Cumberland Falls
- Height
- 68 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
Cumberland Falls drops about 68 ft on Cumberland River in McCreary County, Kentucky.
Closures and warnings
Swimming at the main falls has been discontinued due to dangerous river current. Do not canoe over the falls. Watch for black bears and copperheads in the forest. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 68 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | About 68 ft on the Cumberland River; one of the few places in the western hemisphere where a moonbow can be seen on clear full-moon nights. Designated Kentucky Wild River segment. |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Current | Strong |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | Cumberland Falls State Resort Park southwest of Corbin. Multiple overlooks and trailheads within the resort park; park sits within Daniel Boone National Forest. |
| Parking | Falls overlook and visitor-center lots |
| Fee | No Kentucky state park vehicle entrance fee for day use; lodging and some activities are separate |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | Kentucky Department of Parks (Cumberland Falls State Resort Park) / USDA Forest Service (Daniel Boone National Forest) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Resort lodge, cabins, visitor/interpretive facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas |
Rules
| Camping | Allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Cumberland Falls open?
Swimming at the main falls has been discontinued due to dangerous river current. Do not canoe over the falls. Watch for black bears and copperheads in the forest. As of September 28, 2026.
How tall is Cumberland Falls?
Cumberland Falls drops about 68 ft.
Can you swim at Cumberland Falls?
No, swimming is not allowed at Cumberland Falls. A strong current is reported here, use caution.
How do you get to Cumberland Falls?
The road in is paved. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park southwest of Corbin. Multiple overlooks and trailheads within the resort park; park sits within Daniel Boone National Forest. Parking: Falls overlook and visitor-center lots.
Do you need a reservation for Cumberland Falls?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Cumberland Falls?
The fee is No Kentucky state park vehicle entrance fee for day use; lodging and some activities are separate.
When is Cumberland Falls flowing?
About 68 ft on the Cumberland River; one of the few places in the western hemisphere where a moonbow can be seen on clear full-moon nights. Designated Kentucky Wild River segment.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Just outside: Daniel Boone National Forest (0.5 mi) .
Sources
1
- https://parks.ky.gov/corbin/parks/resort/cumberland-falls-state-resort-park (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.roadNote / access.amenities / rules.camping, waterfall.heightFt / waterfall.flowNote / waterbodyName, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / current / hazardNote, access.fee / access.permitRequired, waterfall.ephemeral, access.parking)
More: Kentucky waterfalls