Winter at Eagle Falls

Feb 12

Map of Eagle Falls Lollipop and Spurs - Cumberland Falls State Resort Park - Kentucky Hiker Project — Map of Eagle Falls Lollipop and Spurs, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Elevation Profile of Eagle Falls Lollipop and Spurs, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Overview. With dry weather leading up to our hike, we opted for this dependable waterfall that flows year round with the rare exception during drought. The falls are gorgeous, the cascades above are peaceful, and the views of Cumberland Falls from the shoreline boulders are fantastic! This is a hike I like to revisit year after year and reasonable river levels make it all the better.

Route Type | Lollipop and Spur
Total Distance | 2.83 miles
Elevation Gain | 806 feet
Overall Difficulty | Moderate with Lots of Stairs

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 36.836844, -84.345531
CCC Shelter | 36.839761, -84.346239
Eagle Creek Cascades | 36.844150, -84.345172
Eagle Falls | 36.843506, -84.343669
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Map

Parking. Limited parking is available on either side of KY-90. If full, return to the Cumberland Falls parking lot and walk across Gatliff Bridge single file, facing traffic. Stay close to the shoulder and ready to bail at the blind curve coming back.

Trail Navigation. The trail is easy enough to navigate on well trod, marked trail. Locate the trailhead at the northwest corner of the parking area of westbound KY-90. Follow the trail (blazed as ‘9’) to the intersecting spur (this leads to an old CCC shelter) and climb. Retrace your steps and continue outbound on Trail 9. Reach the loop and turn left (west). This continues through a nice forest section before reaching Eagle Creek Cascades. Take in the beauty here before continuing around to find the spur down to Eagle Falls. Descend using the stone and metal stairs before turning downstream to reach Eagle Falls. Hop rocks as much or as little as you like here. Views are available behind the falls as well, but count on super slick rock and a higher chance of taking a bad fall. Retrace your steps and ascend to link back with the loop trail. Turn left (south) and finish the hike.

HIKER NOTE - Six Gun City. This long abandoned Western theme town is above the CCC Shelter on well worn paths. Note that these structures are in bad, bad shape with plenty of broken glass, graffiti, collapsed roofs, and floor boards that even when new, likely wouldn’t pass inspection today. That said, we saw a lot of hikers out there, as this has been highly publicized on sites like Only In Kentucky and others. There used to be no trespassing signs here, so I’m not sure if this has been acquired by the state parks or another public land manager (though it shows as part of the park on Mapbox). Should you choose to visit, know that you might be trespassing, and that you should not enter these dilapidated structures.

CAUTION - Trail Washout. The trail section between the top of Eagle Falls and the first cascade has lost a couple trees and washed into the creek. The footing that is available is muddy, unstable, and slopes into the creek. Stay to the high side of the trail and test footing before transferring weight. This will no doubt be a high priority fix for Kentucky State Parks Trail Crew.

CAUTION - Flooding. The state park will close this trail during periods of particularly high water usually in Winter or Spring. Check with the park before heading out when flooding is present.

CAUTION - Deadly Drops. Long falls from high places are the #1 non-health related cause of death for hikers in Kentucky. Keep your distance from the edges of cliffs to avoid a deadly fall. Young children should be kept close.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips