4 Easy Family Hikes at Cumberland Falls State Park: You Will Love in 2024
Family Hikes: Cumberland Falls The Entire Family Will Love!
Visiting Cumberland Falls State Park KY, often referred to as The Niagara of the South, is an awesome way to connect and build fantastic memories with your family! Cumberland Falls State Park in Kentucky offers visitors a fabulous view of this magnificent waterfall and so much more. Our visits would not be complete without enjoying some family hikes in Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls State Park.
Cumberland Falls offers 12 hikes and more than 20 miles of hiking trails. Trails range from half a mile to nearly 11 miles of hiking. Jumping into an 11-mile hike with our kids would be a recipe for a bad day.
Today, in our exploration of Cumberland Park KY, we’re going to focus on 4 Easy to Moderate Family Hikes your family will LOVE!
Check out the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Kentucky Trail Map to follow along.
Top Family-Friendly Hikes at Cumberland Falls
Let’s focus on four family-friendly hikes that range from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for a day out with the kids at Cumberland Falls State Park:
- Cumberland Falls
- Pinnacle Knob Lookout
- Eagle Falls
- Dog Slaughter Falls
1. Cumberland Falls Trail
Hiking the Cumberland Falls Trail is a must-do! This trail ranges from an easy quarter-mile walk from the parking lot to the falls to a 1.3-mile round-trip hike from the Dupont Lodge.
Parking Lot Walk
Younger visitors and those with mobility challenges will appreciate the paved paths to the trails. These paths lead visitors past the Visitor Center, gift shop, restrooms, and snack shack on the way to Lover’s Leap overlook.
If you’re unable to navigate stairs there are excellent views of the falls at surface level (e.g., you don’t have to go down any stairs. From these overlooks, visitors get a bird’s eye view of Cumberland Falls. And any activity on the river below. Which mainly consist of river rafts and kayaks.
During our visits to Cumberland Falls Corbin KY, which we’ve done 3 times, the visitor center has not been open any of the times. It’s hit and miss from our experience.
Hiking from Dupont Lodge
On our first visit to Cumberland Falls, we stopped at the Dupont Lodge to grab a hiking map and a cool drink of water. From there we hit the trail down to the falls.
The trail starts behind the lodge and works its way down the hill to the Visitor Center and the Falls. From that point, the trail becomes pavement and the same as above.
After enjoying a view of the falls we hiked back up the hill to our car and drove to our next trailhead.
Either version of this trail is easy to hike and navigate. If you have mobility issues, stick to the parking lot. Otherwise, if you want a nice walk through the woods, start at the lodge.
Fast Fact: Our friend Maggy Kriebel, with Corbin Kentucky Tourism, shared, “Cumberland Falls is not only the largest waterfall in the Commonwealth, it is the largest waterfall south of Niagara Falls! Cumberland Falls State Park is the crown jewel park in Kentucky offering tons of opportunities for family-oriented outdoor adventure and fun! For more information about things to do in Corbin, visit us at www.corbinkytourism.com We cannot WAIT to see, because Corbin Loves Company!”
2. Pinnacle Knob Lookout
Pinnacle Knob Lookout is an easy out-and-back trail that is about 1.2 miles long. Don’t let the name “Pinnacle Knob” turn you off; the total elevation gain is only about 250 feet over 1.2 miles. Most of the gain is in the first ⅓ of a mile.
During our hike, we had the trail nearly to ourselves. We crossed paths with one other family along the way. And one copperhead on the way back down the trail. Check out our post about staying aware of snakes while hiking during the fall.
Pinnacle Knob Lookout trail is a lovely walk through the woods on a well-groomed path of packed dirt. There are some rocks, roots, and other dirt on the trail; basically what you would expect when hiking. Boots or any sturdy shoes will provide great foot protection on this trail.
The best part of the trail is reaching the mid-point of this out-and-back where there is a metal fire tower that stretches towards the heavens! The tower is situated atop Pinnacle Knob.
We climbed the stairs to get an extra special view of the autumn leaves in full color!
While we could not access the top of the tower, the view from above the treeline was spectacular. As an added bonus the wind was blowing stronger in the higher altitude and felt refreshing!
Parking for the trailhead is limited and along the side of the road (Highway 90). When approaching the Dupont Lodge from Corbin, Pinnacle Knob Lookout trailhead is BEFORE you reach the lodge on the right-hand side of the road.
Pro Tip: Use AllTrails to grab the exact GPS coordinates for the trailhead!
3. Eagle Falls
Eagle Falls remains one of our most memorable hikes of 2018 and all time. We’ve been coming to this park for a long time and Eagle Falls brings a smile to our faces every time.
From the trailhead, you will descend into the forest along the riverbank. The trail starts above the Cumberland Falls so you will hear and see the Niagara of the South at points on this trail.
Be sure to take the spur trails to get breathtaking views of the river valley. These trails involve a small climb uphill, but the views are totally worth the effort. Especially during autumn and the height of the fall foliage season.
Accessing Eagle Falls involves descending a number of stairs and then climbing over / navigating some boulders. Our kids, 10 and 6 at the time, loved it and navigated the boulders without an issue. Keep in mind, that snakes like to hang out near boulders and rocks, so keep an eye out.
Once across the boulder field Eagle Falls awaits. The falls are 44 feet tall and spill into a small creek that empties into the Cumberland River. We enjoyed the peaceful falls and the hike through the woods. The views we enjoyed of Cumberland Falls from the “other side” weren’t bad either!
The trailhead has a small parking lot about ¼ mile across the Cumberland River bridge on Highway 90. A larger parking lot is located just down the road on the right-hand side of the trailhead lot is full.
Eagle Falls is about 1.8 miles long and is the most challenging of the hikes we are showcasing. If you are hiking with young kids keep a close eye as there are cliff lines on this trail. Guard rails are in place, but watch your step and stay safe!
The falls reward hikers for their hard work and will have you walking with a smile back to the trailhead!
Dogs are not allowed on Eagle Falls trail which is the only drawback to this trail!
4. Dog Slaughter Falls
Next to Eagle Falls, we LOVE Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. This trail is about 2.4 miles round trip on this out-and-back trail. Generally, the trail is flat with about 220 feet of elevation over the entire trail. Similar to all Cumberland Falls State Park trails, Dog Slaughter Falls is well cared for and easy to follow.
On our latest visit, the first bridge hikers needed to cross was taken out by a huge tree that fell in a recent storm (Labor Day 2023). Hikers can easily scramble down the creek bed and resume their hike. On our hike, the creek was fairly dry so no issue.
The forest offers nice shade as you walk along the creek bank. If you are listening you hear the babbling of the creek as it passes over rocks just across the trail.
As you approach Dog Slaughter Falls you will be on a cliff line about 40 feet in the air, so watch your kids, dogs, and fellow hikers to keep from having a long fall! Getting down to the falls is easy if you follow the trail. It’s a bit steep, but if you have good footwear it won’t be a problem.
Once at the falls, you can walk behind the waterfall and gain a new perspective. The water was a bit high in 2023 for us to walk behind, but we did in 2020 and it was super cool!
Dog Slaughter Falls can be accessed via a trailhead on Forest Service Road 195. There are a few parking pullouts at the trailhead which is about 1 to 2 miles down the gravel road when coming from Highway 90. This is how we access the trailhead!
Dog Slaughter Falls can also be accessed via the Dupont Lodge taking the Cumberland Falls Trail to Lover’s Leap to Sheltowee Trail to Dog Slaughter Falls trail. This is about 5 or 6 miles each way.
Other Family Fun Activities At Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls offers more than just hiking and daytime activities. Some of the additional amenities of this state park include.
Spot a Moonbow
What’s Moonbow? A moonbow is a Lunar Rainbow or a White Rainbow visible in the mist of the falls around the time of the full moon. Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world with consistently visible moonbows. Check out our moonbow article!
Swimming
Cumberland Falls State Park offers a swimming pool for visitors to enjoy. The pool is open to all lodge and camping guests as well as the general public. Guests staying at the park get in at no additional charge. While general public guests are charged a nominal daily fee to swim.
Sorry, no swimming in the Cumberland River either above or below the falls. The water is too dangerous to risk swimming!
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding tours are available for a nominal fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Guests must be at least 6 years old to enjoy a horseback adventure. Beginners are welcome. We haven’t done this…yet!
White Water Rafting
The lower Cumberland River offers some great white water rafting, so we hear. The great folks at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Center (KY Raft) will get you all squared away on the perfect trip.
We opted for a rafting trip named the Rainbow Mist which takes rafters up close to the falls. In fact, our guide “bumped” the nose of the boat into a rock next to the falls! We got drenched and it felt amazing!
The Rainbow Mist tour was super fun because we floated around in the pool of the falls and even saw rainbows from the sunlight reflecting in the mist of the falls.
The best part of the tour is the guide does all the paddling!!!
Enjoy a Meal At The Riverview Restaurant
Cumberland Falls State Park offers a full-service restaurant inside the Dupont Lodge. Check it out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
When is the Best Time to Visit Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls is fortunate to benefit from glorious Kentucky weather. Many have said, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes. And it will change.” We enjoy the early Fall season the best. As the leaves are beginning to change to beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows we love to hike in Cumberland Falls!
What is the Weather Like At Cumberland Falls
While not perfectly literal, Kentucky does have 4 distinct seasons. And each offers its own benefits.
Fall
Our trips to Cumberland Falls have been late summer (Labor Day) or mid-Fall (October). We happen to enjoy the Fall season the best. Why?
- Fall offers the best weather with warm days and cool nights. This is perfect outdoor weather for camping, hiking, and enjoying Cumberland Falls State Park
- Days are typically dry during the early fall season. On most days, no need to pack the raincoat!
- On days following rain, the waterfalls will be flowing really well!
Sometimes the limited rain during Fall can make the waterfalls less dramatic than in the Spring.
Spring:
In our view, Spring would be the next best season to visit because Kentucky receives a lot of spring rain. The waterfalls will be flowing well. But, your hike could be in the rain, so just come prepared.
