Choosing a favorite hiking trail in Kentucky is about as difficult as picking a winner for the Kentucky Derby. Actually, choosing a trail is harder because there are so many more hiking spots in the Bluegrass State than there are race horses at Churchill Downs! With all of the beautiful trails throughout the state, there are a few that stand out due to their incredible landscape, water features, and accessibility so that hikers of all ability levels can enjoy them.

Most visitors to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park head to its most popular trail, which leads you straight to our state’s largest waterfall, but don’t overlook the nearby Eagle Falls Trail! This rocky waterfall trail offers all of the best natural features of Kentucky and it will instantly become your favorite.

The Eagle Falls Trail, or Trail #9, is located within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and is just under two miles long. The rocky, hilly terrain along the way is worth the journey, as it comes with unmatched views of both Cumberland Falls and Eagle Falls.

While the waterfalls get most of the attention, the landscape here is also beautiful and fascinating. There are many rock formations along the path, many of which you'll walk right through, under, or over.

The length of the trail is fairly short, but many consider it a moderate to strenuous challenge due to the number of stairs and elevation gains. To reach the great views, you must go up, so keep this in mind before you hit the trail.

The first half of the hike follows the Cumberland River and a ridge line, which makes for beautiful scenery. This is the most heavily visited area of the trail, so expect to see others enjoying the adventure.

You’ll be able to enjoy the amazing views peeking through the trees along the entire route, so bring along your camera for the countless photo ops.

Make a stop at the overlook that shows off the majesty of Cumberland Falls. While the main trail to Kentucky's largest waterfall gets you closer, Eagle Falls Trail gives you this unique vantage point to really take it all in.

The trail loops around and joins back up with the original trail, and along the way you'll also be treated to views of the beautiful Eagle Falls. If you visit in the right conditions, these falls have an impressive flow and are a great place to cool off on a hot day.

Depending on the season and conditions, there are times when Eagle Falls is reduced to a trickle, but it is always a beautiful area to explore. This rocky waterfall trail is already a favorite of many and it's bound to make your list as a must-see trail in Kentucky.

The Eagle Falls Trail within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is not exactly easy, but it's easy to fall in love with. This journey gives you waterfall views, rocky terrain, and beautiful scenery - all along one amazing trail in Kentucky. Have you hiked the Eagle Falls Trail? Is it already your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

For more information on the trail itself, visit here. And for more on Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, visit here.

Address: 7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY 40701

And for the ultimate bucket list of waterfall trails in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.