Summary: The park is great for the activity and scenery. Be selective with lodging, and avoid the dining room. Read on for more details.
This is an average of the good and the bad for this state park. The park itself is great and would earn 5+ stars. The falls are simply amazing. We have been there when they are flowing at an average rate, and this time they were absolutely raging! It was awesome to see the incredible power of the water flowing over the falls. There are some great little trails, and I highly recommend taking the Eagle Falls Trail. It is very popular because of the views of Cumberland Falls and for Eagle Falls at the end of the trail. It is a bit of a challenge because there are numerous stairs, but can be completed by anyone who is able to handle a few stairs normally. There is no rush, because it is only a mile to get there.
We also stayed in the lodge and ate at the restaurant. We stayed in a "Woodlands" room, which gets 2 stars. These would be great if you want adjoining rooms. But if you have neighbors you don't know, you will soon learn way to much about them, because it sounds like the door between the rooms is open! We heard every single conversation they had, and vice versa I'm sure. So just know there is NO privacy in those rooms. The lodge might be better, and a private cabin would probably be very nice.
The restaurant rates only 3 stars. We had dinner and breakfast there. The buffet for dinner has a nice salad and some good southern fare. The pork chops were very good. The baked fish (I think talapia, it wasn't labelled) was basically inedible because it was overcooked and rubbery. My wife ordered the hot brown, and really enjoyed it, so that is the way to go obviously. For breakfast, the buffet was fine. Not outstanding, but good enough to fuel us for the day. In the middle of breakfast the roof started dripping from a metal cover placed on it in the middle of the dining room! This apparently happens regularly as they were not alarmed, mopped it up, but a bucket under it, and a sign warning of a wet floor. Not ok, guys. That could be carrying bacteria and spreading it in the area. There are a few good places to eat in Corbin that I would recommend trying instead.
The people working there earn 5+ stars. They are the nicest folks and do the best they can with what they have. That truly overcame many of the issues we encountered and made it a nice overnight trip. Like most states, we underfund our state parks, and it shows more and...
Read moreCumberland Falls is one of Kentucky’s most iconic natural wonders — a massive, thundering waterfall often called the “Niagara of the South.” It’s not just a scenic marvel, it’s an incredibly family-friendly and accessible destination.
There are paved walkways and multiple overlooks that are wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy close-up views of the falls. The main viewing area is smooth, level, and ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and young kids. The park also has benches and railings placed throughout for safety and comfort.
This is a great spot for families with children — lots of space to roam, picnic tables throughout the park, and safe viewing areas. My kids loved watching the roaring water and exploring the gentle trails. The visitor center has educational displays, and the gift shop is fun without being over-commercialized.
The famous moonbow is a must-see if you can time your visit with a clear full moon — it’s one of only a few places in the world where this happens regularly.
Restrooms are clean, the grounds are well-maintained, and the DuPont Lodge nearby offers food, lodging, and a rustic charm that ties it all together. If you want a little more adventure, there are also more rugged trails like the Eagle Falls trail for hikers seeking a challenge.
In short: safe, accessible, scenic, and peaceful — ideal for everyone from solo travelers to families and seniors. Highly recommend...
Read moreCumberland Falls State Park is a beautiful place to visit. The route to it is well posted and it is easy to find it. When you arrive the visitor's center provides ample free parking. From the parking lot the falls themselves are only a brief walk on a paved trail. There are multiple places from which to view the falls depending on how close or far away you want to be and how high or low you desire. The visitor's center is well maintained. Restrooms and refreshments are readily available as well as a very nicely stocked gift shop. Prices are reasonable. In addition usual souvenirs I collect; I purchased a park trail map for future use. The park has campgrounds and picnic areas. I visited on a Sunday. There were a lot of people here. I suspect a weekday visit would be better if you prefer a slightly more quiet or less crowded experience. The visitor's center staff were friendly and helpful. As beautiful as the park was during my visit; I can only imagine how it would look during the fall at the peak of color display. I intend to come back and see for myself. You should come here also. Turn off your cell phone and earbuds and watch /listen to natural beauty. You...
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