The main waterfall at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

The “Niagara of the South” lies nestled within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park surrounded by the southeastern Kentucky wilderness inside the Daniel Boone National Forest. The picturesque public recreational area is located only 80 miles south of Richmond.

This Kentucky state park serves as a gateway for visitors to witness the spectacular Cumberland Falls while also having opportunities to camp, hike, fish, picnic, bird watch, and more. It is also home to the historic Dupont Lodge, a rustic lodge that overlooks the Cumberland River and features a restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms, and guest rooms.

Activities

Take a vacation at one of the most scenic areas in the country. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has everything needed for a perfect getaway: a full amenity lodge, campground, serene picnic areas, hiking trails, guided horseback riding, and so much more.

While visiting this peaceful area be sure to also save some time to check out Gem Mining, the historic Pinnacle Knob 1937 Fire Tower, and the Gift Shop’s selection of Kentucky crafts and souvenirs.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park:

Hiking at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park provides 17 miles of hiking trails that wind throughout the woodlands, over streams and rock formations, along the river, and up to the cliff tops. Some trails also reach into nearby Daniel Boone National Forest and many more miles of trails. Visitors may also take a guided hike out to the Pinnacle Knob 1937 Fire Tower for spectacular views over the park.

walkway to hiking trail at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Dog owners should be aware that pets are not allowed on certain trails (trails that lead into McCreary County because that area lies within a dedicated Kentucky State Nature Preserve).

Here are a couple of the trails at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park:

  • The Moonbow Trail – A moderate 13.2 mile trail over rocky terrain and through the open forest to connect with several trails within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Beautiful views of rock formations, the river, rhododendrons, ferns, birds, and more may be observed on this long pathway.
  • Eagle Falls Trail – Moderate 1.5 mile trail that leads up to Eagle Falls. This trail crosses streams, climbs stairs, and follows along the cliff for amazing views of the falls and river. Best to attempt this trail on dryer days as it may be more difficult when wet.

Horseback Riding at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park features guided horse trails for a fee for guests age 6 and up. The ride takes about 45 minutes and winds throughout the park’s surrounding woodlands. The horse stables are open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and weekends during May, September and October.

Unfortunately guests are not permitted to bring their own horses to ride inside the park. Bridle trails are available nearby inside Daniel Boone National Forest and The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area.

long exposure shot of Eagle Falls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Gem Mining at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

The Cumberland Falls Mining Company is a fairly new attraction inside the park. Gem mining allows guests to ‘mine’ for sapphires, emeralds, rubies, moonstones, and more!

Fishing at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Spend a relaxing day fishing along the picturesque shoreline of the Cumberland River during your visit to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Pack your angling gear, pick up a Kentucky fishing license, and be prepared to catch catfish, bass, roughfish, or panfish.

Birding at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Both native and migratory birds may be observed by visiting Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Many species are easily spotted by guests enjoying a leisurely meal inside the lodge’s Riverview Restaurant.

Bird lovers of all ages will enjoy getting a chance to see hawks, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, American Goldfinches, Wood Thrushes, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Wrens, Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Wood Warblers, House Finches, and Downy Woodpeckers.

Nature and Wildlife at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

This southern Kentucky park is home to a variety of wildlife. During your visit here you may have a chance to see White-tailed Deer, Gray Squirrels, Opossum, Cottontail Rabbits, raccoons, Gray Foxes, skunks, bobcats, Black Bears, snakes, and turtles.

Depending upon when you visit the park you may also get to witness a lunar rainbow. This unique natural occurrence, called a Moonbow, may be seen several times a month inside Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. It’s one of only a few places in the world where this unique occurrence happens regularly!

lunar rainbow at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

These moonbows appear in the sky directly before and after a full moon takes place, and if the sky is clear, the moonbow may be seen up to 4 days each time one occurs.

Pets at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Pets are allowed within designated areas at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park as long as they are supervised, leashed, and cleaned up after. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings and along certain trails.

Camping at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park features an historic lodge, cottages, cabins, and campsites for guests interested in spending a few nights in the area.

The historic Dupont Lodge, set up high above the Cumberland River, showcases the beauty of this ‘Niagara of the South.’ The Lodge’s Restaurant and 51 guest rooms offer breathtaking views of this natural area.

Inside the lodge stone fireplaces sit amidst massive hemlock beams and knotty pine paneling. An outside rustic lounge area is inviting on cooler evenings. The stone fireplace and surrounding views give off a ‘woodsy’ welcoming aura as guests relax from their busy days.

The 25 cozy cottages and cabins not only have bedrooms and bathrooms but also kitchens and comfortable porch areas with picnic tables and bbq grills.

The seasonal campground features 50 campsites, each with electric and water hookups and located near restrooms, showers, a camp store, and a dump station.

Park Location

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
7351 Highway 90
Corbin, KY 40701
Phone: 606.528.4121

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: