I’ve driven through and camped in Kentucky multiple times, but have never taken the time to stop and explore Cumberland Falls State Park. This time was different. This time, I intentionally stopped so I could discover the beauty of this Corbin, Kentucky gem.
Cumberland Falls State Park is home to the “Niagara of the South” waterfall, Cumberland Falls. Not only is the waterfall itself stunning, but it is also unique because during a full moon, you can see a phenomenon called a “moonbow”. This doesn’t occur anywhere else in the western hemisphere.
Along with its namesake waterfall, the park offers seasonal camping, fishing, gem mining, horseback riding, rafting, and, my personal favorite, hiking. With over 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park and vary in difficulty and length, there are plenty of options for everyone.
An added bonus, the Moonbow Trail connects with backpacking trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Cumberland Falls & the Gorge
I arrived at Cumberland Falls State Park early in the morning, hoping to beat the crowds. It paid off. I had the entire place almost entirely to myself.
After a short, easy walk, I arrived at the first viewing platform. It is impossible not to be awed by the sheer scale of the falls. Standing 68 feet tall and stretching 125 feet across a massive sandstone cliff, Cumberland Falls is the second-largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
Interestingly, the waterfall didn’t start here. Over thousands of years, erosion forced the falls to migrate upstream, carving out the impressive gorge along the way. The sheer cliff walls range from 300 to 400 feet high.
Following the paved path, I reached a second viewing platform at the base of some steps made from rocks. This closer vantage point offered a great angle of Cumberland Falls and its rainbow.
Additional viewing areas can be found by continuing to follow the paved pathway downriver.
Hiking to Eagle Falls
After wrapping up at Cumberland Falls, I returned to the parking lot and made my way across the bridge to the other side of the river. There, I picked up the rugged Eagle Falls Trail.
There is a small parking lot near the trailhead that can accommodate only a few cars. In the busy season, it might be worth parking in the main Cumberland Falls lot and walking to the trailhead.
The Eagle Falls Trail is 1.8 miles, round-trip, and is the only trail that leads to Eagle Falls. It offers stunning views but can be a challenge at times due to climbing rough “stairs” and narrow pathways along cliff edges.
What I didn’t expect from this hike was one of the best views of Cumberland Falls.
The hike became more rugged as I drew closer to Eagle Falls, including a section of very narrow, metal stairs that led down to a rocky “beach” area, right before the waterfall.
This area of the hike can flood during the wet season, so be aware of that before you go.
Eagle Falls itself plunges 44 feet into a deep, hollowed-out rock shelter. Surrounded by large boulders and deep pools of calm water, Eagle Falls feels like a secret gem, tucked away in some sort of fairy tale.
While the hike is challenging, arriving at the falls is incredibly rewarding.
Tips for Visiting
- Beat the Crowds by arriving early.
- Plan your trip around the full moon to catch a glimpse of the Moonbow
- Explore one of the other trails within the park, besides Cumberland Falls. You won’t be disappointed.
- Leashed dogs are welcome in many areas of the state park, but are strictly prohibited on the trails on the McCreary County side of the river.
For more information, visit Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
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