The solid hemlock beams and knotty pine paneling complement the massive stone fireplaces in historic DuPont Lodge, one of the most beautiful state park lodges. Fifty-one rooms offer beautiful views and full amenities including interior corridors. All rooms totally renovated in 2006. Relax on the beautiful, large observation deck overlooking the Cumberland River winding thru the hillside. DuPont Lodge provides a spectacular spot for a wedding. Don’t forget about the park’s other accommodations, including Cumberland Falls cabin rentals, cottages and campsites.
Gem Mining
Our newest attraction is the Cumberland Falls Mining Company, located at the Falls just past the Gift Shop. Begin your discoveries of real, colorful gemstones and fossils at the gemstone flume. Just place a scoop of rough material on the screen...then rinse with clean water. The gem stones, when wet, will reveal colors and crystal shapes!
There are lots of different gemstones to discover! Anything from locally-found Pyrite, Fluorite and Quartz, to Ruby, Moonstone, Topaz, Crystal Points, Sapphire, Emerald, Amethyst, Garnett, Citrine, Aventurine, Obsidian, Sodalite, Calcite and Raspberry Quartz could be found.
Sharing the experience of mining at the flume mine is a lot of fun. You can compare finds and help each other to identify what you've found. We invite individuals, families, and groups of all sizes. Hours are 9AM to 7PM, dependent on weather.
Birding
Some of the most memorable birding experiences are hearing the call and catching a glimpse of the Pileated Woodpecker, or the flute-like call of the Wood Thrush. Many species of Wood Warblers pass through the Cumberland Falls area on their way from South America to the Northern States and Canada. Several species of birds can be viewed from our Riverview Restaurant and back patio of the Dupont Lodge. Some of the most common visitors are Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, and Red Bellied Woodpecker.
Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors in the campground, featuring 50 campsites with electric and water hookups. The campground has a central service building with showers and rest rooms, a grocery, and a dump station. Pets are allowed if restrained. Closed for season from November 15 to March 14.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Cumberland River, where there is an abundance of bass, catfish, panfish, and roughfish.
Hiking
Cumberland Falls is a hiker’s paradise with 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park to scenic areas. The Moonbow Trail connects with many backpacking trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Pets are not permitted within the McCreary County side of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park as this area is within a dedicated Kentucky State Nature Preserve.
Horseback Riding
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is the perfect destination to introduce the family to the thrill of horseback riding. The park offers guided trail rides that are easy enough for the first timer and still adventurous for the more experienced. Riders, age 6 and up will enjoy a 45-minute ride through an eastern Kentucky forest, beautiful in any season. The stables open weekends in May and are daily after Memorial Weekend until Labor Day. Also open on weekends during Sept. and Oct. Rides start on the hour from 10am to 6 pm. Cost is $18.00 per person. Personal horses are not permitted on the trails at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, but there are several opportunities to do so in the surrounding area. There are many miles of trails and several horse camps in the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest and The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area.
Picnicking
The picnic area with tables, grills and playgrounds is ideal for family outings. A picnic shelter (without rest rooms) offers tables, grills, water, and electric; it may be reserved for rental up to one year in advance.
Rafting
Guided rafting trips are offered on the Cumberland River. The park arranges the trips through www.Ky-rafting.com; June - Labor Day depending on water levels. Fee charged.
Swimming
OPEN for season.
Tennis
Enjoy a game of tennis on the outdoor courts near the Woodland Rooms. Overnight guests may check-out sports equipment.