Winter:
Winter weather in Kentucky ranges from cold and snowy to damp and cold. Either way, the falls would be beautiful to see on a cool or cold morning with the sun rising. I can imagine “steam” rising from the falls when the water is warmer than the air. I’m sure this is spectacular.
Watch the weather and if you get a clear day, enjoy a quick day trip to Cumberland Falls!
Summer:
In our view summer is hot, humid, and often just uncomfortable for enjoying the outdoors. Plus with the trees having full canopies the distance views are going to be somewhat muted compared to spring, fall, or winter.
Summer has advantages like warm weather, long days, and clear skies to enjoy nighttime moonbows! Or enjoy a swim in the pool at the Dupont Lodge. Maybe take in some White Water Rafting and experience the Cumberland River in a new way!
What Hiking Gear Do I Need to Hike At Cumberland Falls
Hikers at Cumberland Falls State Park generally don’t need any special hiking gear. Some helpful basic items to include:
- Trail Map (pick one up at the Dupont Lodge or Visitor Center. Or use AllTrails)
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
- Water (simple water bottle for most trails / camelback style for longer trails)
- Hiking poles are not necessary but may help in a few steeper sections. We don’t carry hiking poles and have not found we missed them
- Small first aid kit (band-aids, cleaner, etc.) for small scrapes
- Snacks because it’s nice to enjoy a simple snack while overlooking a waterfall
- Sunscreen, bug spray, etc. are helpful depending on the season
- Let others know where you are going, when you’ll be back, etc.
Where Should We Stay When Visiting Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls State Park is located near Corbin Kentucky and only a few miles south of London, Kentucky. Between camping, RV sites, and hotels visitors to Cumberland Falls have plenty of options!
Camping Near Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls State Park has 50 campsites with water and electric hookups. These are spread over two sections:
- Clifty Campground
- Ridgeline Campground
Both of these campgrounds are located near the heart of the action and offer trails to Cumberland Falls and the Dupont Lodge. Campers don’t have to get in their cars to navigate the park from the campsites.
Sheltowee Trace Adventure Center offers group camping in several settings:
- Car camping in group locations
- Car camping in wooded locations
- Car camping with raised wooden platforms
Sheltowee Trace is located about 5 miles from Cumberland Falls Visitor Center which makes it very convenient for hiking the falls or catching a moonbow!
RV Camping at Cumberland Falls State Park
We have stayed at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Center twice. Once in a tiny house and the other time in our RV. We enjoyed the experience both ways and recommend Sheltowee Trace as a great place to stay. Take a read through our review of the campground.
Several other RV campgrounds are located within about 15 to 20 miles of Cumberland Falls. Although less convenient for accessing the falls, still close enough to enjoy a fun day filled with Family Hikes at Cumberland Falls!
Hotels and Short-term Rental (AirBnB or VRBO)
Corbin offers several hotel options like Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Knights Inn, Landmark Inn, and more. If staying in town is your preference, you will have plenty of options. And be closer to the Colonel Sanders Cafe which happens to be the birthplace of KFC!!!
If you enjoy the AirBnB experience there are over 20 options to choose from in the Corbin area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How hard is the hike to Cumberland Falls?
Hiking to Cumberland Falls from the parking lot is very easy. It involves walking along a paved sidewalk trail.
- How long is the hiking trail at Cumberland Falls?
The Cumberland Falls Trail ranges from 0.25 miles to 1.3 miles depending on your starting location.
- Can you swim at Cumberland Falls Beach?
No. Swimming in the Cumberland River is too dangerous both above AND below the falls. Downstream the Cumberland River has a number of white-water rapids and the current can sweep swimmers away in a hurry. Stay safe and swim in the pool!
- How tall is Cumberland Falls?
Cumberland Falls are 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide! For comparison, Niagara Falls is about 170 feet tall and 2,200 feet wide.
- Have people gone over Cumberland Falls?
Yes, people have gone over the falls and several are lucky to be alive. State laws prohibit “running the falls”. Stay safe and do not attempt to go over the falls!
- Where is Cumberland Falls?
Cumberland Falls is located near Corbin Kentucky in Southeastern Kentucky.
Other Resources
Kentucky is home to some amazing outdoor marvels.
If you enjoyed the “Niagra of the South” check out “the Grand Canyon of the South” at Breaks Interstate Park. Our recent article 5 Amazing Hiking Trails in Breaks Interstate Park offers a full review of the park and some awesome family hiking trails.
For visitors who love sandstone arches, think Arches NP, then Red River Gorge is a must-visit National Geological Area located in eastern Kentucky! We describe how to maximize your visit in our article on things to do and see in Red River Gorge.
Are you looking to visit Kentucky? Louisville is a great place to call your home base for your vacation. Check out our ultimate resource on 27-Day Trips from Louisville that You Will Love in 2024.
The Wrap-Up: Hiking Cumberland Falls
We hope you enjoy your family trip to Cumberland Falls. This unique asset offers a special view into the raw power of water and gravity. Your family can enjoy family hiking Cumberland Falls and a day or more of great family time building memories to last a lifetime!
