Known as the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers 17 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and the one of the few moonbows in the Western hemisphere.
And what, exactly, is a moonbow?
A moonbow is just like a rainbow except that the light refracting off the water droplets to create it comes from the full (or almost full) moon - thus "moonbow." Now, true moonbows are caused by rain and moonlight - and are very rare. False moonbows are caused by spray, mist, and fog and, while also rare, can be more consistently seen in certain areas. Cumberland Falls is one of the more reliable and striking sources of moonbows.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park attracts thousands of people year 'round - and not just for the elusive moonbows that the falls are famous for. The 125 foot waterfall is a thing of beauty in the daylight, too, and the park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.
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17 miles of hiking trails I mentioned above wind through the park to various scenic areas or, as with The Moonbow Trail, also connect with many other established backpacking trails in the adjoining Daniel Boone National Forest.
Horseback Riding at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is seasonably available via 45-minute, guided trail rides that are designed for all levels of riders, age 6 and up. Seasonal rafting on the Cumberland River is also available, May through October and depending on water levels.
Fishing at the park provides the opportunity to hook bass, catfish, panfish, and roughfish - but you will need a Kentucky fishing license. Birding, on the other hand, is completely free and may include rewarding glimpses of the Pileated Woodpecker, the Wood Thrush, many species of Wood Warblers and other, more common visitors like the Carolina Chickadee, the White-breasted Nuthatch, the Tufted Titmouse, and many more.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park features a picnic area with shelter that can be reserved as well as gift shop, snack shack, and a visitor's center containing exhibits of the area's geology, Native American artifacts, and an overview of the region's history.
