Our Instagram & Gear
      • Packing Guides
      • Trip Planning
    • Inspiration
    • Our Home
    • Wellness
    • Blogging
  • Magnolia & Pine
  • Work With Us
0

My Colorful Wanderings

My Colorful Wanderings

Packing Guides, Style, Travel Gear, Trip Planning, Uncategorized, Wellness

Going Waterfall Chasing? Get The Essential Gear Guide

Louisville, KY

Since there isn’t much to do this summer besides be outside, we know many are heading outdoors. Last weekend we went to Red River Gorge, and have never seen that many people there!

So what’s the first thing you think of when you hear ‘waterfall hike’? Is it the views? The refreshing water on a hot summer day? Is it the wet feet? Waterfall hikes are without a dought one of our absolute favorite kinds of hikes. It makes us feel the hike itself was worth it in the heat!

While waterfall hikes are our favorite, we’ve learned that being prepared to hike to and enjoy the waterfall is worth our time pre-hike!

Collapsible + Reusable Waterbottle

The best waterfall hiking days are the hot ones where you need physical activity. Drinking water seems like a no-brainer for hiking in general, but it’s wise to remember that on humid or hot days (especially in dryer climates), you need more water. As part of essential hiking gear, we always include a collapsible reusable water bottle or a camel back. Some thoughts from REI (The OG Outdoor Guru’s 😉 ):

A good general recommendation is about a half liter of water per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures. You may need to increase how much you drink as the temperature and intensity of the activity rise. For example, strenuous hiking in high heat may require that you drink 1 liter of water or more per hour. – Rei ‘Hydration Basics’

I don’t know about you, but I don’t know what 1 liter looks like? When I went looking for a trail water bottle: I just wanted something close to 1 liter so that I could figure out how much water I should be drinking. This water bottle is 32 ounces ( a little under 1 liter). It’s also collapsible and stows easily for longer backpacking trips! (We try only to buy double-duty gear that works for a variety of adventures!)

Waterproof, Reef Safe, Natural Sunscreen

Two Peas Organics has a perfect sunscreen to include in your essential gear for waterfall hikes. This sunscreen has less of an environmental impact and is better for your skin! Two Peas Organics also has a 30 SPF and a sunscreen stick if that application is easier for kiddos or your face. I’ve also found this one rubs in really well. Sometimes mineral sunscreen can leave a white sheen over your skin, but this one works better!

If you’re wondering why ‘reef-safe is essential: there are a ton of articles about the impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs. National Geographic estimates, 14,000 tons of sunscreen are thought to wash into the oceans each year’. The harmful chemicals in non-natural sunscreen are oxybenzone and oxtinoxate. They kill off coral reefs when absorbed and have hormone disruption impacts in humans. Overall, products like that don’t feel safe around my family and friends!

Waterproof Lightweight Day Bag

If you’re looking for a comfortable waterproof backpack: this one is only $16 and has over 6k good reviews on Amazon. The best thing about this bag is that while yes, it’s a great lightweight day bag (perfect for waterfall hikes), it’s also great for backpacking. Many times when we were backpacking through Italy, we didn’t need our full backpacks. (A 40 L backpack is better off left in an Airbnb for the day!) So while we left our bags – the day bags were terrific to be able to throw down in the sand or a bus floor on our adventures. If you look at the image to the left of the backpack – you’ll also notice that it also folds up to become pretty compact!

Read Next:  A Lovely February 2022 Playlist: Emo girl

Quick-Drying Microfiber Towel

You need a quick-drying microfiber towel for the same reason you need a waterproof day bag. (So you can enjoy the waterfalls you worked hard to get to!) Every waterfall hike we’ve ever done has required us to trudge through and get a little wet here and there. While this may not sound like the right hiking conditions – to get the views from the bottom or top is worth it! Not to mention that when hiking to a waterfall – you’re more than likely going to be in a pretty wet area because the best time to see waterfalls is after it rains.

The other great thing about including a quick-drying microfiber towel in your pack – these are mold and mildew resistant. As many times as I’ve forgotten mine in my car after a long day of hiking – they don’t get smelly! These towels also have the benefit of being able to be shoved back in your bag because they dry so fast. You can continue on hiking to the next waterfall or trek back to the car comfortably.

