United States · Appalachians, Kentucky
Cumberland Falls
One of the very few places in the Western Hemisphere where a consistent lunar rainbow, or 'moonbow,' forms in the spray on clear nights near the full moon. By day it's simply a broad, thundering curtain nicknamed the 'Niagara of the South.'
One of the very few places in the Western Hemisphere where a consistent lunar rainbow, or 'moonbow,' forms in the spray on clear nights near the full moon. By day it's simply a broad, thundering curtain nicknamed the 'Niagara of the South.'
Cumberland Falls drops 21 metres (69 ft) across a face roughly 38 metres wide on the Cumberland, inside Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Corbin. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
A visible 'moonbow' forms on clear nights around the full moon, best seen spring through fall.
What you can do here
White-water rafting
Below a great waterfall there is usually a great gorge, and in that gorge some of the biggest commercially runnable water on earth.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
A visible 'moonbow' forms on clear nights around the full moon, best seen spring through fall.
Entry: Free park entry
Getting there
- Base townCorbin
- CountryUnited States
- RegionAppalachians, Kentucky, North America
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
36.8394, -84.3419
Quick answers
How tall is Cumberland Falls?
Cumberland Falls drops 21 metres (69 feet), across a face about 38 metres wide. It is a block-type waterfall on the Cumberland.
When is the best time to visit Cumberland Falls?
Peak flow is April to May and October to November. A visible 'moonbow' forms on clear nights around the full moon, best seen spring through fall.
What can you do at Cumberland Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: white-water rafting, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Cumberland Falls?
The usual base is Corbin. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Free park entry.
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