Kentucky Department of Parks

Cumberland Falls State Resort ParkImagine a wall of water falling 60 feet into a boulder-strewn gorge, a whispering mist that kisses the face and a magical moonbow visible on a clear night under a full moon.

Naturalist & Recreation News

Program Update

Jam Session


Cumberland Falls is inviting musicians to participate in our “Open Mike” Jam Sessions held on the last Monday of each month (except December). The concept of a Jam Session is to showcase our excellent local talent as well as to provide free entertainment for the public. Sessions are from 6 pm to 9 pm and take place in the Great Room of the Dupont Lodge. Come early and enjoy a country buffet in the Riverview Restaurant from 5 pm to 8 pm.

2009 Jam Session Dates are the 2nd and last Monday of each month: January 26, February 9 & 23, March 9 & 30, April 13 & 27, May 11 & 25, June 8 & 29, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 31, September 14 & 28, October 12 & 26, November 9 & 30

    Backcountry Adventure Series

    Backpacking 101


    Many people who enjoy spending time trail hiking or in campgrounds are intimidated by the thought of spending a night out in the backcountry. Well, no worries! Let the naturalist staff at Cumberland Falls teach you the basics of environmentally responsible backpacking in the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest.

    These guided overnight trips are designed both for folks without a lot of experience in the backcountry as well as for more experienced backpackers who are interested in learning minimum impact camping techniques.
    We provide:
    ٠instruction on how to plan an overnight backpacking trip
    ٠all equipment needed on your weekend!

    So sign up and try out the backpacking experience before you invest in your own gear.

    Adventure begins in the morning and the next afternoon. Trip ends is approximately 8 to 10 miles round-trip, with up to 300 feet of elevation change. Participants must be able to walk this distance carrying at least 25 pounds. Registration fee of $75 per person includes all equipment rental, instruction, and meals. Registrants will receive a list of suggested personal items to bring prior to their trip.

    2009 Scheduled Dates
    February 28 to March 1 and November 21 to 22

    Star Party

    An evening of Astronomy. Learn to read a star map and view the moon, planets, and other astronomical features through telescopes.

    2009 Scheduled Dates: 1/24, 2/21, 3/28, 4/25, 5/23, 6/20, 7/25, 8/22, 9/19, 10/17, 11/18 and 12/19.

    Moonbow Trail Trek November 7, 2009

    The Moonbow Trail Trek is a challenging 10.8 mile hike along the rugged Cumberland River Gorge. The trail is named after our unique natural phenomenon called a moonbow, which is a rainbow at night seen at the falls around the full moon cycle.

    Hikers will encounter waterfalls, cascading streams, tower cliffs, and house sized rock formations. The forest environment supports an abundance of unique plant and animal life. Hikers may opt for a shorter distance by choosing 4.5 mile excursion ending at Dog Slaughter Creek Trailhead. The Trail hike is self-guided, although there will be check-in stations along the way. Trail sweeps will make sure that everyone gets finished safely. We do not recommend hiking alone. Participation is limited to 130 people. Please contact the recreation department for a registration form. Fee is $ 10.00 per person and includes a T-shirt and shuttle service.

    For information about these events or any others,  please contact Steve: Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov or Bret : BretA.Smitley@ky.gov

    Meet Your Naturalist & Recreation Staff

     

    Steve Gilbert has been a naturalist at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park since October 1995. He graduated in 1992 with a B.S. in Recreation and Park Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. His interests include camping, native plant gardening, and travel. Stop by his office to identify that unusual plant.

    Bret Smitley has been a naturalist at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park since October of 1993. He is a graduate of Indiana University and holds a degree in Outdoor Recreation. His interests are canoeing, fishing, hunting and spending time with family.

    Moonbow

    Known as the "Niagara of the South," the 125-foot wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. But it's only at night during a full moon that you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere


    2009 Moonbow Dates

    • Jan: 8,9,10,11,12
    • Feb: 7,8,9,10,11
    • Mar: 8,9,10,11,12
    • Apr: 7,8,9,10,11
    • May: 7,8,9,10,11
    • Jun: 5,6,7,8,9
    • Jul: 5,6,7,8,9
    • Aug: 3,4,5,6,7
    • Sep: 2,3,4,5,6
    • Oct: 2,3,4,5,6,31
    • Nov: 1,2,3,4,30
    • Dec: 1,2,3,4,29,30,31

    Newsletter

    View The Bow Catcher newsletter

    Special Events

    Download 2009 Special Events Brochure (pdf file).

    More Information

    Contact Information

    Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
    7351 Highway 90
    Corbin, KY 40701-8857
    Phone: (606) 528-4121
    Lodge Reservations: (800) 325-0063
    Park Manager - Lisa Davis