The One Magical Nighttime Hike In Kentucky Everyone Needs On Their Bucket List
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. One of the most beautiful places in the U.S., the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
