Height: 69 feet
Trail Type: Pavement
Hike Distance: maybe 1/2 mile round trip
Difficulty: 2
Beauty: 8
Overview:
Cumberland Falls is Kentucky’s signature waterfall and draws comparisons as a “little Niagara Falls.” The Cumberland River dumps a huge amount of water over a ledge here, making for a great scene. One unique aspect of this waterfall is that the wide river and gorge that it created allows for a “moonbow,” which is a nighttime rainbow, to appear on clear nights during a full moon.
Directions:
From Interstate 75 North near Williamsburg, take exit 15 and turn left. Drive for 15.5 miles and turn left onto KY 90. Drive for another 8 miles and the entrance to the parking area will be on the right.
Hike Description:
Since the falls are the main highlight of the park, the trail is really obvious. It follows the river from the gift shop/visitor’s center and has several overlooks along the way. The best view, however, is down some stairs on the other side of the rock ledge to the main overlook.
John Hinson 