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A lollipop loop leading to Eagle Falls and with views of Cumberland Falls.


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Map Key

1.5

Miles

2.5

KM

Point to Point

1,112' 339 m

High

850' 259 m

Low

411' 125 m

Up

353' 107 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Description

Eagle Falls Trail is a "lollipop" loop located in the Cumberland Falls State Park. As the name would suggest, the main feature of this trail is Eagle Falls, where Eagle Creek falls about 50 feet to the Cumberland River. The trailhead is located on the west side of the river, opposite the main viewing area for Cumberland Falls. There is limited parking at the trailhead, so access can be a challenge during busy summer weekends.

The trail starts out alongside the Cumberland River above the falls, but quickly starts climbing the cliffs along the side of the river with several beautiful views of Cumberland Falls. The trail can be steep in places, but most of these steep areas have been fitted with stairs to make the climb easier. About 1/3 of a mile from the trailhead, a spur branches off to the left and climbs the hill to a purported viewpoint over the canyon. Unfortunately trees grow quickly, and the view is often blocked by vegetation.

About 0.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail splits into the loop portion of the hike. For the quickest access to the falls, follow the trail to the right. To the left, the trail climbs up and over a hill, then down the other side to connect with Eagle Creek. The trail then follows the creek downstream, passing several areas with nice spots for wading or playing in the creek.

Once you reach the mouth of the creek, another trail spur leads to the bottom of the falls. The spur to the falls is a steep hike down the cliff, but again stairs are in place for ease and safety. At the base of the cliff are numerous boulders or sandy areas to sit and enjoy the view. At the base of Eagle Falls is a series of small shallow pools before the water spills into the Cumberland River. Cumberland Falls can again be seen from this area.

On the way back to the trailhead, the trail runs along the side of a cliff in places, but railings are in place to help prevent a fall. This trail is very popular for the views and waterfalls and is heavily traveled during peak season. The heavy traffic combined with regular maintenance helps guarantee that the trail is well-worn and easy to follow.

Flora & Fauna

Typical Eastern forest vegetation and fauna. Oaks, maples, pines, rhododendrons. Numerous wildflowers and birds.

Contacts

Shared By:

Paul Merklin with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 14 votes

#778

Overall
  4.4 from 14 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#8

in Kentucky

#778

Overall
29 Views Last Month
7,280 Since Jun 10, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
42%
17%
42%
0%

Photos

Cumberland Falls in the autumn.
Jun 23, 2017 near Whitley…, KY
Eagle Falls is a route worth taking!
Oct 20, 2018 near Whitley…, KY
View of the falls after heavy rains
May 2, 2018 near Whitley…, KY
Eagle Falls
Nov 6, 2017 near Whitley…, KY
View of the falls after heavy rains
May 2, 2018 near Whitley…, KY
Cave in making
Apr 18, 2018 near Whitley…, KY

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Sep 21, 2024
J Gast
Trail can get realky treacherous. Hiking boots are a must.
Feb 17, 2024
Brian L
To falls and back
Sep 1, 2023
Kristen Schott
Jan 10, 2023
Erin O'Nan
The whole thing is actually 2.5 miles including going to Eagle Falls 2.6mi — 1h 40m
May 15, 2022
Angella Watson
Sep 18, 2020
K S
Sep 6, 2019
Thomas Fritz
Beautiful hike 2.6mi — 1h 35m
Aug 31, 2019
Megan Rosecrans
Steep inclines with rocks and steps. Worth the different views of the waterfall and cliffs
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