There is a hikers’ dreamland tucked into the adventurous state of Kentucky. Between the trees and in the middle of the Cumberland River, there lies a 125-foot waterfall that has been compared time and time again to the famous Niagara Falls that roars along the Canadian/US Border. With similar height, volume and ferocity, this southern gem, infamously called “Niagara of the South,” is a sight that you don’t want to miss. It’s no surprise that Cumberland Falls State Park draws in over a million visitors each year. With its roaring waterfalls, quiet hiking trails, campground, fishing hotspots, gem mining, horseback riding, and rafting, this state park has no shortage of activities that will surely fill up your day or weekend!
Cumberland Falls in Kentucky is one of the few places in the world–yes, the world–that regularly produces a “moonbow.” Haven’t heard of this phenomenon? Don’t worry; most people haven’t. A “moonbow” is a white rainbow or lunar rainbow, formed just like a rainbow does after a rainstorm. The light is refracted in tiny water droplets and appears for a couple days on either end of a full moon, assuming the sky is clear. If you get the pleasure of viewing one of these phenomenons at night, you’ll see a faint, multi-colored arc stretching from the base of the falls to the massive boulders downstream. (Many people see rainbows in the falls’ mist and spray during the day–in fact, there is one in my photo below–and they assume that this is the moonbow, but it is not!) To view the 2020 moonbow schedule, click here.
Cumberland Falls is one of those spots that you just have to see at different times of the year. In the summer, it is bursting with energy, crowds of people hoarding together to see the magic of the falls. In the fall, it is a quiet paradise, silence swirling the trails, allowing you to breathe and absorb your surroundings in peace. Of the two times I ventured to this park — summer and fall — fall was probably my favorite. I am bias toward the “off seasons” because generally the parks are quieter, and I do my best thinking and walking when I’m alone (or with my wife and furbabies). Nature is a place best observed in peace, but on the flip side, there’s nothing wrong with other people coming to appreciate the sounds and wonders of nature with you. It’s a balance that you generally have to accept and abide.
Summer brought bustling crowds, striking scenery, and waterfall splashing. A perk of summer hiking is being able to cool off in springs or waterfalls that dot the trails when heat becomes overwhelming. Once you step away from the crowded Cumberland Falls boardwalk trail and into the quieter, less populated trails, silence encompasses the atmosphere and nature is able to be absorbed peacefully. One trail that we hiked was tucked away behind a picnic area. We hiked up a rocky incline, sweat dripping down our backs and necks. The heat was intense, especially in the early evening hours. When we came across a rocky alcove with a trickling waterfall, we didn’t need any further encouragement to jump in! The puppies even basked in the glory, cooling off underneath the falls and licking the wet rocks below.
Fall welcomed brilliantly vibrant foliage, flowing waterfalls, and gorgeous weather. In this particular region of the country, people tend to flock to the Smokies or Tennessee’s east side for fall color, but many will be surprised at the picture-perfect autumn conditions in southern Kentucky! For our summer trip, we had our puppies with us, so we were unable to hike Eagle Falls Trail due to the restrictions; so when we entered Cumberland Falls the second time around without our dogs, we eagerly stepped onto the exact trail that we had waited over a year to hike. The trail did not disappoint! This moderate, 2 mile lollipop trail snaked at a semi-steep incline and followed along a cliff line, providing expansive views of Cumberland Falls and the river below. Toward the end of the trail, a precarious staircase guided us down to a fun rock scramble, which ultimately lead to a prized, 44-foot waterfall, Eagle Falls. The massive boulders that we hopped across to get to the alcove, the picturesque waterfall itself, and the way the water crashed over the slippery rocks and into the navy blue pool below left me in a trance. And the best part? We were utterly and completely alone. I couldn’t believe that with this weather and this view, I was able to drink it in alone. That’s the real magic of hiking off season.
Sunrises and sunsets in the fall are a unique kind of beautiful. Nothing quite beats a charming southern valley with pastel colors painting the horizon in its background. About two miles past the entrance of the state park, I pulled my car off to the side of the road at sunset, and due to a separation in the trees, I was welcomed with an incredible view of the sweeping valley below and beyond. We came back to the same spot the following morning for sunrise, and it was no surprise that the view was equally as stunning. The sun shimmered off the amber, gold, and fiery leaves, the autumn colors rolling endlessly into the horizon.
If you are hiking at Cumberland Falls (or any park for that matter), I’d highly recommend arriving early. The sunrise and early morning hours that we explored Cumberland Falls State Park was definitely the highlight of the trip. During the wee morning hours, you will most likely find that you have the entire park to yourself, if even for an hour. Tourists typically begin arriving after eight or nine in the morning, so the earlier you arrive, the more alone time you will have. And what better time to be able to have a park to yourself than sunrise? Generally tourists arrive after sunrise and leave before sunset, missing the two grandest, most peaceful, picturesque hours of the day. We arrived to a spot where the river flowed silently right before tumultuously cascading down the cliff in the form of a roaring waterfall–quite literally the calm before the storm. The sun had just risen over the tree-line, illuminating the river and trees with that soft golden light that is only visible early in the morning. Calm enveloped the atmosphere, wrapping its limbs around the trees and whispering softly into the river. The rising sun welcomed a new day, and the chilly freshness of the air was tangible. The only sounds came from the quiet river flowing over slippery rocks, and the trees rustling only slightly from the zephyr. A misty steam rose from the water, billowing above the surface like wispy smoke curls. The sun streamed through the trees while we walked through the woods and admired the silent beginning of a brand new day.
Whether you love to soak in impressive waterfalls, hike through jumbling rock scrambles, or enjoy a quiet walk in the woods, be sure to visit Cumberland Falls State Park for an unforgettable adventure that will surely quench your outdoorsy thirst!
Happy hiking!
Wonder. Wander. Repeat. 
Great post 😁
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