About Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls is a named waterfall in McCreary County, Kentucky, located about 11 miles northeast of Whitley City. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Cumberland Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°50′20″ N, 84°20′42″ W (36.83881, -84.34501). Historical sources also record the name The Great Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Falls Branch (stream, 0.1 mi), Eagle Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), and Brummett Branch (stream, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Eagle Falls, 0.3 miles to the north.
Huge waterfall tumbling 69-ft. over a sandstone bed, offering the occasional lunar rainbow sighting.
More Photos
4,816 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Cumberland Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Cumberland Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Cumberland Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Cumberland Falls holds a 4.8 average from 1,511 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cumberland Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Falls Branch — stream, 0.1 mi
- Eagle Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Brummett Branch — stream, 0.5 mi
- Eagle Knob Branch — stream, 0.6 mi
- Holden Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
- Center Rock Rapids — rapids, 1.0 mi
- Lower Mulberry Branch — stream, 1.0 mi
- Slick Shoals Branch — stream, 1.2 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 36.83881, -84.34501. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cumberland Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cumberland Falls located?
Cumberland Falls is in McCreary County, Kentucky, about 11 miles northeast of Whitley City. Its coordinates are 36.83881, -84.34501 (36°50′20″ N, 84°20′42″ W).
What town is closest to Cumberland Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Whitley City, KY, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cumberland Falls?
The closest is Eagle Falls (0.3 mi north). Others within reach include Dog Slaughter Falls (2.3 mi), Amos Falls (4.9 mi), and Yahoo Falls (10 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cumberland Falls?
Cumberland Falls appears on the USGS Cumberland Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.