Water Shoes

Water shoes are a cheap, easy, and much-needed addition to your gear. They don’t weigh you down (ours weigh maybe 10 ounces total), and we never regret packing them!

Have you ever heard of ‘river walking‘? So many times, we’ve walked the creek or stream that feeds the waterfall, and found some pretty epic views! This isn’t possible in hiking boots and tennis shoes – especially when you’re trying to hike back out on dry land.

The reason we wear these shoes while we do it is so that whatever may be underfoot, (glass from people who don’t respect the trails), doesn’t bother you while you’re there to enjoy. It also protects you from slipping as much on the rocks surrounding the waterfall. Every time we’ve hiked to a waterfall in Kentucky- there are slippery rocks that we just want to climb all over. These water shoes specifically have a more rough bottom than other water shoes which provide your feet with more grip!

Waterproof Solar Charger

We own this solar charger, and have brought it many times while hiking! As with all of our gear, we like it to serve double duty to conserve as much space and weight as possible.

Combining a charger, compass, and flashlight into one item makes it an easy, lightweight addition to our pack for any hiking day! Just snap it to the outside of your pack to keep it charged.

Even though we do try to keep our phones charged – after hiking for hours, our phones get pretty low. Especially if we’re doing a waterfall hike up to such an incredible spot, sometimes that means hiking deep into a ravine or gorge!

Read Next:  Sustainable Hiking on Kentucky Trails

We don’t know about you, but a 7-mile round trip hike means that we want to stay on the trail, which we follow carefully on the GPS! We wouldn’t risk getting lost in the middle of the night out in the woods because we **thought** we knew where we was going.

**GPS apps, although super helpful, will drain your battery pretty fast from continually being checked and having to update.

Trail Snacks

Packing snacks is the biggest part of Shelb’s job for every adventure we go on. If you have low blood sugar, you get hangry, or thirsty – your adventures will be much less enjoyable.

For all-day hikes, our favorite lunch to pack is the Veggie Mandoline Sandwich. We jokingly named it that after making it a few times and absolutely loving it! Click here for a quick recipe! Our other favorite trail snacks are fruit, granola, jerky, and gummies for a little sweet treat!

Whenever we pack any snacks that require a ‘baggie’, we only use re-usable zip lock bags. This set from Amazon has worked amazingly and is easily washed by hand. Eco-friendly ‘leave no trace’ principles are so important on the trails! Keeping them clean and not leaving your trash behind makes them better for everyone!

Natural Insect Repellent

We feel like this should be self-explanatory… but mosquitos thrive around wet areas. Your chances are higher of being bitten around waterfall hiking destinations. These areas tend to be moist in general – creating the perfect breeding grounds for larvae.

Warm weather means more extended periods for mosquitos, ticks, etc. to thrive and BITE! Here in Kentucky, the diseases you can get from being bitten by a mosquito are malaria, yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and West Nile, to name a few.

To avoid coming home at night to legs and arms covered in bug bites- spray thyself. As always, when I’m choosing a bug spray – I want to know that I’m not putting something on my skin that’s going to cause environmental impacts or impact my health. Brands like Sky Organics, and Repel offer plant-based insect repellents that are pretty effective! (While there is no concrete evidence that DEET, a significant component of non-natural insect repellents, is harmful – I prefer not to use something unnatural if possible!)

Pin This Post!

There’s no doubt having the wrong shoes can make you turn around mid-hike because your knees and feet hurt. But what else do you need to enjoy a good waterfall hike? Here is our guide to essential gear for waterfall hiking.

As always, remember our favorite phrase: Know thyself! Save this post for later to help you pack!

Related Articles

5 Real-World Budget Travel Tips

Travel Hair-Care Tips + Tricks

10 Ways to Be Productive While You Watch TV

Make sure to subscribe to our blog, snag all of your road trip basics (below), get your travel insurance, and have fun jamming to a new playlist!

Until next time friends,

Thanks for sharing!

