Eagle Falls trail can be located at Cumberland Falls State Park. This waterfall is easily overlooked as Cumberland Falls takes center stage. And how can it not? Cumberland Falls is a magnificent view which is why it holds the nickname the “Niagara Falls of the South.” However, don’t let the opportunity to hike the Eagle Falls trail pass you by. Not only are the falls themselves worth the hike, but you also get some amazing views of Cumberland Falls with fewer tourists than the main park viewing area.
We visited Eagle Falls in the Summer of 2022. Typically, winter is our favorite time to visit waterfalls. Why? The waterfalls are more likely to be stronger and less likely to be dried up considering winter is a relatively wet season in the state of Kentucky. We’ve visited waterfalls several times in the summer to be disappointed at the trickling streams. There are also fewer bugs and snakes during this time of year. Honestly, we think it’s perfect and we plan almost all of our waterfall trips between December and May. Yet, Cumberland Falls is the opposite of this. I believe the best view of Cumberland Falls is when the water is lower, and you can see more of the falls cascade down into the flowing river beneath.
We were not disappointed by Eagle Falls! We should note that if you were to visit the falls after heavy rain outside of the summer season, it would more than likely be flowing much better than what we viewed. Yet, the 44 foot waterfall is one to include on your Kentucky waterfall bucket list!
Getting There
You can access Eagle Falls by hiking trail 9 which is located on Kentucky Route 90 inside the Cumberland Falls State Park. The trailhead is located on the west side of the river which is the other side of the main parking area for Cumberland Falls. If you drive past the main parking area and cross the bridge, you will find a small parking area to your left and a slightly larger parking area to your right. The trail can be accessed from the parking area to your right. These areas are relatively small so they can become quite crowded.
The Trail
As noted previously, the best view of Cumberland Falls can be found on this trail. Not far into your hike, if you turn back to look toward Cumberland Falls you will be rewarded with an overlook view. You can see the entirety of the falls from an overhead view. This alone is worth taking on the Eagle Falls trail.
The trail itself is approximately 3 miles out-and-back and is considered moderate to challenging. One should account for around 2 hours for the hike, including time to snap some pictures.
We would argue that the trail is more challenging as you do have to hike uphill to return from the falls. There are steps included which as well become more difficult on the way back. Toward the end of the trail, you will have to climb over rocks to access the falls as well which adds to the difficulty. It can be difficult to find the falls as some of the trails don’t necessarily look like a trail. However, if you keep an eye on the colored markers across the rocks and trees, you will be able to find the falls quite easily! If you intend to only go in and out, then ensure you hang a right at any branch of the trail. Once you climb over the large rocks, you will find yourself at Eagle Falls.
We hope this helps you plan your hike to Eagle Falls! If you have any questions about the hike, be sure to reach out to us by commenting below or directly messaging us on Instagram. If you want more great footage of Eagle Falls be sure to check out our Instagram page! Safe travels y’all! – Justin & Caitlin