Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
4.7(9.3K)google
4.1(93)yelp
WaterfallHikingFamilyScenic Lookout
Overview
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a park located just southwest of Corbin, Kentucky, and is contained entirely within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The park encompasses 1,657 acres (671 ha) and is named for its major feature, 68-foot-tall (21 m) Cumberland Falls. The falls are one of the few places in the western hemisphere where a moonbow can frequently be seen on nights with a full moon.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeUnrivaled globally during a clear night surrounding the monthly full moon phase (9:00 PM - 1:00 AM). As the only natural waterfall in the Western Hemisphere to consistently project a breathtaking 'Moonbow' (lunar rainbow), capturing the silver mist radiating under moonlight against the dark hemlock ravines is an ethereal, world-class experience.
Getting ThereHidden deep within the Daniel Boone National Forest at 7351 Highway 90, Corbin. Driving is mandatory; take I-75 South from Lexington to Exit 25, head southwest on US-25W South for 13 miles, and turn right onto KY-90 West, following it straight to the massive complimentary paved parking lots mere footsteps from the primary waterfall platforms.
Travel Tips
- The Moonbow Trail path has zero artificial night lighting; tracking the moonbow during full moons requires headlamps, and stepping off the trail edge is strictly banned.
- Main public lots reach maximum capacity before 10 AM on autumn foliage weekends; vehicle overflows will be systematically diverted by rangers to remote auxiliary lots.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The DuPont Lodge deck offers premium canyon vistas, but harsh midday sun causes severe overexposure; optimal lighting occurs during morning mist or 1 hour before sunset.
Reviews
Positive
- The massive waterfall is spectacular and powerful, and being the only place in the Western Hemisphere to reliably see a moonbow makes it a bucket-list wonder.
- The historic DuPont Lodge is an architectural masterpiece of stone and timber, featuring cozy stone fireplaces and massive, welcoming lounge areas.
- The park boasts an extensive trail system with very clear directional signage guiding hikers to stunning, multi-angle canyon viewpoints.
- For a world-class natural attraction, it charges absolutely zero admission or parking fees, offering incredible economic value for budget travelers.
Heads up
- Because the moonbow is so famous, clear nights around a full moon attract massive, chaotic crowds that completely overwhelm the narrow viewing decks.
- The constant mist from the falls makes the nearest wooden boardwalks and stone steps heavily mossy and slick, presenting a slipping hazard.
- Nestled deep within the national forest, cell phone reception is non-existent to extremely spotty, with no internet access on the trails.
- The on-site gift shop merchandise and some cabin bedding look dated, feeling more like a mid-century motel than a modern premium resort.