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.

2008 Jam Session Dates: January 28, February 25, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 30, July 28,August 25, September 29, October 27, November 24

    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.

    2008 Scheduled Dates
    January 19– 20, February 2-3, March 29-30

    Day Long Hike

    Love the outdoors but the thoughts of sleeping out is not for you? Then try out an all-day hiking excursion. Our hike will begin in the morning, stopping for lunch along the trail. We will hike approximately 6 miles and be finished before dark. The registration fee of $15 includes lunch on the trail. Learn about native plant and animal life and experience some breathtaking views. Registrants will receive a list of suggested personal items prior to their trip. Maxium number of people is 15. June 7, 2008

    Canoe Camping

    Many people enjoy canoeing and would like to travel further than they can go in a day. The rivers in the area offers good Smallmouth bass and Walleye fishing. The naturalist staff at Cumberland Falls can take you on an overnight canoe adventure. We will begin in the morning and canoe until time to set up camp. We will camp overnight and canoe the next day until lunch. The naturalist staff can show you what and how to pack and also teach you the minimum inpact camping techniques. Not only will you learn how to plan an overnight canoe trip, but we also provide all of the equipment needed for this overnight adventure. Limited to ages 18 and up. Registration fee of $75 includes all equipment rental, instruction, and meals. Registrants will receive a list of suggested personal items to bring prior to their trip.

    2008 Scheduled Dates: April 5-6, May 3-4, October 11-12

    Moonbow Trail Trek November 1, 2008

    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

    Trails

    For construction purposes park trail number 2 will be closed from Hwy 90 to the junction of trail 11, until June 1. View Trail Information

    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


    2008 Moonbow Dates

    • Jan: 20,21,22,23,24
    • Feb: 18,19,20,21,22
    • Mar: 19,20,21,22,23
    • Apr: 18,19,20,21,22
    • May: 17,18,19,20,21
    • Jun: 16,17,18,19,20
    • Jul: 16,17,18,19,20
    • Aug: 14,15,16,17,18
    • Sep: 13,14,15,16,17
    • Oct: 12,13,14,15,16
    • Nov: 11,12,13,14,15
    • Dec: 10,11,12,13,14

    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