Quick, name the two largest waterfalls EAST of the Mississippi! I do believe you were able to name Niagara Falls but could you name or would you even know the second: Cumberland Falls in Kentucky. I didnât, and I actually grew up not too far from there. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be in the area for a family reunion and, at her urging, decided to take a side trip to the falls. Iâm glad we did.
Nestled in the rolling hills of middle Kentucky near Corbin, KY and part of the Cumberland Plateau, Cumberland Falls began its life more than 200 million years ago when an ancient seabed was thrust up over 1000 feet by tectonic plate movement. As an extension of the Appalachian mountain range, the plateau contains similar materials: limestone, shale, coal, and sandstone. Striations in the cliffs where the river has cut through the plateau over the centuries allow you to see all of these in various color formations of red, grey, and black.
Cumberland Falls. (Photo provided by Michael and Eileen Giltner)
Discovered by native Indians and later by settlers in the area, the falls became a major attraction in the late 1800s for those that wanted to ârough itâ by horseback or via wagon into the backwoods wilderness. Greater access was eventually provided with paved roads into the area. As more visitors observed the wonders of the falls, it eventually garnered the moniker âNiagara of the South.â While not as large as Niagara, the falls are over 125 feet across and fall 68 feet into the Cumberland River below. Tributaries feeding into the Cumberland River support three other but smaller falls.
A unique feature of the falls is the âMoonbow.â When the moon is full and the sky clear, moonlight hitting the mist creates a rainbow across the falls gorge. Night time tours take visitor to the perfect viewing spot to observe and photograph the âMoonbow.â The Cumberland State park offers lodging for visitors wanting to overnight in the park. Other park activities include rafting, canoeing, zip lining, and a small craft excursion to the base of the falls. Be prepared to get wet!
Approximately 8 hours from Huntley, the majority of the trip can be made via Interstate. The last miles are by state highway and then by twisting, hairpin turn, back roads leading down to the falls. If you go, check your brakes before you leave! The falls are only a 100 yards from the parking lot and there are multiple viewing spots as you walk further into the falls section of the park.
Want other activities along the way? Visit the bluegrass and thoroughbred horse farms of Lexington, the âKentucky Bourbon Trailâ near Louisville, or Mammoth Caves south of Louisville.
