Hiking is a wonderful way to spend a beautiful day in Kentucky. When the sun is shining, the Bluegrass State is on display with incredible natural beauty that’s just waiting to be explored. However, there is also an outdoor adventure that’s best had after the sun goes down. Within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, right at the largest waterfall in the state, you can witness a phenomenon that only happens at night. The rare Moonbow is a must-see sight for everyone and this one magical nighttime hike in Kentucky needs to be on every bucket list.
One of the most spectacular sights in Kentucky is Cumberland Falls. This 125-foot-wide “Niagara of the South” is a place everyone should experience.
Facebook/Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Of course, it’s special to witness any time of year, and most choose to take the short hike to reach it during the day. However, nighttime is just as magical.
Facebook/Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Cumberland Falls is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can experience a rare Moonbow. This rainbow appears like a mirage, as the moon and stars shine above, and it’s worth the visit in the dark to see it.
Facebook/Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
The Moonbow only appears on certain nights of the year, which are listed below. Even with this list, you’re not guaranteed perfect conditions on these nights, but it can help you plan your visit and hope to see the sight for yourself.
Facebook/Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Even if it’s not a night for the Moonbow, or if it doesn’t appear, Cumberland Falls is still downright enchanting in the evening. It’s a nighttime hike in Kentucky that’s filled with natural beauty.
Photo Courtesy of Ruth Palmer/@ruthann0917
The easiest route to the falls begins at the lodge and is only 0.5 miles long. This Cumberland Falls Trail is the most popular route, but there are several other hikes within the park, some of which offer different views of the falls.
Tripadvisor/TrailTrekker15
If you’re planning a nighttime hike to see the Moonbow, you should go ahead and spend the night in the park. Dupont Lodge is one of the most beautiful in the state and is a great spot to rest your head after this magical hike.
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Cumberland Falls is one of those popular places in Kentucky that definitely lives up to the hype. If you’d like to experience the magic of the largest waterfall in Kentucky at night, start planning your visit now.
Flickr/Jim Liestman
Visit the spectacular Cumberland Falls during the day and at different times of year to experience it in all its glory, but also be sure to plan a nighttime hike when the Moonbow may make an appearance. It is a magical moment that belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Have you been lucky enough to see the falls at night? Did you see the Moonbow? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Facebook/Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Photo Courtesy of Ruth Palmer/@ruthann0917
Tripadvisor/TrailTrekker15
Flickr/Jim Liestman
For more information on the park and all of its trails, visit its website here.
Address: 7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY, 40701
And for more on this “Niagara of the South” in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
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