Kentucky's most accessible major waterfall at 68 feet, famous for its moonbow phenomenon; roadside viewing.
No fee to view the falls (free state park admission); separate paid activities exist elsewhere in the park (seasonal pool, horseback riding, gem mining)
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Famous for its "moonbow" — a lunar rainbow visible on clear nights near the full moon; the park publishes an annual moonbow viewing schedule
Cumberland Falls is a 68-foot waterfall spanning 125 feet in width, located at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin in Whitley County. The falls are easily accessible from a roadside viewpoint, making this the most accessible major waterfall in Kentucky. No fee is required to view the falls from the state park.
The falls are famous for the “moonbow,” a lunar rainbow visible on clear nights during and near a full moon. The park publishes an annual moonbow viewing schedule to help visitors plan their visits. Many visitors come specifically for this unique optical phenomenon, which is rare and worth experiencing if your schedule allows.
The park allows dogs throughout most of its facilities, though pets are restricted on the McCreary County (nature preserve) side. Other paid activities are available in the park, including seasonal pool access, horseback riding, and gem mining, though these are separate from the falls themselves. Given the straightforward access and iconic status of Cumberland Falls, it’s a must-visit destination for any Kentucky waterfall itinerary.
Year-round; moonbow visible on clear nights near the full moon (park publishes annual schedule).
No fee to view the falls (free state park admission); separate paid activities exist elsewhere in the park (seasonal pool, horseback riding, gem mining)
It's viewable without a hike, from a pullout or short walk near the parking area.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 8 waterfalls in Cumberland Falls Country, 1 of which are roadside like this one.
There is 1 other waterfall we track in Whitley. All Cumberland Falls Country waterfalls →
parks.ky.gov
Facts from official Kentucky State Parks page, checked 2026-09-04, and Kentucky Tourism's official '12 Gorgeous Waterfalls' page (same date) for the 68 ft height / 125 ft width figures. Park spans both Whitley and McCreary counties; falls/DuPont Lodge complex is on the Whitley County side. Closure check: no closure of the falls found; only an unrelated notice that the wading/baby pool is closed. Pet policy quoted directly from official page: pets restricted only on the McCreary County (nature preserve) side of the park.
Checked September 2026.