Cumberland Falls — 68ft Block in Kentucky

Cumberland Falls is a 68-foot block waterfall in McCreary County, Kentucky, reached by drive-up access over 0.3 miles.

Cumberland Falls is the 'Niagara of the South' — a 68-foot, 125-foot-wide block waterfall on the Cumberland River in southeastern Kentucky's McCreary County, and the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can predictably see a moonbow (a lunar rainbow), visible on clear nights around full moon. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park preserves the falls and runs a 1930s-era CCC-built lodge with overlooks, river-rafting access, and excellent cabin lodging. The drive-up overlook is right at the falls; multiple short trails extend the experience.

What to expect

Drive into Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (about 90 minutes from Lexington, KY or 2 hours from Knoxville, TN). The main overlook is a short paved walk from the parking lot. Multiple rim viewpoints, plus a longer trail to a lower river-level vantage. The DuPont Lodge has a sit-down restaurant with falls views. For the moonbow, plan a clear night within 2 days of full moon. Pair with whitewater rafting on the lower Cumberland or the Big South Fork NRRA next door.