Lost Creek Falls is a 40 foot waterfall that flows directly into a sinkhole located inside Lost Creek State Natural Area. Lost Creek begins from large spring, drops over the falls, and then disappears underground.
The Lost Creek State Natural Area, was originally owned by John White, a Revolutionary War veteran, who homesteaded there. Lost Creek Falls was the water source for his family. It is believed that his daughter was ambushed by Native Americans at this location.
In 1993 Disney filmed scenes for their live action version of “The Jungle Book” here, using both the waterfall and cave entrance. While filming the movie, a 20-foot high styrofoam Hindu temple lion was placed in the entrance of the cave.
Lost Creek Falls and White’s Cave are only a 0.2 mile out and back hike from the parking area. The waterfall and cave can be reached by walking down stairs that lead to a short path to the base of the waterfall. The trail has blue blazes to follow that lead to the waterfall.
The cave was closed when we visited and the sign stated that they would be closed until further notice to stop the spread of white-nose to the bats living in the cave. If you would like to explore the cave, you must obtain a permit from Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Rylander Cascades is located just down the road from Lost Creek Falls. It can be accessed from another parking area. We were unable to visit it this trip due to lack of parking available.
Cool waterfall! I genuinely thank you for your background information. It was really interesting.