Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Experience the 'Niagara of the South' and witness the rare moonbow at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Hiking, lodging, and natural beauty await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To witness the rare moonbow
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Best Time
To witness the rare moonbow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the 'Niagara of the South' and witness the rare moonbow at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Hiking, lodging, and natural beauty await!
"Absolutely breathtaking! You really have to experience how beautiful this place is in person."
🎯 Moonbow Dates Check
Plan your trip around the full moon for a chance to see the magical moonbow! :sparkles:
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Trails can be slick and rocky; wear appropriate footwear for hiking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cumberland Falls
Main viewing area
Kentucky's largest waterfall, a breathtaking 68-foot cascade. A must-see for any visitor!
Moonbow Viewing
Main viewing area
Witness the ethereal glow of a moonbow on clear, full moon nights. A rare natural phenomenon!
Eagle Falls Trail
Trailhead near the main falls
A moderately strenuous hike leading to another beautiful waterfall with opportunities to wade in the water.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Catch the Moonbow Magic
Beat the Crowds, Explore More
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Moonbow Dates Check
Plan your trip around the full moon for a chance to see the magical moonbow!
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Trails can be slick and rocky; wear appropriate footwear for hiking.
🚗 Arrive Early or Late
Parking fills up fast. Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid crowds. :car:
🐍 Be Snake Aware
Keep an eye out for snakes on trails, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Moonbow Dates Check
Plan your trip around the full moon for a chance to see the magical moonbow!
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Trails can be slick and rocky; wear appropriate footwear for hiking.
🚗 Arrive Early or Late
Parking fills up fast. Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid crowds. :car:
🐍 Be Snake Aware
Keep an eye out for snakes on trails, especially during warmer months.
💧 Wade in the Water
Enjoy a refreshing dip near Eagle Falls on a warm day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cumberland Falls for its breathtaking waterfall and the unique opportunity to witness a moonbow. The park offers accessible paved trails alongside more strenuous hiking options, and many enjoy the chance to wade in the water. While the lodge is comfortable and the restaurant staff excellent, some find the rooms small and the continental breakfast lacking.
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Cumberland Falls SRP. Nice historic lodge with all modern amenities. Very clean room but the queen room was little small. Comfortable bed. Very quiet easy sleeping room. The lunch buffet was good, the dinner buffet was great, restaurant staff most excellent hospitality. The only option continental breakfast was sad for those that enjoy a hearty breakfast. Great location near the gorgeous waterfall. Easy parking."
Frank Baker
"One of the best places to go when I want to just get away. The falls are amazing. There's easy access for those who can walk flat surfaces. There are trails and stairs for those who want to put in a little more effort. There's a small beach area at the for of the falls where pet owners take their dogs to play in the water. It's amazing!!"
Tonya Charlton
"The park is gorgeous! Love that there are paved trails so a wheelchair, stroller, walker, etc are able to go down the path to see the falls and river. The park was VERY busy. We arrived on a Friday around noon. The main parking lot was full so we crossed the bridge to a pull-off parking lot. There was a trail head that took us to the opposite side of the river! Perfect! We got to see the falls, took a strenuous hike to another waterfall, and there were few people. This trail is not paved and is a level 8 out of 10 for difficulty. LOVED it!"
Sherry Cline
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located in Corbin, Kentucky. It's accessible by car, with clear signage from major highways. The park is situated within the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak times. Consider arriving early or exploring alternative parking areas across the bridge if the main lot is full.
Public transportation options to reach Cumberland Falls State Resort Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is contained entirely within the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering a beautiful natural setting.
The park has a main viewing area for the falls with easy access. For more adventurous exploration, there are numerous hiking trails, including the Eagle Falls Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access Cumberland Falls State Resort Park itself. However, some specific activities or amenities might have associated costs.
The park is typically open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the lodge or restaurant may have their own operating schedules. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most current hours.
For general park access and viewing the falls, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to stay at the lodge or participate in specific guided tours or events, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, the park often hosts special events, including guided moonbow viewing tours and nature walks. Check the park's official schedule for upcoming events.
Pets are generally allowed in most areas of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, but they must be leashed. However, pets are not permitted within the McCreary County side of the park as it's within a dedicated wilderness area.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Eagle Falls Trail (2.6 miles, moderate difficulty) and the Moonbow Trail, which connects to longer backpacking routes in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Yes, there's a small beach area at the foot of the falls where visitors can swim or wade. The water can be refreshing on a warm day.
A moonbow is a lunar rainbow, formed by moonlight reflecting off the mist of the falls. It's best seen on clear nights during a full moon. Check the park's schedule for specific moonbow dates.
Yes, the park offers paved trails that are accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers, allowing everyone to enjoy the falls and river views.
Besides hiking and waterfall viewing, activities include gem mining, horseback riding, and enjoying the scenic views from the fire tower.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park features a restaurant with a lunch buffet and a dinner buffet, known for its excellent hospitality. There's also a gift shop that sells snacks like funnel cake.
The continental breakfast option is described as basic, which might be disappointing for those seeking a hearty start to their day.
Picnic areas are available within the park, providing a lovely spot to enjoy a meal amidst nature.
The closest town with additional dining options is Corbin, KY, which offers various restaurants and cafes.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, which can be a budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewing area offers iconic shots of the falls. For unique perspectives, consider hiking to Eagle Falls or using a drone (with proper permits) to capture the grandeur.
Drone photography is permitted with authorization and permits from Cumberland Falls State Park and Kentucky State Parks.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft lighting for photographing the falls. For moonbows, nighttime is obviously key.
While generally allowed, be mindful of other visitors and park regulations. Professional photography or commercial shoots may require special permits.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the main waterfall, close-ups of the cascading water, and scenic views from the surrounding hiking trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas. While the continental breakfast might be basic, the lunch and dinner buffets offer variety. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, like the harmless Rough Green Snakes, which can be an exciting discovery for children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for day trips rather than overnight stays at the lodge can also save money. Many of the most rewarding experiences, like hiking and viewing the falls, are free. Look for handmade souvenirs in the gift shop, which are often reasonably priced.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna; naturalists have spotted various wildlife, including snakes. The park's diverse terrain offers something for every level of hiker, from gentle strolls to more strenuous climbs.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Moonbow
+1Seeing a moonbow is a truly unique experience that adds an extra layer of magic to an already stunning natural wonder. While the moonbow is less vibrant than a solar rainbow, its subtle beauty under the moonlight is captivating. Remember to bring a tripod if you plan to photograph it, as long exposure times are often needed.
Beyond the moonbow, the falls themselves are a sight to behold. Known as the 'Niagara of the South,' Cumberland Falls is the largest waterfall in Kentucky, plunging 68 feet over a wide rock ledge. The sheer power and beauty of the falls are impressive at any time of day.
Exploring the Trails
+1For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Moonbow Trail connects to a network of backpacking trails within the Daniel Boone National Forest. These trails wind through diverse woodland scenery, offering a deeper immersion into the park's natural beauty. Remember to wear sturdy hiking boots and be aware of your surroundings, as wildlife like snakes can be present.
+1Accessibility is also a consideration, with paved trails available that allow visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers to comfortably view the falls and the river. This ensures that the park's natural beauty is accessible to a wider range of visitors.
Park Amenities and Lodging
For those who prefer a more rustic experience, camping options are also available. The park also features a gift shop where you can find handmade items and treats like funnel cake.
Beyond the main attractions, visitors can enjoy activities like gem mining and horseback riding, adding to the diverse recreational opportunities available within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
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