*as published in North Canton Living Magazine July 2023
11 pm. Only a half hour ago the sky suddenly clearly against all weather reports. The moon was entering the first day of the full moon phase. I pulled into the parking lot amazed at the crowds. They carried chairs and warm blankets. Little children were bundled in winter coats with thermoses. I found a spot in the overflow lot and parked quickly on the grass. I had no idea how long the sky would remain clear. This was my only chance.
The moonbow glowed over the crowds’ heads. The arc was luminous against the glittering stars. Everyone huddled together in quiet reverence as the waterfall thundered in the background. I drew closer to the edge of the overlook and the angle of the moonbow shifted as the colors emerged from the inky black of the New Cumberland River.
There are only two places a moonbow occurs consistently in the world – New Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, and Victoria Falls, Zambia-Zimbabwe. The moonbow only appears on clear nights and a day before and after a full moon for a total of three to five nights. New Cumberland Falls lies within New Cumberland Falls State Park Resort only 30 miles west of Corbin, Kentucky off I-75. I had the pleasure of staying at the rustic resort in April when the census was low. The resort hotel Dupont Lodge has an old-world rustic charm. You could easily imagine 50’s inspired fashion under the log beams and muscle cars pulling up the drive. The lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. Black and white photos of days gone by grace the elegant walls.
According to the park’s naturalist, the mist is critical to the creation of a lunar rainbow. The Moonbow is formed the same way a rainbow is formed when light shines on water droplets hanging in the air. In this case, moonbows are rare because they require hanging water droplets and a full moon, clear night, and very dark skies. All these conditions exist at Cumberland Falls with the 68-foot drop and 125 feet wide in the dark canyon. This is the only location of a moonbow consistently occurring in the western hemisphere.
The resort boasts a pool, riding stables, and miles of hiking trails. The falls themselves are nicknamed the Niagara of the South and they are magnificent. A word of caution, watch your step on the uneven rocky path. Especially if you go on a moonbow night. During the day, I highly recommend that you venture to the lower viewing platform as well. The path winds around hanging roots and towering rock to a stunning overview of the falls. The best view of the moonbow is from the upper viewing platform. There are no lights in the area at night to best aid the view.
For more outdoor adventures, visit Daniel Boon National Forest just east of Cumberland Falls. Spanning 21 counties, 700,000 acres, and 600 miles of trails. Daniel Boone National Forest provides camping and cabins from primitive to full service. I highly recommend visiting the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway which is 46 miles in length and about an hour long. Plan on extra time for frequent stops and photo opportunities. Be careful though as the Nada Tunnel only accommodates vehicles under 12 feet tall. Thankfully Wilbur just barely passed!
To the west of Cumberland Falls is Burnside, Kentucky. On my way through I found a historical marker recognizing it as the birthplace of Boy Scouts. According to the historical marker, before BSA was organized, a group of fifteen had formed there in 1908. Thanks to Mrs. Bass, that group of fifteen boys was guided in hiking and camping like scouting today. In 1908 they were known as the Eagle Troop and wore a red bandanna around their neck.
Only 30 miles away off of I-75 lies Corbin Kentucky home of the original Colonel Sanders and a museum dedicated to what they claimed is the first fast food concept. The museum hosts a replica of the original kitchen with its traditional white walls, tile, and red accent. You can order your food and sit among the exhibits reliving a slice of Americana.
What I Learned
KFC started in a kitchen off a gas station.
I am still a little girl at heart making wishes on rainbows and moonbows.
Moonbows are cool. Just basically, jaw-dropping cool.
My parents honeymooned in New Cumberland Falls Dupont Lodge in 1958.
Before You Go
The park campground can be booked in advance and hosts a laundromat and store. The sites are close together yet reasonably priced. For more information, visit https://parks.ky.gov
The resort lodge is booked out for the full moon dates months in advance. Consider booking ahead and look at the early or late night – two days before and two after a full moon. Weather is weather so be prepared for the possibility of a cloudy sky. At last viewing, the website listed the full moon dates for 2023.
Corbin, Kentucky has a lively downtown filled with little shops and enchanting restaurants. Plan a few hours extra to browse the downtown areas.
The drive from Corbin to New Cumberland Falls is windy and dark. Be careful, and cautious, and watch for wildlife.
Daniel Boon National Forest information can be found at www.fs.usda.gov. There is no fee for byway use but you must have a permit for backcountry camping. This area is also known for rock climbing so come prepared. Download your maps in advance.
My cell phone coverage was non-existent. Download your GPS maps in advance. I have T-mobile and a friend has Verizon. Neither of us had a single bar.