With summer winding down, it's time to make every last second of freedom count. How? One great way is by exploring on small weekend trips. This past week I visited Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and it proved a magnificent spot for a miniature adventure.
Beautiful Sights
Where to begin? The lunar rainbow. Also known as a "moonbow," the lunar rainbow is seen on clear nights equipped with a full moon. According to the park's website, this is the only predictable lunar rainbow in the entire western hemisphere. Although I could not take a satisfactory photograph of the phenomenon, I was fortunate enough to see it. It appeared as a thin white arc, hovering atop the plunge pool at the base of the moonlit falls.
Travel Tip #1: According to an informational sign in the park, the only way to capture the moonbow on film is by using a camera with 400 speed film and long exposure (on a tripod, of course).
A view of the 65 ft tall falls (taken from the path just downstream from the falls).
Travel Tip #2: There is often a rainbow seen at the base of the falls. If it is not visible your first visit, don't despair. It took me three days and several visits to witness the one pictured in the cover photo (which was taken at 11:00 am).
Travel Tip #3: When water levels are high enough, miniature falls should appear throughout several of the paths.
Above and below are pictures taken on The Cumberland River Trail (Trail 2).
Travel Tip #4: There are Black Bear warnings everywhere. Know your stuff just in case. There are signs outside and inside the lodge with instructions on how to deal with a bear encounter.
Travel Tip #5: Take the time to walk out on this pathway (and the one directly downstream from the falls) and thoroughly explore the area surrounding the falls. It is beautiful and worthwhile. Also, depending on the weather, time and day, you might get to see an expert fisherman show off his skill sets.
This is the view directly upstream from the falls. Awesomely enough, this section is handicap accessible (the top portion of the ramp is visible in the left-hand corner).
Activities
There are multiple activities offered at the park including swimming, gem mining, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, horseshoes, picnicking, rafting, and tennis. It seemed to me that there was just about something for everyone. I was on a family trip with my grandparents and mother and despite the age gaps, we each found something enjoyable to keep us busy. While I was unable to try everything, I did what I could with the few days I had.
Travel Tip #6: Check the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Facebook Page for their weekly events, seasonal events, moonbow viewing times and musical jam sessions. While I was there, some of the activities offered were guided wildlife hikes, archery, crafts and line dancing.
One of the many ways to view the falls was a guided raft tour. These tours last an hour and cost around 18 dollars a person. One raft leaves at a time, and is paddled by a singular guide. The picture above is of my group approaching the attraction.
Travel Tip #7: Depending on how close you get to the falls and where you find yourself located in the raft, the mist could leave you drenched. When I went, the temperature was in the mid-90's, and the mist felt quite refreshing. Regardless, I would recommend bringing a change of clothes and shoes.
Above is the main entrance to the park. In the photo you can see the gem mining area, and the gift shop on the far right side. Unfortunately during my stay they were temporarily out of gem bags, but the miniature water tower ran all the same. Behind the gem mining tower is a snack shack and the Visitor's Center Museum.
Travel Tip #8: The Visitor's Center Museum is a great first stop. If not for the history, or the information concerning native wildlife, then for the detailed descriptions of the different trails as well as the interactive topographic table map outlining the area.
There are 12 trails and 17 miles of hiking in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. The trails vary from accessible to most to strenuous. Among them are sights such as Dog Slaughter Falls, the Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower on the Cumberland River Trail, stone masonry along the Civilian Conservation Corps Memorial Trail and Eagle Falls on the Eagle Falls Trail. Pictured above is the entrance to the Cumberland Falls Trail (Trail #6).
Travel Tip #9: It's worth purchasing the official Trail Map.
Birding is another popular past time at the park. Although I am not a huge bird watcher myself, I did enjoy spotting the little feathered creatures as I ate in The Riverview Restaurant. Here I caught a photograph of what I believe to be a common Chipping Sparrow.
Travel Tip #10: Bring your binoculars and cameras to the back of the lodge. I saw many birds flying about near the back patio.
Where to Stay
Reservations to stay at Cumberland Falls can be made for DuPont Lodge, Cottages, Woodland Rooms, and the Campgrounds. Each of the locations is pet friendly and on my trip I ran into many tourists walking their dogs.
I stayed in Cottage #521. It was small, adorable and provided a very comfortable stay. This particular cottage was located down a few flights of stairs, giving it a secluded feeling despite being in the midst of several other cottages. Inside there was a working kitchen complete with kitchenware, television with cable, air conditioning (thank goodness), a full bath, and a functional fireplace. Outside there was a grill and picnic table along with a couple chairs on a porch overlooking the dense forest.
Travel Tip #11: Keep your key card away from your cell phone and credit card. I stored my card in my wallet and accidentally deactivated it.
I would highly recommend staying in one of the cottages, but from my explorations the other options seemed just as grand. The service at the lodge was exceptional and the buffet at The Riverview Restaurant inside was to die for.
Travel Tip #12: When eating at the Riverfront Restaurant bring your camera. I ate there twice and each time multiple birds, groundhogs, squirrels and chipmunks appeared right outside the window.
If you've a few days to spare, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park should definitely be an option. It's a wonderful location for a weekend adventure.
