Come Fall for Cumberland Falls

On our way home from a recent weekend trip down south, we stopped at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park about 15 miles west of Corbin, Kentucky. Wherever you travel in Kentucky, you are never far from one of it's 52 State Parks. Nearly 8 million people visit Kentucky State Parks each year. Each park has it's own unique attributes ranging from winding caves and enchanting woodlands, to shorelines and majestic mountains.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Known as the "Niagra of the South", the waterfall forms a 125-foot wide curtain that plunges 70 feet into a boulder-strewn gorge below. Visible only on a clear night during a full moon, the mist of Cumberland Falls creates the magic of the moonbow. This unique phenomenon appears nowhere else in the Western Hemisphere. The schedule for this event can be found by visiting Kentucky State Park website at http://www.parks.ky.gov/.

There are 12 marked hiking trails at Cumberland Falls State Park ranging from the Laurel Trail (1/4-mile) to the Moonbow Trail (10.8 - mile). We took Trail #9 - the Eagle Falls Trail (1.5 - miles). Trail # 9 is the only trail leading to Eagle Falls. Much of this trail follows the cliff line, so hikers should use extreme caution , watching their step at all times. Parents hiking with children should keep them near their sides. The Eagle Falls Trail offers some of the best views of the falls.

About 1/2 mile from the trail head, there is a short trail leading to an overlook that views the Cumberland River gorge below the falls. There is also a historic Civilian Conservation Corps shelter at the overlook. After crossing a small seasonal stream, Trail #9 becomes a loop. To the right, the trail proceeds to Eagle Falls. At the one-mile point, a spur trail takes you down the river. This is the trail hikers should take to view Eagle Falls. Note that during high water, this lower section of the trail may be under water. The upper trail follows Eagle Creek upstream and then crosses a ridge to complete the loop. This is a very rugged section of the trail.

Even though the water level at Eagle Falls was low the day of our hike, it was still well worth making the hike. The weather was a perfect 72 degrees and the sun was shining brightly. The fall color was simple beautiful.

Since we love hiking, we wanted to leave you with some important hiking tips:

• When planning your hike, remember that the terrain is not flat. A mile of trail and a city sidewalk are not the same.
• Plan your hike so you will be back before dark. Many park trails are bordered by cliffs which make hiking after dark very dangerous. Remember that it may get darker faster in the forest.
• Carry an ample supply of water. There are no drinking water sources along the trails. Even on cool days, you are still going to need water, especially when hiking up hill.
• It is suggested that you not hike alone. The buddy system is always best. If you are planning on hiking alone, you should always let someone else know your hiking plans. Many cell phones cannot pick up service in these hiking areas.
• Proper foot wear is always suggested.