Cumberland Falls is NOT in Williamsburg
A Day Away By Mike Steely
I keep seeing a local television commercial for Williamsburg, Kentucky. As I grew up there for ten years and even briefly returned later in life to live there again, I consider it one of my hometowns.
The commercial does a great job in promoting the town, which is the seat of Whitley County and has a historic downtown area, notable mansions, a thriving casino and a water park. Cumberland College is also there, and the historic Lane Theater is just a block or so from the town’s old L&N railroad depot. While Williamsburg has a lot to offer, it is not the home of Cumberland Falls as the commercial suggests.
Repeat, the “Niagara of the South” is NOT located in Williamsburg. The commercial is referring instead to the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which is about 20 miles or 30 minutes northeast of the town. The park has a beautiful “Moonbow” on clear nights and offers hiking and picnic areas, good gift shops, and many ways to see the falls from above or below.
Getting from Williamsburg to Cumberland Falls, which actually has a Corbin, Kentucky, address, means following I-75 north to the second Williamsburg exit and taking Highway 25W until it turns left onto Highway 90. Following that route brings you to overlooks with good parking and eventually downhill to the falls parking lot.
Cumberland Falls was always a favorite place to visit in my childhood, and when in the area nowadays, we always stop for the view and hike to the bottom of the falls. There are many trails within the park and along the rushing Cumberland River.
It is said that Cumberland Falls was accidentally discovered by long hunters who had to abandon their rafts above the waterfall and walk around the cascade to continue. It was later “rediscovered” by explorer and land speculator Dr. Thomas Walker, who named the entire Cumberland area for England’s Duke of Cumberland.
Across the river from the main parking area is an interesting trail to the little-known “Eagle Falls” that empties its waters just downriver from the main falls.
Being just a half-hour away, I visited Cumberland Falls with my childhood family, my high school class, and later with my sons and grandchildren. The park also features the famous Dupont Lodge with lodging and a well-known Riverview Restaurant. It also offers horseback riding, swimming above the falls, and a good campground with hookups. The park is a good place to stay as you visit the towns of London, Corbin and Williamsburg.
You can also visit the Great South Fork area just west of the falls or even take the tourist train in Sterns, Ky., to visit the Blue Heron historic coal mining community.
A day away with yourself or your friends and family can turn into a weekend or even a week-long visit, working out of Cumberland Falls.
For more information about Cumberland Falls, you can visit www.cumberlandfallsstatepark.com or call (800) 325-0063.