39 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
TAGS:hikingTravel Tipswaterfalls
SHOP
https://www.mycolorfulwanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Collapsible-Water-Bottle-e1593010839427.jpg
https://www.mycolorfulwanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Microfiber-Travel-Towel.png
https://www.mycolorfulwanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Water-Shoes.png
https://www.mycolorfulwanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Waterproof-Backpack.jpg
https://www.mycolorfulwanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Solar-Charger-Light-Combination.jpg
https://www.mycolorfulwanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Reef-Safe-Sunscreen.jpg
Evan and Shelby

Sharing beautiful places, sustainable & slow living tips, + good food from across the globe. You can probably find Shelbs creating a new playlist or editing photos, and Ev researching the latest and greatest in all manner of travel gear and tech. We're so happy you're here taking a moment to read and slow down a little.

You May Also Like...

Micro-Adventures During Quarantine: A Healthy Mindset for 2020

60 Awesome Gifts For Your favorite Outdoorsy Women

Our Top 5 Easy Budget Travel Tips

2 Comments
  • Sustainable Hiking on Kentucky Trails » My Colorful Wanderings

    […] Waterfall Hiking Gear […]

    Reply
  • Big South Fork Waterfalls - Kentucky » My Colorful Wanderings

    […] all other waterfall hiking gear that we typically pack, I wrote a post with all of our most used gear. As always when you’re hiking the trails – make sure to follow Leave No Trace […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Travel Restrictions Are Lifting…Can We Really Travel Again?
Next Post
Mask-ne {Mask-Acne) Skin Care Routine
Hey there! It’s Ev & Shelbs

Hey there! It’s Ev & Shelbs

We're husband and wife hikers, explorers and photographers. Our blog is dedicated to romanticizing life, inspired by our home in Southern USA. We hope you leave feeling inspired for your next adventure through or home in Kentucky and all through the South.

Get More of The South

Hiking, foodie recommendations and more!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
    Built with ConvertKit

    Shop Our Staples

    product_title_1

    Men's La Sportiva Hiking Boot

    product_title_2

    Women's La Sportiva Hiking Boot

    product_title_3

    Sony a6600 Mirrorless Camera

    product_title_4

    17-70mm f/2.8 Lens

    product_title_5

    Camera Backpack Clip

    Current Location

    Current Location
    Louisville, Kentucky

    FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM! @MYCOLORFULWANDERINGS | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED – PHOTOGRAPHY CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT OUR PERMISSION

