Cumberland Falls — United States

About this spectacle

Cumberland Falls is a dramatic curtain of water plunging roughly 68 feet over a wide sandstone ledge on the Cumberland River in southeastern Kentucky. Known as the 'Niagara of the South,' the falls stretch nearly 125 feet across, creating a thunderous roar and perpetual mist that visitors feel from the overlook platforms. The surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest frames the scene in dense temperate forest, vivid green in summer and brilliant with color in autumn. The falls are particularly celebrated for the moonbow — a rare nocturnal rainbow visible on clear nights around the full moon — one of only a few such phenomena reliably documented on Earth. By day, the spray catches sunlight into conventional rainbows, and the rocky gorge echoes with the constant rushing water. Downstream trails offer progressively wilder views of the cascade and the river corridor beyond.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Oct — Jun

Getting there

Nearest airport: LEX. Nearest city: Corbin.

Booking options

Goyova doesn't process bookings directly. When you tap "Plan this trip" in the app, you'll see options from our partner providers — accommodation, tours, transport — with affiliate links where applicable. See our affiliate disclosure for details.