Satisfy your waterfall and hiking desires with this awesome idea of a road trip. This trip goes covers just over 500 miles, will take you across 4 different states, and will allow the adventurer to experience a variety of waterfalls, natural bridges, caves, coves, overlooks, trails of varying hiking difficulty, and memories that will last a lifetime.
What is the Cumberland Waterfall Alley?
The Cumberland Waterfall Alley is my personal nickname for the area that stretches from Eastern Kentucky all the way down to the Birmingham, AL area. This area encompasses the Cumberland Plateau region of Alabama, far northwest Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. This region is geologically composed of resistant sandstone and conglomerate that overlies more soluble limestone units. This along with the change in elevation allows for the formation of abundant waterfalls.
Before You Head Out:
I do want to stress a few tips and considerations before heading out to these places.
- Some of the smaller state parks may not have camping or lodging within their park boundaries. Cummins Falls in Tennessee is such an example. Please check the website links that I will provide on which locations have lodging and what type. Also, realize that those places that do have lodging may require a reservation or those slots may fill up fast (especially during busy times like Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July, etc.) so it is your responsibility to reserve a spot ahead of time.
- Everything I list is either a national preserve, a state park, or in the case of Red River Gorge a National Forest. Each will have their own rules or regulations about where to camp, what one can bring, etc. Make sure you are aware of those.
- Under No Circumstances should you explore on private property without permission from the property owner.
- Check the weather ahead of time. Many of these areas can be flood prone so keep that in mind if rain is in the forecast.
- Have fun, explore, and don’t litter.
The Kentucky Leg of the Trip:
The Kentucky leg includes three well-known attractions in the Bluegrass State. The first is the awe-inspiring Red River Gorge which contains spectacular overlooks, rock-climbing opportunities, rivers, caves, coves, and even waterfalls. Nearby is the scenic Natural Bridge State Park which contains hiking, kayaking, and just plain relaxation. These areas aren’t as known for their waterfalls as areas further south but you will enjoy a variety of scenery. There are plenty of cabins and camping sites. Just remember that Red River Gorge is in a National Forest and that there are certain rules to be aware of when camping.
To the south is Cumberland Falls State Park also known as the Niagara of the South. One of only two places that you can see a Moonbow. Cumberland Falls is the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Rockies and contains spectacular scenery.
Links for the KY Leg:
https://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/cumberland-falls/
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39458
^^ That third link contains some important camping considerations for the Daniel Boone National Forest, which includes Red River Gorge. ^^
The Tennessee Leg of the Trip:
The Tennessee leg contains a ton of waterfalls. Big South in NE TN and extends into KY as well contains plenty of gorges, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and other attractions. After that travel to Cummins and Burgess Falls and enjoy the great sites. Cummins Falls, in particular, has gotten a lot of attention on social media as being a popular swimming hole.
Important Note: Camping is not permitted at Cummins or Burgess Falls. I would recommend that you get to Cummins Falls pretty early in the day so that you can do Cummins and Burgess both in one day. For lodging, if you are trying to do this road trip I would either grab a hotel in Cookeville, arrange camping at a nearby state park that allows it, or go ahead and drive to Fall Creek Falls where camping and lodging are available and you can get an early start on another day of waterfalls.
After Fall Creek Falls, head to South Cumberland State Park where there are multiple trails across 4 counties with such sites as sandstone arches, abundant waterfalls, caves, blue holes, and wonderful forested scenery. I would recommend at least one day at South Cumberland. After that go to Ruby Falls and perhaps spend some extra time in Chattanooga before continuing to the 3rd leg of this road trip.
Links:
https://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/info/cummins-falls
https://tnstateparks.com/search/eyJyZXN1bHRfcGFnZSI6InNlYXJjaCIsImtleXdvcmRzIjoiYnVyZ2VzcyBmYWxscyJ9
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/fall-creek-falls
The Alabama/Far Northwest Georgia Leg:
Cloudland Canyon near Rising Fawn, GA is home to 1,000 ft canyons, waterfalls, caves, and some nice lodging. It is a must for your Cumberland Waterfall Alley Roadtrip before heading down into Alabama. There is enough for a full day of activity at least in Cloudland Canyon and combined with Chattanooga would cover enough for a 3-day weekend. In Alabama, Desoto Falls and Little River Canyon on the edge of Lookout Mountain (that includes Cloudland Canyon and over to Chattanooga features classic mountainous scenery complete with waterfalls. Noccalula Falls in the Gadsen area is another scenic area as you approach Birmingham. Finally, end your trip at Oak Mountain State Park which marks the southern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. 500+ miles and 4 states later you completed a road trip in the very scenic and underrated Cumberland Plateau area.
Links:
https://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon
https://www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park
http://www.noccalulafallspark.com/
https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/oak-mountain-state-park
Conclusions:
This is a great idea if you have about 1 week available and you want to embark on a trip that is scenic and perhaps a little bit different than the hectic 21st-century adventures that many of us are used to. One could also do parts of this trip at different times (for instance Red River Gorge to Big South one 3 day weekend, Cloudland Canyon to Oak Mountain on the next 2 to 3 day weekend, and most of the Tennessee attractions on another weekend) if you don’t have a week off. It also provides a great opportunity to enjoy the local southern cuisine, meet new people, and experience the southern culture. If you are from Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, Cincinnati, OH, Louisville, KY, Lexington, KY or Nashville, TN then this is a reasonable trip due to its proximity to those areas. To conclude, don’t listen to TLC’s advise when they tell you to don’t chase waterfalls.
Upland-South Science 