This Sublime Waterfall Hike In Kentucky Is Somehow Even More Beautiful In The Fall
By Sarah McCosham|Published October 15, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Autumn is peak hiking season here in the Bluegrass State, and our 45 glorious state parks offer amazing fall foliage to enjoy out on the trails. In terms of superlative seasonal superstars, however, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park takes on a sublime splendor each fall that’s downright irresistible… and the park’s headlining waterfall? A revelation. So this season, we invite you to take the Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail, our pick for the best fall waterfall hike in Kentucky!
Cumberland Falls is a stunner any time of the year. Billed as the "Niagara of the South," Cumberland Falls is our state's most dazzling crown jewel; and, would you believe it? It's even more spectacular in the fall!
There are numerous ways to take in the falls during the autumn; for those wanting a short stroll, a half-mile trail provides scenic views of the eponymous river and Gatliff Bridge inside the park.
The Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail that's rated as moderate, and leads to two of the state's most stunning waterfalls: Cumberland Falls and Eagle Falls.
One of the best parts about this trail is the perspective it affords of Cumberland Falls -- look at all that colorful foliage! This is one of the best vantage points for taking in the full splendor of the 68-foot tall, 125-foot wide wonder. Once you've soaked up all that scenic splendor, it's just a quick jaunt to Eagle Falls.
From the Cumberland Falls overlook, it's not far to Eagle Falls, a 44-foot stunner. What Eagle Falls lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. The cascades tumble in perfect formation over several rocks and small cliffs.
In the autumn, with the abundant fall foliage and dappling golden sunlight, this sublime scene will take your breath away. (Fido will be at a loss for words, too.)
At under two miles in length, this is an accessible hike that's perfect for stopping to smell the roses. Or, in this case, the fall foliage. (That crisp, earthy smell? It's better than any pumpkin spice candle, we say!)
The Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail is a short hike with a big payoff: tremendous views of two of the best waterfalls in Kentucky, including the mighty Niagara Falls of the South.
