Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (dead link: January 2023) is a state park in Kentucky's Daniel Boone Country, within the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Understand
A Kentucky State Park centered around Cumberland Falls, often called the "Niagara of the South", a natural waterfall 65 feet tall and 125 feet wide. A phenomenon known as a moonbow can be observed around the dates of the full moon. The only other place where this occurs on regular basis is Victoria Falls in Africa.
History
Established as a state park on August 21, 1931. The falls have been a tourist attraction since the mi,d-19th century.
Landscape
The park lies within the Cumberland Plateau. The landscape here consists of steep walled gorges separated by flat topped ridges of similar elevation.
Flora and fauna
Climate
Kentucky has a moderate climate, characterized by warm, yet moist conditions. Summers are usually warm, and winters cool. An average 46 in (116 cm) of precipitation falls during the year, with spring being the rainiest season.
Get in
The park is located 21 miles southwest of Corbin, Kentucky. From I-75, take exit 25 and follow US 25 W south approximately 10 miles to KY 90. Driving west on KY 90 you will arrive at the state park. The route is well marked with signs.
Fees and permits
There are no fees to enter the park.
Get around
Visitors can either drive a short distance from the lodge to the falls or hike along the park's trail system.
See
The Cumberland Falls are the main attraction at the park. There are some smaller falls accessible by hiking trails, most notably Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. The Bob Blair Museum is located at the falls viewing area and focuses on the natural and native american history of the area.
Do
- Hiking There are 17 miles of hiking trails within the park, some of which connect to the forest service trails of the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest.
- Rafting The park offers guided rafting trips on the Cumberland River. The season runs from May through October depending on the water levels of the river.
- Horseback riding The park offers guided horse trail tours for riders age 6 and up. The stables are open during weekends in May, September, and October. Daily tours are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cost is $18 per person.
- Swimming There is an Olympic-sized pool near the DuPont Lodge. Guests of the lodge, cottages, and woodland rooms swim for free. Non guest rates are $4 per adult (13 and up) and $3 per child. The pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Fishing is allowed on the Cumberland River. All persons 16 and older must have a valid Kentucky fishing permit.
- Tennis, horseshoes, and shuffleboard are available to guests of the lodge, cottages, and woodland rooms. Equipment can be checked out at the lodge.
- Gem mining The Cumberland Falls Mining Company is located at the falls viewing area. Different sized bags of material may be purchased and run through a screened flume. Open year round 9AM to 7PM.
Buy
There is a gift shop located at the falls viewing area.
Eat
- Riverview Restaurant, 36.83842°, -84.33821°. At the DuPont Lodge, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hours vary by season.
- Snack Shop, 36.83810°, -84.34384°. There is a concession stand near the falls viewing area. It is open April 1 through October 31.
- Corbin, Kentucky is 21 miles from the park and has many restaurants to choose from.
Drink
There are no alcohol sales in the park. The closest Kentucky city that allows package alcohol sales is Corbin.
Sleep
Lodging
- DuPont Lodge, 36.83842°, -84.33821°. In the park and has 51 rooms available. The park also has 26 Cottages and 20 Woodland Rooms available for rent. The Cottages come in one and two bedroom configurations. They feature fireplaces and full kitchens. The Woodland Rooms are duplex units and have two queen sized beds along with a partial kitchen (refrigerator, sink, and microwave). The lodge, Cottages, and Woodland Rooms are available year round. Reservations can be made through the park website up to one year in advance.
- Corbin, Kentucky is 21 miles from the park and has several hotels to choose from.
Camping
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 36.84042°, -84.32945°. The park has a campground containing 50 campsites, ranging from primitive to electric/water hookups, and is open from March 15 through November 15. The campground has a comfort station with showers and flush toilets. A camp store carries firewood, ice, and a basic selection of groceries. Reservations may be made through the park website up to one year in advance. A two-night minimum stay is required on weekends and holidays.
Backcountry
There is no overnight camping allowed in the back country. The park is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest and several forest service trails connect to the park's trail system.
Stay safe
There are exposed cliffs near the falls viewing area and along some of the trails. Be aware of cliff edges and keep an eye on small children and pets. Secure your food! There are black bears active in this part of Kentucky, and the raccoons are pervasive in the camping and lodging areas and will make short work of any unattended food.