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Cumberland Falls was discovered by explorers such as Dr. Thomas Walker in the 1750's and Zachary Green in the 1770's.
Native American tribes such as Shawnee, Cherokee and Chickasaw knew about Cumberland Falls many years earlier. Early summer months, these tribes would set up along the river's edge and at the base of the falls. Gaming areas would be established as well as the collection of wild berries and nuts. These tribes would stay by the falls, returning home, when the first Autumn weather returned.
Cumberland Falls stretches 125 feet wide and plunges over 60 feet into a gorge below. Cumberland Falls is the second largest waterfall in North America, second only to Niagara Falls. In fact, Cumberland Falls is referred to as "The Niagara of the South." Cumberland Falls got it's name from the 18th century explorer, Dr. Thomas Walker. Dr. Walker remarked how the crooked nature of the river was reminiscent to the Duke of Cumberland.
The amount of water that flows over Cumberland Falls varies upon the season. Spring typically is the best time of the year to view the falls and experience the best water flow. The amount of water that flows over the falls is measured in cubic feet per second. The record for the highest flow was at 59,000 cubic feet per second. The record low stands a mere 4 cubic feet per second.
Cumberland Falls possesses a unique distinction of being the only waterfall in the Western Hemisphere that features a "moonbow." A moonbow is the opposite of a rainbow. This natural phenomenon occurs under a full moon and a clear sky. An arch white light begins at the base of the falls and extends upward, across the falls.
Traveling to the falls is quite easy. Whether traveling North or South on Interstate-75, simply take exit 25 in Corbin, Kentucky. About 15 miles west on highway 25 past Corbin to Parkers Lake, one will find "Cumberland Falls State Resort Park's" entrance to the right. Another several miles through the park will end up at the falls. Before Interstate highways and paved state roads, a train ride on the Cincinnati Southern to Parkers Lake would begin the journey to the falls. The final part of the journey would require a mule drawn wagon over unpaved, dirt roads. This 12 mile expedition would require 4- hours of endurance and resilience for the passengers, eager to see the falls.
The hotel to greet the passengers would be the Cumberland Falls Hotel Inn. Built in 1875, this became a popular summer resort destination. Cumberland Falls Hotel was a 2 story, 80 room property with dining room and ballroom. The hotel was built right along the river's edge and looked down over the falls. 1902, Henry Brunson family purchased Cumberland Falls Hotel, renamed it Brunson Inn and operated the hotel until 1931. Hotel name change again to the Moonbow Inn until it was destroyed by fire in 1949, never to be rebuilt. The DuPont Lodge, which was built in the 1930's, is now the closest accommodations to the falls.
Up until the 1930's, Cumberland Falls and surrounding area was privately held land. At one point, Cumberland Falls was almost lost to a proposed hydro-electric dam. Delaware Senator and native Kentuckian, T. Coleman du Pont and Louisville Times editor, Tom Wallace waged a campaign to save Cumberland Falls. Senator du Pont was able to purchase about 600 acres surrounding Cumberland Falls and donate the land to the state of Kentucky.
1931, Cumberland Falls became a state park, Kentucky's third state park. Today, Cumberland Falls is one of Kentucky's most visited parks, attracting many visitors a year. Located in Daniel Boone National Forest makes this an ideal destination for family outings, weddings, horseback riding, canoeing, picnics and weekend retreats.
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Information about
Cumberland Falls is sourced in part from visiting Cumberland Falls
State Park Resort and from sourcing www.cumberlandfallspark.com
.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Travel NewporterJazz presents, Cumberland Falls
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