Took us 9 hours. At 62 feet high, Cumberland Falls is an impressive sight during the day, but it’s even more magical under a full moon. The broken bridge forced me to turn around because it was too dangerous to cross The northern half of the trail is obviously not a very trafficked trail which was nice, only saw two other people during the 3 day trip. Beautiful trail! 7351 Hwy. This is the Cumberland River Loop trail. The scenic waterfalls of Kentucky are as majestic as it gets, and Cumberland Falls is the grandest of them all. Moonbow Trail is a 21.6 kilometer moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Parkers Lake, Kentucky that features a river and is rated as difficult. Description The Moonbow 10K is a looped trail race that begins at the Moonbow trailhead near the Visitors Center in Cumberland Falls State Park. : The people of this area were hearty folk and this course will show you how they got that way. We took the this trail from Cumberland Falls out to Dog Slaughter Falls. The trail begins at Cumberland Falls and follows the Cumberland River to the mouth of the Laurel River. Closer towards the shelter, there is a bridge that goes across a small gulley that is out, but you can still cross with careful footing. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. For me, this is part of what makes hiking fun. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. Take one look at Cumberland Falls and you’ll understand why it’s often called the “Niagara of the South”. Worth the time. Great walk few beautiful little water falls on the way, which was a welcome cooldown. Nothing that can’t be maneuvered without a little caution. Description. Would definitely do the trail again. In fact, it’s the only regular moonbow in the western hemisphere. Get Directions. The Moon in position for a Lunar Rainbow, peeking over the ridge and tree tops. The Moonbow 30K is a 2x looped trail race that begins at the Moonbow trailhead near the Visitors Center in Cumberland Falls State Park. CORBIN, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2013) — The 23 nd Annual Moonbow Trail Trek, which will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 26, at Cumberland Falls State Resort … Cumberland Falls is a hiker’s paradise with 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park to scenic areas. An Insider's Guide to Olive Hill, KY: A Place for Music, Community, and the Great Outdoors, 7 Essential Kentucky Experiences to Have in Your Lifetime, Paddling through Bald Cypress Swamps and Sloughs in Western Kentucky: An Otherworldly Adventure, A Quick and Dirty Guide to the Best Whitewater Kayaking in Kentucky, How Kentucky Became One of the Top Paddling States in the Country. We hiked the entire trail from the mouth of the Laurel to Cumberland Falls. Did This trail Last Fall with a friend and my dog. We had a nice time. Corbin , KY. Daniel Boone Country. We chose a moderately strenuous trail of about 2 miles leading to a vantage point view of Eagle Falls. We will definitely do this hike again in the fall and winter. The people of this area were hearty folk and this course will show you how they got that way. Moonbow Trail. Measuring approximately 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide, this impressive waterfall has earned its moniker of “the Niagara of the South.”. In fact, it’s the only regular moonbow in the western hemisphere. The start of the trail, built by the Kiwanis Club, which is now the intersection of Main Street and Cumberland Falls Highway in Corbin Ky. Click on the sign below to see a full and older post card On September 1, 1907, the … Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I hiked from the parking lot of the gift shop to a broken bridge (about 5.75 miles). Although with all the rain we have had recently I can easily se pieces of the trail being completely submerged. The people of this area were hearty folk and this course will show you how they got that way. Trails overgrown, some trails very small. The Moonbow 50K is a 3x looped trail race that begins at the Visitors Center in Cumberland Falls State Park. It's easy to get lost on this section. Hikers follow the cliff line for much of the trail to one of the best views of Cumberland Falls. - See 1,291 traveler reviews, 1,256 candid photos, and great deals for Corbin, KY, at Tripadvisor. Head to Cumberland Falls during the full moon for a chance to glimpse the elusive moonbow. Cumberland Falls, sometimes called the Little Niagara, the Niagara of the South, or the Great Falls, is a waterfall on the Cumberland River in southeastern Kentucky.Spanning the river at the border of McCreary and Whitley counties, the waterfall is the central feature of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and is part of the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves designated Wild River System. The Moonbow Trail connects with many backpacking trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The “moonbow,” also called a white rainbow or lunar rainbow, is formed just like a rainbow—light is refracted in tiny water droplets—and appears for the two or so days, as long as the sky is clear, on either end of the full moon. