The One Place In Kentucky That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky, you're going to get a glimpse of some magnificent scenery you won't find anywhere else. The towering arches, moss-covered boulders, and thick forests will make you think you've been transplanted into a Tolkien novel. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which is located in the southern part of Daniel Boone National Forest, near Corbin, boasts impressive waterfalls, meandering streams that cut through lush forests, and areas that look too beautiful to be real, like something from the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. So get ready to see a Middle Earth waterfall look alike!

The most well-known attraction in this Kentucky state park is its namesake, Cumberland Falls. Known as the "Niagra of the South," this massive waterfall is 125 feet wide and plunges into a gorge that you must go explore.

Part of the reason Cumberland Falls is one of the best state parks in Kentucky is that you can see a rare moonbow. On clear nights during a full moon, light from the moon reflects off the mist of the waterfall, creating the moonbow. Cumberland Falls is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where this happens.

Explore deeper into the forest, which will lead you to many more naturally beautiful areas and mystical waterfalls.

There are 12 trails that cover more than 20 miles in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

Huge mossy boulders, leaves bigger than your head, tunnels of vegetation, and craggy rock walls... Are you channeling your inner Frodo yet?

Depending on the part of the park you are exploring, you have a pretty good chance of strolling along next to a stream, with the sound of trickling water breaking the silence of the woods.

Another majestic waterfall located within the park is Dog Slaughter Falls. This stunning 20-foot waterfall is near the mouth of Dog Slaughter Creek, almost to the Cumberland River. The water pools at the base of the falls, making a pristine swimming hole.

You may find a cave or rock shelter to explore.

Or you'll look up to see trees growing out of the sides of cliffs and rock formations, twisting and bending to grow upwards despite obstacles in their way.

As you hike along the trails enjoy the sound of the water flowing through from big waterfalls to cascading trickles.

Another waterfall you must see during your time at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is Eagle Falls. Eagle Creek plunges 44 feet over the side, splashing on the huge boulders below, and eventually empties into the Cumberland River.

For more information on about this park that houses a Middle Earth waterfall please visit the website for Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. While you are exploring make sure you have the AllTrails app so you can find your way on the live maps and find specific directions to certain trails and landmarks. See more of Kentucky's Cumberland Falls State Resort Park with this video from OnlyInYourState:

Have you ever explored this park? How about Mammoth Cave?