Day Trip to Cumberland Falls!

Cumberland Falls has been on my Kentucky bucket list since we have moved here! We finally made the trip to Cumberland Falls this fall season. The weather was cooler and the trees were starting to turn. It is so beautiful in Kentucky during the fall so, hiking is a must! I would recommend this hike to anyone visiting Kentucky! It could be a day trip of fun stops or just a hike and back home. We did stop at a few places on our day trip, but I also thought of all the other trips we have made out that way that could be combined or done on the same drive. Here are my thoughts on how a day trip could go to Cumberland Falls. 

All things Cumberland Falls: 

The drive: Driving to Cumberland Falls passes so many other cool spots. There are multiple ways to drive, but we have just done two different ways to the same area so far. I love that side of the state and we have explored a lot out that way. The scenery is beautiful. Once you get into the Cumberland area, they have signs the direct you really well to the parking spots. The drive wasn't too busy when we went! 

Where to park: You can park right by the falls or at the visitor's center. All the parking is free. There were plenty of parking spots in either spot. If you don't want to hike then you can park right by the falls, but if you don't mind a .75 mile hike then park at the visitors center. They do have cabins and lodging in the area so you could stay there overnight too! There are plenty of signs along the drive to know where to go. Google maps took us right to the visitor's center.  

Cumberland Falls Hike: I did not know that Cumberland Falls is quite the site. It reminded me of a theme park. There were gift shops, railings along the whole walk, food trucks, benches, lots of different paved walking paths and of course great viewing areas for the falls. We were able to see the falls from the top viewing area and then there is another walk way to see it from more ground level underneath. The falls were massive, pictures do not do it justice. The sounds of water falling was peaceful and the views are gorgeous. 

We chose to hike from the visitors center down to the falls and really enjoyed that. It is a short .75 one way hike through the woods. There are lots of trees, tree roots on the path, stairs made of rocks, and sandy walking paths. It was manageable and not too hard of a hike. You do cross the road, but it didn't seem very busy. Once you get to the side where the falls are, all the paths are paved, there are bathrooms, food spots, and a gift store. There are quite a few different path options to take to see the river and the falls. 

Passing through Danville, KY:  If you drive from the South West side of Kentucky then you will be on the Danville route. There is the cutest little downtown spot in Danville. We have driven this way a couple of times and love it every time. There are a few storefronts, food spots, and restaurants. 

Burke's Bakery: We passed through Danville when we drove to Cumberland Falls and stopped for a donut. The bakery is super old school, but so fun! I was impressed with the bakery options. We got the donuts for breakfast and a few treats for later. The ladies there were so helpful with our questions and had a lot of favorites that they suggested. The caramel frosted cake donuts, glazed donuts and donut holes were all really good. They suggested their chocolate cake, saying it was their most popular seller. It was moist, covered in a chocolate frosting and whipped cream type frosting. It reminded me of a Hostess Chocolate cake. 

Passing through Lexington, KY: This is the quickest route if you are in Louisville and surrounding cities. We like this drive as well! There are so many cool things to see on the drive and it feels like it goes quick. We usually go this way if we are only going to Lexington or Buc-ee's out that way. 

Versailles Castle: You can see the castle from the highway! This is my kind of site seeing! You don't need to stop, but still get great views! If you want to stop you can and see the actual castle up close, but it is just as neat driving by. The castle does have rooms and a restaurant you can eat and stay at which would be a fun weekend getaway. 

Futile Bakery: We have gone to Futile the most out this way! It isn't a Lexington trip without a cinnamon roll from here. They switch out the second flavor weekly so it it fun to watch the upcoming flavors. I love the original style cinnamon roll and my husband loves the French toast cinnamon roll that is a rotating flavor. They do have cookies and scones to grab as well! 

Old Kentucky Chocolates: If you want a cool Kentucky style store then Old Kentucky Chocolates is the spot! They have chocolates in the shape of Kentucky's state, horse shoe chocolates for the Derby and lots of unique flavors and types of chocolate treats. We tried the chocolate covered potato chips, truffles, and the fund raiser chocolate bar. The store is pretty big and has a lot of packaged options as well as the counter. It isn't my first choice on chocolates, but it is cool for Lexington.  

Spalding's Bakery: If you are headed earlier in the day then Spalding's Bakery is a great stop for a donut! We grabbed a few different donuts and really liked them. The store and donuts are old fashioned. I got the powdered donut and it was the best I have had! They have cream filled donuts, apple fritters, and cute sprinkled donuts for the different holidays.  

Joella's Chicken: We love Joella's Hot Chicken and the Lexington location is great! The food was awesome when we went here. We like the chicken strips with a mild sauce level, the French fries with seasoning, Mac & Cheese, and the fried pickles. They have a really good ranch dipping sauce and a good amount of spice options for the chicken. 

North Lime Donuts and Coffee: We haven't been to this location, but grabbing a fun drink on the drive is always a must! This is one of our favorite spots to grab a seasonal drink! I love the pumpkin steamers, peppermint hot chocolates and the regular hot chocolates here. The best part is that they have donuts too! The flavors rotate weekly so it is always a fun surprise to see what flavors they have. 

Red State BBQ: Honestly, I wouldn't eat here again, but it is known for Kentucky. Red State BBQ is in a itty bitty building next to a motel. We were hesitant at first, but all the reviews had great ratings and comments. The little restaurant is a cool vibe. You can sign your name on the walls or ceiling. We got the brisket, ribs, mac & cheese, corn bread, French fries, and baked beans. The star of the show was the home made French fries. The meat had no flavor, but they do have quite a few BBQ sauces to pick from. We were wondering the flavor on the meat was very bland to help compliment the sauces. I prefer super flavorful meat to not have to have sauce though so it wasn't my favorite. If you are looking for a hole in the wall type place then this would be a spot in Lexington to try. 

Evan's Orchard: If you can only go to one place in Lexington, at least in the fall time then Evan's Orchard should be your spot! It was our favorite part of our trip! We shopped around the little store at the orchard and got the apple cider slushies and floats. The flavor was so good, not too sweet but had the perfect flavor. I got the apple cider float that had vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel on top. These were the best apple cider slushies we have had! The storefront is adorable and they had a lot of produce and products you could buy. Outside, they had piles of pumpkins, a pumpkin patch, kids activities and a lot of picture spots. 

Passing through Corbin, KY: This is a town that you'll pass to get to Cumberland Falls coming from Lexington. It is the cutest little town and has a lot of normal spots like an Aldi, shopping, and a good amount of food spots. 

Buc-ee's: In between Lexington and Corbin, Kentucky there is a little spot called Richmond that has a Buc-ee's gas station! One of my favorite day trips has been trying spots in Lexington and then heading to Buc-ee's. The gas station is massive, with so many treats, drinks, food, and gas pumps! We have seen the Buc-ee's mascot at this location and have been able to try every single flavor of jerky. We love it there! I have a blog about all the best snacks to get while at Buc-ee's too! (Buc-ee's Treats)

Sanders Cafe & Museum: We haven't stopped to eat here yet, but we did get to drive by. The storefront is super cute and quite big! The style is a bit different than the KFC's we tend to see around the states. It seems like this would be a cool place to check out! I have heard that it is a sit down dining experience and they have some life size statues and history in the restaurant. This is on our list of places to try! 

What are your favorite hiking spots in your state?