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is also home to an additional 17 miles of hiking and the DuPont Lodge, so it’s possible to turn a moonbow hike into a great weekend. The people of this area were hearty folk and this course will show you how they got that way. The trail is marked well, and in great shape. The people of this area were hearty folk and this course will show you how they got that way. Moonbow Trail is a 13.4 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Parkers Lake, Kentucky that features a river and is rated as difficult. Very flowing. For two to three days before and after the full moon, plan to arrive about two hours after sunset for your best chance at seeing the moonbow. The trailhead begins at the cul-de-sac of the park's picnic area. After crossing a seasonal stream, Trail … Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that regularly produces a moonbow. The shelter was ok; a lot of trash around it. Length 13.4 mi Elevation gain 1,072 ft Route type Point to Point Corbin , KY 40701. Cumberland Falls is spectacular during the daytime but a few days each month, it literally lights up at night. Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that regularly produces a moonbow. Gorgeous rock formations. DIRECTIONS, PARKING & REGULATIONS. So those 11 miles—all part of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, the backbone of the Daniel Boone National Forest trail system—are well worth the effort. 5 miles, trailhead at far end of picnic area, follows river upstream for 2 miles, continues along an old logging road, trail will intersect with Moonbow, ends at … Hiked from the visitor center at Cumberland Falls to Dog Slaughter Falls. I would not consider this trail hard. It only has a 68’ drop but at 125’ wide Cumberland Falls has more water volume than any other waterfall on the East Coast south of Niagara Falls. The Moonbow Trail is long, strenuous, and occasionally in need of maintenance, so it’s best for hikers looking for a challenge. There are parts of the trail that are a bit overgrown, but it’s not too hard to follow. We came across a pretty large pile of what we assumed was bear. The trail itself is very difficult. There are portions that could be underwater. Stand up paddle under a full moon to see a rare phenomenon – Moonbow. 3 different bridges were inaccessible and a lot of downed trees along the trail (40+). Since my brother and I hadn’t been to the park since we were young and wanted good views of the falls, we opted for the Eagle Falls trail, a fairly easy 1.5-mile trail that gives plenty of views of Cumberland Falls, takes you along the river and through lush forest, and ends in Eagle Falls. In fact, it’s the only regular moonbow in the western hemisphere. More Moderate. It’s moonbow time at the Cumberland Falls State Park, a once a month chance for park guests of all ages to get to see a rainbow in the night sky — if the weather is just right. We took many opportunities to walk down to the river and also to the base of Dog Slaughter and ended up walking more like 8.5-9 miles. However, park at the visitor's center lot, as this the termination of the 6.3 mile loop. to Plan a Visit or a Weekend for the next Moonbow at Cumberland Falls The Moon is moving away from the Earth at about 1.6 inches a year ! The challenging trail begins at the Mouth of Laurel boat ramp, then meanders along the Cumberland River toward Cumberland Falls, which is the second-largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. There is a lot of up and down, and you do have to watch your footing closely in parts. This is the second time we’ve hiked from the visitors center to the star shelter. Unlike many Kentucky State Parks, Cumberland Falls is intentionally open 24 hours to allow hikers to check out the moonbow. The Moonbow 50K is a 3x looped trail race that begins at the Visitors Center in Cumberland Falls State Park. Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that regularly produces a moonbow. The 10.8-mile hike is long and fairly strenuous without many bailout options aside from turning back. Cumberland Falls. There are several semi established campsites with rock fire rings between the shelter and when you enter CF State Park. The trail isn't well marked between Mile 4 and 5 (if you're coming from the gift shop.) A hiker must inch along the entire trail and pay close attention to how and where they step in order to avoid losing balancing, falling, or twisting ankles. This 11-mile section of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is also known as the “Moonbow Trail.” The trail runs adjacent to the Cumberland River from the Mouth of Laurel to Cumberland Falls, the second largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. It is very technical and challenging, but definitely worth it. Takes you right to the falls visitor center. Eagle Falls Trail. Devil's Rock and Official Trail 2 for Cumberland Falls, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. 