    Not that we drink coffee… but 10/10 will go to a vibey coffee shop for a hot tea ☕️ 🖤
Strolling the adorable Main Street of #madisonindiana was well worth the chilly wind. Loved every second of our mini couples getaway with some of our favorite humans! 
Madison is only about an hour from where we live in Louisville so we’ll def be back for a few summer concerts and yummy food down by the rivvaaaaa. 
.
.
.
#madisonindianariverfront #indiana #onlyinindiana #travelindiana #indianaphotographer #coffeeshop #coffeeshopsoftheworld #coffeeshopdesign #coffeeshopinteriors #rusticmodern #rusticstyle #rusticcharm
    mycolorfulwanderings
    mycolorfulwanderings
    •
    Follow
    Not that we drink coffee… but 10/10 will go to a vibey coffee shop for a hot tea ☕️ 🖤 Strolling the adorable Main Street of #madisonindiana was well worth the chilly wind. Loved every second of our mini couples getaway with some of our favorite humans! Madison is only about an hour from where we live in Louisville so we’ll def be back for a few summer concerts and yummy food down by the rivvaaaaa. . . . #madisonindianariverfront #indiana #onlyinindiana #travelindiana #indianaphotographer #coffeeshop #coffeeshopsoftheworld #coffeeshopdesign #coffeeshopinteriors #rusticmodern #rusticstyle #rusticcharm
    4 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/6
    10/10 would walk the sun drenched rows of the Neon Museum again. ✨
If you haven’t been to Vegas - it really is so much more than a first timer thinks it will be. From world class food to everything being just a little brighter than you’re used to (not to mention covered in glitter or sequins), there’s always something happening in this glittering desert city. 
.
.
.
.
#lasvegasstrip #passportcollective #summervibes☀️ #vacationwolf #exploreourearth #lasvegasnevada #theneonmuseum #lasvegasmusicscene #lasvegaslife #neonsigns #neonsignage #neonsignsonly #vintageinspired
    mycolorfulwanderings
    mycolorfulwanderings
    •
    Follow
    10/10 would walk the sun drenched rows of the Neon Museum again. ✨ If you haven’t been to Vegas - it really is so much more than a first timer thinks it will be. From world class food to everything being just a little brighter than you’re used to (not to mention covered in glitter or sequins), there’s always something happening in this glittering desert city. . . . . #lasvegasstrip #passportcollective #summervibes☀️ #vacationwolf #exploreourearth #lasvegasnevada #theneonmuseum #lasvegasmusicscene #lasvegaslife #neonsigns #neonsignage #neonsignsonly #vintageinspired
    4 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    2/6
    Took our first hike of the spring today in the @theparklandsoffloydsfork . 
One of our favorite Louisville hiking trails is Paw Paw to Chinkapin Loop. Perfect if you have doggies who like to play in the water! 
P.S. 🦟season has started. Grab your bug spray southern friends 👌🏼
.
.
.
.
#hikingwithdogs #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #dogswhohike #dogsinwilderness #dogsinnature #gsofinstagram #germanshepherdofig #hikinggermansheperds #germanshepherdsgsd #louisvilletrails #hikingkentucky #kentuckyhikingadventures #kentuckyhiking #kycreatives #kybloggers #kytravel
    Took our first hike of the spring today in the @theparklandsoffloydsfork . 
One of our favorite Louisville hiking trails is Paw Paw to Chinkapin Loop. Perfect if you have doggies who like to play in the water! 
P.S. 🦟season has started. Grab your bug spray southern friends 👌🏼
.
.
.
.
#hikingwithdogs #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #dogswhohike #dogsinwilderness #dogsinnature #gsofinstagram #germanshepherdofig #hikinggermansheperds #germanshepherdsgsd #louisvilletrails #hikingkentucky #kentuckyhikingadventures #kentuckyhiking #kycreatives #kybloggers #kytravel
    Took our first hike of the spring today in the @theparklandsoffloydsfork . 
One of our favorite Louisville hiking trails is Paw Paw to Chinkapin Loop. Perfect if you have doggies who like to play in the water! 
P.S. 🦟season has started. Grab your bug spray southern friends 👌🏼
.
.
.
.
#hikingwithdogs #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #dogswhohike #dogsinwilderness #dogsinnature #gsofinstagram #germanshepherdofig #hikinggermansheperds #germanshepherdsgsd #louisvilletrails #hikingkentucky #kentuckyhikingadventures #kentuckyhiking #kycreatives #kybloggers #kytravel
    mycolorfulwanderings
    mycolorfulwanderings
    •
    Follow
    Took our first hike of the spring today in the @theparklandsoffloydsfork . One of our favorite Louisville hiking trails is Paw Paw to Chinkapin Loop. Perfect if you have doggies who like to play in the water! P.S. 🦟season has started. Grab your bug spray southern friends 👌🏼 . . . . #hikingwithdogs #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #dogswhohike #dogsinwilderness #dogsinnature #gsofinstagram #germanshepherdofig #hikinggermansheperds #germanshepherdsgsd #louisvilletrails #hikingkentucky #kentuckyhikingadventures #kentuckyhiking #kycreatives #kybloggers #kytravel
    4 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    3/6
