The next stop I wanted to make on our trip was Cumberland Falls. Often called "The Niagra of the South," Cumberland Falls is unique in that it is one of two falls that can create a "moonbow" during a full moon. Unfortunately for us, it’s both cloudy and a new moon, so I guess we have to be happy with the conditions as is.
The river above the falls give no hint of what is about to happen. The falls themselves are nothing short of spectacular. The Cumberland River drops 65 feet, then continues through a gorge of sandstone walls. The park area looked to be very nicely maintained, with walkways and multiple view points.
Dummy me, I had forgotten the quick release head for my tripod, so it was useless. Even so, I was able to get some good long exposure shots by bracing my camera on various fences.
As impressed as we were with how nicely the area around the visitor center, upper viewing areas, and concession stand was maintained, such was not the case down near the river. The lower walkways had been washed away in a previous flood, and simple wooden steps lead down to a wide beach area. The beach was littered with bottles, bags of trash, burned out camp fires with junk around them, and even a dirty diaper. I just don’t understand how people can trash up such a beautiful place.
On the drive out we passed by several homes that looked about as trashy. I guess if they don’t learn to keep their own homes free from trash, then this place will fare no better. Fortunately, there were other homes well-kept, and we passed through some beautiful country.