Skip to main content

Entry 6: Witnessing the Moonbow at Cumberland Falls: A One-of-a-Kind Kentucky Experience

Witnessing the Moonbow at Cumberland Falls: A One-of-a-Kind Kentucky Experience

Near Corbin, Kentucky, tucked within the rolling hills and thick forests, sits one of my favorite places to revisit again and again: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. My family and I have made several trips over the past few years, but on this visit, we set out to witness something truly rare—a moonbow.

What Is a Moonbow?

A moonbow is similar to a rainbow, but instead of sunlight, it's formed by moonlight reflecting off water droplets in the air. The effect is subtle and surreal—a white or silvery arch that can appear over waterfalls under the right conditions, especially during a full moon. One of the best and only places in the Western Hemisphere to reliably see a moonbow is right here at Cumberland Falls.

You can read more about the science behind moonbows on Wikipedia.

Our Family’s Night at Cumberland Falls

We arrived just after 9:00 p.m. and walked down the path to the falls, below the DuPont Lodge. We had heard that the best time to view a moonbow was between 9:30 and 11:00 p.m., so we got there a little early to find a good spot and set up the camera.

As the clouds cleared and the full moon rose, a silver arc appeared above the falls—a moonbow in full glow. It first appeared white and ghostly. As the night progressed and the moonlight grew stronger, faint rainbow colors began to emerge near the bottom of the bow.

Clouds drifted in and out, and each reappearance of the moonbow offered a slightly different perspective. It was quiet, peaceful, and awe-inspiring. While the kids eventually turned their attention to other things, my wife and I sat together, reflecting on how special the moment was.

Capturing the Moonbow on Camera

I brought my camera and tripod and spent time experimenting with various low-light settings. Some of the photos turned out surprisingly well, considering the conditions. A few of those shots are included below, all taken around 10:30 p.m.State Parks truly have something that is internationally unique and deserves a place on the bucket list.





Why You Should See the Moonbow for Yourself

As much as I enjoy sharing stories and photographs, nothing compares to seeing the moonbow in person. The sound of the falls, the shifting mist, the quiet crowd gathered in awe—it all adds to an experience that feels larger than life.

If you find yourself in Kentucky during a full moon, make time to visit Cumberland Falls. It’s more than just a scenic overlook. It’s one of the few places on Earth where nature puts on a show this unique. The moonbow is a reminder of why public lands matter, and why Kentucky State Parks are worth celebrating.

Labels:

Comments

  1. ParksforeverSeptember 9, 2014 at 1:47 PM

    Great blog...draws you into the park...creates a great outdoor experience...virtually!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Entry 126: A Rainy Night, Birds at Dawn, and the Cozy Joy of Glamping at Ozark RV Park

If you’ve been thinking about trying glamping or need a peaceful base to explore Mountain View, Arkansas, let me share a place you’ll want to add to your list: Ozark RV Park and Cabins. Ozark RV Park & Cabins Call: 870-200-9090 The Glamping Tent I recently stayed in one of their glamping tents, and it was such a fun, comfortable experience. The tent is spacious, set up on a platform with a real bed (on a frame), crisp linens, a fan, air conditioning (yes, you get AC in a tent!), and a Keurig for that first warm cup of coffee in the morning. During my stay, it rained gently, and there is something incredible about falling asleep to the sound of rain on canvas while staying warm and cozy in bed. In the morning, I woke up to the sound of birds and crisp air, peeking outside to a misty, peaceful campground that felt like a breath of fresh air. The Big Park Sign & Rooster The bathhouse on-site deserves a shout-out. It has the nostalgic feel of a summer camp bathhouse but is immacul...
Post a Comment
Read more

Entry 85: A Quirky Stop in Austin, MN: Exploring the Spam Museum and More

If you’re into quirky attractions and unexpected fun, the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota is a must-see. Located at 101 3rd Ave NE , this one-of-a-kind destination has been drawing curious travelers and Spam fans since it opened in 1991. After a major expansion and relocation in 2016, the museum now offers an even more immersive and entertaining experience. A Taste of History Spam was first introduced in 1937 by Hormel Foods , and the museum walks you through how this humble canned meat became a global sensation. It played a major role during World War II , feeding troops across the globe and becoming a beloved staple in households everywhere. Inside the museum, you’ll find a blend of history, pop culture, and international flair . Learn how Spam became a hit in countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii. You'll also get a glimpse of the role Spam played in post-war culture and its place in today’s culinary world. Interactive Exhibits and More The Spam Museum is...
Post a Comment
Read more

Entry 131: From Bonsai to Blooms: A Walk Through Portland’s Gardens

A Stroll Through the Portland Japanese Garden On a quiet morning in downtown Portland, a buddy and I decided to walk from our hotel to the Portland Japanese Garden. The route wound through the city and into Washington Park, and while it was uphill in spots, it was not bad at all. By the time we reached the entrance, we felt like we had already eased into the slower pace the garden promises. Even before I took ten steps inside, the city noise seemed to fade. The air felt cooler and fresher, like the garden had its own climate set apart from the bustle just outside its walls. The path curved gently ahead, leading us past moss-covered stones and neatly raked gravel beds. A small stream gurgled quietly under a wooden footbridge, the sound blending with the soft rustle of leaves overhead. Every turn revealed a new scene, a carefully placed lantern, a cluster of maple trees, or a pond where koi fish drifted lazily through the water. We followed the path uphill to a wide view of the city. Th...
Post a Comment
Read more