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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest wilderness guide
State Park · KY

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is renowned for its majestic waterfall encompassing the stunning Cumberland Falls, a sight also known as the 'Niagara of the South.' Located in the sprawling expanse of Daniel Boone National Forest, it offers adventure with a touch of natural beauty.

State Park1,6574+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,657

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is renowned for its majestic waterfall encompassing the stunning Cumberland Falls, a sight also known as the 'Niagara of the South.' Located in the sprawling expanse of Daniel Boone National Forest, it offers adventure with a touch of natural beauty.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, within the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky, is home to the awe-inspiring Cumberland Falls, which plunges 68 feet into the Cumberland River, creating an awe-inspiring curtain of water. The park's centerpiece, Cumberland Falls, is one of the few places in the Western Hemisphere where a 'moonbow,' or night rainbow, can be regularly observed during a full moon. The park features rich forests and rugged landscapes characteristic of the Appalachian region, offering numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The area is steeped in history, with Native American tribes historically inhabiting the area, adding to its allure. Visitors flock here to experience its scenic beauty and partake in outdoor activities such as horseback riding and birdwatching.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park★ 8.2⌖ 0 miHiking
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Explore Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, KY, known for its 68-foot waterfall and the unique moonbow. Accessible by car, the park offers moderate trails, photography, and rafting. Visit during spring or fall for mild weather, but prepare for crowds during summer.

Cumberland Falls: The Niagara of the South★ 8.5⌖ 0 miMoonbow Viewing
Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls: The Niagara of the South

Explore Cumberland Falls, known as the 'Niagara of the South,' with a 68-foot waterfall spectacle and rare moonbows. Enjoy hiking the moderate Eagle Falls Trail and adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting. Located near Corbin, KY, best visited in spring and fall.

Moonbow ViewingView Details→
The Allure of Eagle Falls★ 7.5⌖ 1 miHiking
Eagle Falls

The Allure of Eagle Falls

Explore Eagle Falls in Eagle Falls, Kentucky, a 2-mile moderate trail offering stunning waterfall views. Enjoy hiking, photography, and swimming while experiencing a peaceful escape in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Best visited in spring or fall.

Natural Arch Wonders: Parkers Lake★ 7.8⌖ 10 miHiking
Natural Arch

Natural Arch Wonders: Parkers Lake

Explore the Natural Arch at Parkers Lake, Kentucky. This site offers a striking stone arch with hiking trails and is great for photography. Enjoy bird watching and the serene, scenic landscapes. Ideal for a peaceful day trip in spring and fall.

Natural Arch Scenic Area: A Marvel of Kentucky★ 8.2⌖ 10 miHiking
Natural Arch Scenic Area

Natural Arch Scenic Area: A Marvel of Kentucky

Explore the Natural Arch Scenic Area in Daniel Boone National Forest, a 0.75-mile loop trail near Parkers Lake, KY. The easy trail offers stunning views and is ideal for hiking, photography, and birdwatching. Accessible by drive-in, best visited in spring or summer.

Discover the Tranquility of Yahoo Falls★ 7.2⌖ 11 miHiking
Yahoo Falls

Discover the Tranquility of Yahoo Falls

Explore the 1-mile Yahoo Falls Trail near Whitley City, Kentucky. This moderate hike offers stunning views of Kentucky's tallest waterfall. Ideal for photographers, this peaceful location provides birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. Best visited in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Cumberland Falls – The stunning 68-foot waterfall known for its unique moonbow phenomenon.✦ Moonbow – A rare natural phenomenon observed at night under a full moon.✦ Historic Structures – Remnants of Native American settlements and early pioneer history.✦ Eagle Falls Trail – A scenic trail leading to a breathtaking view of a smaller but equally inspiring waterfall.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; free access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Parkers Lake
⌖ 8.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Parkers Lake, Kentucky

A hidden gem offering tranquil escapes and outdoor adventures amidst scenic, less-trodden Kentucky landscapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Whitley City
⌖ 10.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitley City, Kentucky

A quiet gateway to the expansive Daniel Boone National Forest, offering rugged outdoor adventures and Appalachian charm.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Stearns
⌖ 12.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stearns, Kentucky

A historic gateway town to outdoor adventures in the surrounding Cumberland Plateau and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Corbin
⌖ 15.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Corbin, Kentucky

A gateway to outdoor adventure with historical charm and lush landscapes, centered around the nearby Cumberland Falls and Daniel Boone National Forest.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Somerset
⌖ 22.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Somerset, Kentucky

A gateway to outdoor recreation with access to beautiful natural landscapes and waters in the heart of Kentucky.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Laurel County
⌖ 24.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Laurel County, Kentucky

A welcoming Appalachian foothills area offering diverse outdoor adventures with lush forests, waterways, and historic charm.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

12-Minute Norris Lake Helicopter Tour: Aerial Views Over Andersonville, TNAndersonville, Tennessee · 43.27 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Cincinnati Helicopters

12-Minute Norris Lake Helicopter Tour: Aerial Views Over Andersonville, TN

Take a brisk, 12-minute helicopter circuit over Norris Lake from Andersonville for a compact aerial reconnaissance of limestone bluffs, hidden coves, and TVA-shaped shorelines. Perfect for anglers, photographers, and anyone short on time who wants a high-impact view before they hit the water.

12 minutes

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.