    It’s only Wednesday… and I suspect a well-earned cocktail break will be headed my way this weekend as we hang doors at the Airbnb cottage, maybe go for a hike since the 164893 days of rain have finally stopped and clean the house a little? 
Of all of our favorite places to quietly grab a an adult beveragé (#fancylike), the ones with moody interiors, tucked away in peaceful parts of the city and picture perfect craft drinks are my favorite. 
If you know you know fam. 
.
.
.
.
#wednesday #foodbible #buzzfeedtasty #tastethisnext #liveauthentic #tasteintravel #gardenandgun #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailhour #thefoodwhores #foodpicsovernidepics #cocktailoftheday #cocktailoftheweek #brewerylife #louisvilleapproved #louisvillefood 
@foodyfetish @tasty.hub
    mycolorfulwanderings
    mycolorfulwanderings
    •
    Follow
    It’s only Wednesday… and I suspect a well-earned cocktail break will be headed my way this weekend as we hang doors at the Airbnb cottage, maybe go for a hike since the 164893 days of rain have finally stopped and clean the house a little? Of all of our favorite places to quietly grab a an adult beveragé (#fancylike), the ones with moody interiors, tucked away in peaceful parts of the city and picture perfect craft drinks are my favorite. If you know you know fam. . . . . #wednesday #foodbible #buzzfeedtasty #tastethisnext #liveauthentic #tasteintravel #gardenandgun #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailhour #thefoodwhores #foodpicsovernidepics #cocktailoftheday #cocktailoftheweek #brewerylife #louisvilleapproved #louisvillefood @foodyfetish @tasty.hub
    4 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    4/6
    Architecturally satisfying restaurants with good wine lists and mimosa flights make me happy 🖤
P.S. The gals taught David Colton a valuable life skill on our family weekend away in West Virginia: how to take good photos for the gram. His Dad was SUPER happy about it. 💁🏻‍♀️😂 
.
.
.
#iseebeautyeverywhere #cornersofmyworld #bepresent #instagood #uniquedestination #glt #onlyinwestvirginia #morgantownwestvirginia #mountainstate #makemomentshappen #appalachia #westvirginia #aesthetic_photos #restaurantdesign
    Architecturally satisfying restaurants with good wine lists and mimosa flights make me happy 🖤
P.S. The gals taught David Colton a valuable life skill on our family weekend away in West Virginia: how to take good photos for the gram. His Dad was SUPER happy about it. 💁🏻‍♀️😂 
.
.
.
#iseebeautyeverywhere #cornersofmyworld #bepresent #instagood #uniquedestination #glt #onlyinwestvirginia #morgantownwestvirginia #mountainstate #makemomentshappen #appalachia #westvirginia #aesthetic_photos #restaurantdesign
    mycolorfulwanderings
    mycolorfulwanderings
    •
    Follow
    Architecturally satisfying restaurants with good wine lists and mimosa flights make me happy 🖤 P.S. The gals taught David Colton a valuable life skill on our family weekend away in West Virginia: how to take good photos for the gram. His Dad was SUPER happy about it. 💁🏻‍♀️😂 . . . #iseebeautyeverywhere #cornersofmyworld #bepresent #instagood #uniquedestination #glt #onlyinwestvirginia #morgantownwestvirginia #mountainstate #makemomentshappen #appalachia #westvirginia #aesthetic_photos #restaurantdesign
    5 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    5/6
    One of our favorite hikes close to Louisville right around the corner from Tioga Falls. It’s amazing what you’ll find if you just start hiking. 
Thunder was MORE than happy to get his webbed paws wet and splash around after hiking 5 miles.. I was just happy to find a bench. (Not pictured: me being afeared to get off said bench. 🐓) 
I can hike all day but there’s just something about heights when I’m untethered that gives me a wee pause. 🤦🏻‍♀️
#doghikingadventures #hikingdogsofinsta #findyouradventure #hiddengems #escapetheeveryday #travelky #louisvilleky #fantasticearth #exploreourearth #outdoorbloggers #girlsthatwander #getlostclub #hikingwithgermanshepherds #germanshepherddaily #tiogafalls #elizabethtownky #germanshepherdlover #etown #germanshepherdcommunity
    mycolorfulwanderings
    mycolorfulwanderings
    •
    Follow
    One of our favorite hikes close to Louisville right around the corner from Tioga Falls. It’s amazing what you’ll find if you just start hiking. Thunder was MORE than happy to get his webbed paws wet and splash around after hiking 5 miles.. I was just happy to find a bench. (Not pictured: me being afeared to get off said bench. 🐓) I can hike all day but there’s just something about heights when I’m untethered that gives me a wee pause. 🤦🏻‍♀️ #doghikingadventures #hikingdogsofinsta #findyouradventure #hiddengems #escapetheeveryday #travelky #louisvilleky #fantasticearth #exploreourearth #outdoorbloggers #girlsthatwander #getlostclub #hikingwithgermanshepherds #germanshepherddaily #tiogafalls #elizabethtownky #germanshepherdlover #etown #germanshepherdcommunity
    5 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    6/6
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
    • CONTACT
    • Work With Us
    • BLOG
    • Legal

    MY COLORFUL WANDERINGS © Site Powered by Pix & Hue.

    39 shares
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email