To study the optimal cutting path for hard crossing faults under complex geological conditions, a detailed analysis of the key parameters and type classification of hard crossing faults was conducted in fully mechanized mining faces, and a cutting path optimization method for hard crossing faults was proposed in fully mechanized mining faces based on transparent geology. Taking the 903 working face of Qipanjing as the engineering background, the effects of fault throw, coal seam thickness, equipment capability, and cutting depth on the rock cutting amount during hard crossing faults through simulation tests and on-site verification were analyzed. The results show that there is a “V” - shaped relationship between the equipment attitude adjustment position and the coal loss, and there exists an optimal adjustment position to minimize the coal loss. The smaller the fault throw, the smaller the coal loss, and the closer the optimal adjustment position is to the fault. The stronger the equipment adjustment capability, the smaller the corresponding coal loss. After optimizing the cutting path, the rock cutting amount is 12 061 tons, a reduction of about 20%, which improves the efficiency of crossing faults in the fully mechanized mining face. This method can provide a reference for the application of transparent geology in mining production.