Cumberland Falls
Kentucky • 68 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls, often referred to as the 'Niagara of the South,' is a stunning 68-foot-wide waterfall located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky. It is famous for its unique 'moonbow,' a rainbow that appears on clear nights during a full moon.
The Setting
Cumberland Falls sits at 797 feet within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, fed by the Cumberland River, in the foothills of Kentucky. The falls drop 68 feet.
Height: 68 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dog Slaughter Falls (15 ft) lies 2.3 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Cumberland Falls is short and well-maintained, leading to multiple viewing platforms. The main trail is paved and suitable for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.
What to Expect
The falls drop 68 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cumberland Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cumberland Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest. For the moonbow, visit during a full moon on a clear night.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, and the currents are extremely strong. Swimming is prohibited for safety reasons.
Current Water Conditions
3,690 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 99 years of record
3.59 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CUMBERLAND RIVER AT CUMBERLAND FALLS, KY (0 km away).
Today
Roaring
3690 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
4104 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
4032 cfs
8/10Mon
Roaring
3744 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
3960 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
4878 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
5540 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Rockholds hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 180 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 68 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 764 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 205 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 60 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 764 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 180 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cumberland Falls is located within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, near Corbin, Kentucky. It is accessible via KY-90, with clear signage leading to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is free and provides easy access to the viewing areas.
Elevation
797 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.838808° N, -84.345011° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and avoid crowds. If visiting for the moonbow, check the park's website for specific dates and times. Wear sturdy shoes if exploring beyond the main viewing area.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Williamsburg by IHG
Red Roof Inn & Suites Corbin
Pine Mountain Inn
The Inn at Beulah Farm - The Coop
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
GROVE
10 miles away · 99 sites
Overview Grove Campground is perched on a forested ridge above Laurel River Lake in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. The lake, fed by the Laurel River, is considered one of the most scenic lakes in the state. Boating, fishing, hiking and biking are greatly enjoyed by campers.Recreation Hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers can trek more than 600 miles of road and trail in Daniel Boone National Forest. Duff Branch, Oak Branch, Fishing Point and Singing Hills Trails can all be access
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Eagle Falls Trail, the Cumberland Falls Visitor Center, and the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and numerous bird species.
Cities near Cumberland Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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