Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – Scenic Natural Wonder & Visitor Guide
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Location
7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY 40701
Top Five Things to Do
- Marvel at the 60‑foot “Mile‑High Falls” and its legendary moonbow.
- Tour the historic Pinnacle Knob 1937 Fire Tower and learn about early fire‑watching.
- Hike the Eagle Falls Trail for sweeping river views.
- Ride the Rainbow Mist for a guided floating experience.
- Discover gemstones and fossils at the on‑site mining flume (seasonal).
Lodging
The DuPont Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, boasts 51 rooms framed by hemlock beams, knotty‑pine paneling, and stone fireplaces. All rooms were fully renovated in 2006 and offer modern amenities with scenic river views. Additional accommodations include 25 cabins, cottages, and 49 campsites.
The park’s observation deck provides a panoramic view of the Cumberland River and is an idyllic setting for weddings. For event planning, click here to learn more.
Dining – Take‑Out Only
- Thursday: Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Dinner 4 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: Breakfast 7 a.m.–10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Dinner 4 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Sunday: Breakfast 7 a.m.–10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Monday–Wednesday: Closed
Activities
Birding
Watch for Pileated Woodpeckers, Wood Thrushes, and a variety of warblers that migrate through the area. Many species can be seen from the Riverview Restaurant or the DuPont Lodge patio.
Camping
Reserve a spot at the 50‑site campground (electric and water hookups) by calling (606) 309‑4808. The site offers a central service building with showers, a grocery store, and a dump station. Pets are welcome if restrained. Closed November 1 – March 14.
Fishing
Catch bass, catfish, panfish, and roughfish in the Cumberland River. A Kentucky fishing license is required; purchase online at KY Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.
Gem Mining
At the Cumberland Falls Mining Company, sift through a flume to uncover gems like pyrite, fluorite, quartz, ruby, moonstone, and more. This attraction is open from April 1 to October 31.
Hiking
Explore 17 miles of trails, including the Moonbow Trail that links to the Daniel Boone National Forest. Note that pets are prohibited on the McCreary County side, which is a dedicated nature preserve.
Horseback Riding
Guided 45‑minute trail rides are available for ages 6+ from May to Labor Day (and weekends in September and October). Rides cost $20 per person. Horses are not allowed on park trails.
Picnicking
Enjoy a picnic area with tables, grills, and a playground. A shelter (no restrooms) can be reserved up to a year in advance.
Swimming
Open to overnight lodging and campground guests only: Friday–Sunday, 12 p.m.–7 p.m.
Rafting
Guided trips on the Cumberland River are available June through Labor Day, weather permitting. Call 800‑541‑RAFT (7238) or visit Ky‑Rafting for details.
Moonbow
Cumberland Falls regularly produces a moonbow—a white rainbow that appears during a full moon when the sky is clear. Below are the most recent viewing dates for 2021–2023.
2021 Moonbow Dates
- Jan 26–30
- Feb 25–29
- Mar 26–30
- Apr 24–28
- May 24–28
- Jun 22–26
- Jul 21–25
- Aug 20–24
- Sep 18–22
- Oct 18–22
- Nov 17–21
- Dec 16–20
2022 Moonbow Dates
- Jan 15–19
- Feb 14–18
- Mar 16–20
- Apr 14–18
- May 14–18
- Jun 12–16
- Jul 9–15
- Aug 9–13
- Sep 8–12
- Oct 7–11
- Nov 6–10
- Dec 5–9
2023 Moonbow Dates
- Jan 4–8
- Feb 3–7
- Mar 5–9
- Apr 4–8
- May 3–7
- Jun 1–5
- Jul 1–5, 30, 31
- Aug 1–3, 27–31
- Sep 1, 27–30
- Oct 1, 26–30
- Nov 25–29
- Dec 24–28
