Corbin, Kentucky

Home of the Moonbow

Inns, Lodges, Resorts

October 2021

Photos by Jimmy Jacobs

For visiting anglers sampling the waters of southeast Kentucky, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin makes a great headquarters for such a venture. Roughly an hour west of Pineville and Clear Creek’s delayed-harvest action, the park is near the town of Corbin. It provides good options for accommodations, along with a variety of amenities that make the site perfect for taking the whole family along on a fishing trip.

The main attraction of the park is the waterfall for which it is named.  The 69-foot cascade spans the entire river and is noted for producing the only “moonbow” in North America. During periods of clear sky on either end of a full moon, this phenomenon, which is also called a white rainbow or lunar rainbow, appears over the water below the falls.

Anglers have access to the Cumberland River in the park, which holds smallmouth, spotted and rock bass, along with bluegill and redbreast sunfish. Also present are walleyes and channel catfish. The park also is just 13 miles from another delayed-harvest fishery on Bark Camp Creek.

Other park activities are birding and gem mining. A swimming pool is provided for overnight guests. Picnicking also is popular, with tables, grills and a playground available. One picnic shelter also is on site with tables, grills, water and electric outlets.

For hikers there are 17 miles of trails in the park, along with connections to more paths in the Daniel Boone National Forest.  Horseback trail rides are offered that are easy enough for novice equestrians, but still adventurous enough for more experienced riders. Additionally, concessionaires run rafting trips on the Cumberland River.

The park features the 51-room DuPont Lodge, a 1930s vintage stone building. The structure has hemlock beams, knotty pine paneling and massive stone fireplaces in the lobby, as well as an observation deck over the Cumberland River. Named for Sen. T. Coleman du Pont of Delaware, who donated the money to the state of Kentucky to buy the park land, the lodge offers classic style with all the modern amenities.

The lodge also provides a restaurant that is open seven days weekly, serving continental breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Additionally, 25 cabins and a seasonal campground with 49 sites provide other options for visits. The campground features water and electric hookups, restrooms, showers and a dump station. The camping season runs from March 15 to the end of October.

The bottom line is this park has facilities to meet every need for traveling anglers and their families. For additional information on amenities and activities, visit the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s website.