Written by Diane Taylor Roberts
I am sharing a chapter from my book, “That’s What I Thought” regarding Cumberland Falls. One of my favorite places is Cumberland Falls State Park, and I am proud that my book is now sold in their gift shop. I am flooded with memories every time I visit the park. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of nature, meet visitors from other areas, and totally relax and unwind. If you haven’t visited the park lately, you could not find a more opportune time to do so with the brilliant fall colors ready to peak. While you are there, take in the beauty of all its magnificence, be cognizant of the sounds of the waterfalls, rustling of the leaves and also, don’t forget to stop by the giftshop for a copy of my book, “That’s What I Thought.”
Chapter 73 – Moonbow
Cumberland Falls is one of the most scenic places in the entire region, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains. It is located in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Just about everyone in the entire county has a story about going there. It was a rite of passage, and just about everyone went there when dating. It was a time for family outings, hiking, picnics, and in the springtime, it’s something special to see as the rebirth of the foliage is green and lush. And in the fall, there is not a more beautiful place to see such colorful splendor. The stonework throughout the area, including the overlooks, is quite impressive.
It has the nickname, the “Little Niagara of the South,” which was the source of pride for everyone, but most of us just took it for granted. When family came from out of town, you always had a unique place to take them where they would be in awe.
Back in the 60’s you could swim in the water above the falls without restriction. It was like a man-made wading pool with some spots deeper in different areas. It was a nature made crevice, like a wide cup with walls. You could park your car, walk over the rocks, and enter a lovely pool of water to play for hours. You never ventured far from the area though, for the current got much stronger, and the water could carry whatever was in its path over the massive falls.
When you walk to the falls you can see the water cascade over the jutted rocks, making a magnificent appearance as you hear the roar of vast water plunging over the falls of the Cumberland River. It is truly a majestic sight to behold. The Falls itself is a 68 feet high waterfall and is 125 feet wide.
In the 60’s, there were no restraints, so you could sit on the edge of the rocks and dangle your feet over as you watched the falls flow and bask in the sun.
During or near a full moon, and on a clear night, a “moonbow” is sometimes formed above the water. It is one of the few places in the world where this occurs, it is an extremely rare phenomenon. It is like an arc-like rainbow, visible in the midst of the white light of the full moon.
Several famous movies were filmed on location at the Falls, such as “The Kentuckian”, starring Burt Lancaster and “Raintree County,’’ starring none other than Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift as well as “Fire Down Below,” with Steven Seagal.
Many weddings take place at the Falls due to its natural aesthetic beauty. Legend has it that in the 1950’s, a young bride and groom came to Cumberland Falls State Park for their honeymoon and stayed at DuPont Lodge. The newlyweds excitedly went to see the majestic waterfall, and the bride insisted that her photo be taken with the Falls in the background. The couple went to an overlook just a few 100 feet from the cliff to take the photo. As the bride stood on the edge of the cliff, she lost her balance and fell into the water below. Folks had handed down this story for years, claiming to have seen an apparition of a lovely young bride still in her wedding gown many times throughout the park. The area where she fell is known to the locals as “Lovers Leap.”
My sister, Barbara, was dating a fine gentleman by the name of Larry Hart. They asked our mom if they could go to Cumberland Falls. My mother would not let her go alone and said she could go, but she had to take her little sister along too. Neither Larry nor Barbara were thrilled with this arrangement, but in order to go, Barbara had to take me along.
Past the Falls is the sandy area called the beach. It was a beautiful area where you could see the trees on the other side of the vast expanse. Right in the middle was a large rock that you could swim to and climb upon. All three of us walked to the beach area, and I was told to stay close to the beach and not to wade out too far. That was the last thought they had about me, for within the next moment, the two of them jumped into the water and swam to the rock. I could see them in the distance, the two of them were basking in the sun, talking intently to one another, totally oblivious of a 10-year-old left at the beach.
It was fun at first, I didn’t really venture out very far. But then something happened; my foot was caught in an eddy. I was alone there except for four college kids who had just arrived. I tried to get out of the current, but it kept pulling me even though the water looked so calm. I hollered out to my sister and Larry. They could not see me, but I could see them engrossed in conversation. Although I was usually shy, desperate times call for desperate measures. I waved my arms and pleaded loudly for someone there to help me. One of the college guys waded out and took me back to the beach. I sat on the sand for the remainder of the excursion. I never spoke a word to either of them the whole ride home, and they never even noticed.
