Spanning the Cumberland River in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Cumberland Falls drops 68 feet as a block waterfall in McCreary County, Kentucky. On clear nights around the full moon, spray from the river can hold a moonbow.
The falls
The river pours over a sandstone ledge in a single curtain roughly 68 feet high and about 160 feet wide, expanding to around 260 feet during flood stage. The drop straddles the boundary between McCreary and Whitley counties and maintains a steady flow all year. Geologically, the cascade originated at the Pottsville Escarpment near Burnside and carved its way roughly 45 miles upstream, creating a gorge up to 400 feet deep.
Getting there
The falls are located within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park at 7351 Highway 90 in Corbin, managed by Kentucky State Parks. General admission is free, and one parking lot leads straight to the main overlook. The half-mile Cumberland Falls Trail leads to additional observation decks. Hikers seeking a longer trip can take the 11-mile Moonbow Trail, part of the Sheltowee Trace starting at the Mouth of Laurel boat ramp, rated strenuous. DuPont Lodge remains closed for renovation through spring and summer 2026, though park cabins and cottages remain open.
When to go
Moonbow viewings occur roughly two days either side of a full moon under clear skies, peaking around two hours after sunset, with winter providing some of the clearest displays. The park stays open 24 hours for night viewing. Crowds increase during spring and summer, and parking fills on warm days.
On site
The main overlook provides a direct view for moonbow viewing. Swimming at the falls was prohibited due to hazardous currents; visitors must stay out of the river.
History and name
Explorer Thomas Walker named the falls in 1750 in honor of the Duke of Cumberland; historical records also include the names Great Falls, Little Niagara Falls and Shawnee Falls. Socrates Owens purchased the falls along with 400 acres in 1875 to establish the Cumberland Hotel. Following the death of T. Coleman du Pont, his family donated 539 acres to Kentucky, preventing private hydroelectric development and establishing the state park on September 7, 1931.
Nearby
Eagle Falls, within the state park, is about 0.3 mile away. Dog Slaughter Falls is about 2.3 miles away, Bark Camp Creek Falls about 5.2 miles and Yahoo Falls about 10.6 miles.
Distances are straight-line.