5 miles, trailhead at far end of picnic area, follows river upstream for 2 miles, continues along an old logging road, trail will intersect with Moonbow, ends at falls parking area. However, park at the visitor's center lot, as this the termination of the 6.3 mile loop. This is the Cumberland River Loop trail. We woke up to beautiful weather and had a somewhat "edible" breakfast before hitting the trails. Please note that the viewing platform to see the falls has been reported closed (08/14/2020). Great trail following the Cumberland River. This is Day 2 of our trip to Cumberland Falls State Park in Corbin, Kentucky. Especially near Laurel Lake. If you’re set on seeing the moonbow but don’t feel comfortable hiking the trail in the dark, there are other options, including the half-mile Cumberland Falls Trail, which ends at the observation decks. The Perfect Combination. There are a few blow downs and bridges that have been moved from flash floods. In order to see the moonbow you need to visit Cumberland Falls when lots of water is flowing, within one or two days of a full moon, and on a completely cloudless night. From the nearby town of Corbin, take State Highway 727 to US-25W, which eventually becomes KY-90 W. From here, it’s about 14 miles to the parking at the Mouth of Laurel boat ramp. So those 11 miles—all part of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, the backbone of the Daniel Boone National Forest trail system—are well worth the effort. At 125 feet wide and seven stories tall, this is one spectacular cascade. Give yourself a full day if you plan to go all the way to Cumberland Falls and back. Definitely a hard trail. The trailhead and the first few miles of the trail are in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which doesn’t charge any general admission fees. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. My second time hiking this trail. Be sure to check water levels of the river before hiking. The Moonbow 50K is a 3x looped trail race that begins at the Moonbow trailhead near the Visitors Center in Cumberland Falls State Park. Actually, this trail is a section of the Sheltowee Trail which extends the length of the Daniel Boone National Forest. For those looking to make Cumberland Falls State Resort Park the jumping-off point of a larger adventure, the Moonbow Trail connects with extensive backpacking trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The people of this area were hearty folk and this course will show you how they got that way. The 3,600 cubic feet of water that spills over the sandstone edge every second creates a formidable roar and a breathtaking sight, day or night. The Cumberland State Park offers a variety of experiences in Nature, and a number of trails ranging from easy to difficult. Will definitely do this again! Backpacked from Cumberland Falls Visitor center to Star Creek Shelter. TRAIL 1 MOONBOW TRAIL Length 10.8-miles. You’ve seen plenty of rainbows, but Cumberland Falls’ moonbow, which occurs each month during the full moon, is out of this world. Not a terribly demanding trail, some beautiful scenery along the way... Fun trail but be prepared to scramble. This is the section of the Sheltowee Trace #2 that goes from Cumberland Falls to the mouth of the Laurel River. I would rate it moderate and had no problem completing the 7 miles out and back. It's rocky and steep. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. We were the only ones on the trail til we got back close to the falls. There are roots and rocks along the trail as well as rock steps and metal steps. The Lodge will give you a shuttle for a small fee. The Moon phase calculator shows exact times of the various moon phases for Cumberland Falls Moonbow Historical Marker, Kentucky, USA in year 2020 or in other locations and years. I hiked to mile 5.72 and had to turnaround because a bridge was broken. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: Moonbow is a treat! This trail has beautiful scenery, however this trail is not well maintained with downed bridges, and trees fallen on the trails. Spanning the river at the border of McCreary and Whitley counties, the waterfall is the central feature of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. The people of this area were hearty folk and this course will show you how they got that way. The challenging trail begins at the Mouth of Laurel boat ramp, then meanders along the Cumberland River toward Cumberland Falls, which is the second-largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mo… The Kiwanis Trail Corbin to Cumberland Falls, Kentucky . So those 11 miles—all part of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, the backbone of the Daniel Boone National Forest trail system—are well worth the … GET DIRECTIONS This trail is 1.5 miles and is the only trail leading to Eagle Falls. No general admission fees apply at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Cumberland Falls, sometimes called the Little Niagara, the Niagara of the South, or the Great Falls, is a large waterfall on the Cumberland River in southeastern Kentucky. Cumberland Falls Resort State Park … Great hike. The biggest thing that makes me mark this one star is the fact that the trail marker are few and far between so you don’t know if you on the right track. 90. It’s a 3.5 mile hike one way along the river. The Moonbow 50K is a 3x looped trail race that begins at the Visitors Center in Cumberland Falls State Park. Combine a stunning waterfall and a rare natural phenomenon and you get a moonbow paddle at Cumberland Falls. Stunning views. 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