Cumberland Falls Naturalist and Recreation Blog

2011 Best of Show by Carol Alsip

In the early 1980’s, several local photographers and Naturalist Jeanne McConnell, started a Nature Photography competition at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
During the past 30 years the weekend has been one of the most successful in Kentucky.
In the early years, there would be over 200 people competing. Many participants went on to become some of our nation’s most accomplished photographers.

Mid-April is such a great time to be in the outdoors in Southeast Kentucky. The weather is pleasant and the insects are not too bad. The Dogwoods are usually in full bloom and not to mention the dozens of species of wildflowers that are at their peak. The region is home to many waterfalls, natural arches, rivers, lakes and other unique features.

The weekend has always been about more than trying to win a plaque. Our guest speakers strive to inspire and educate the audience. The event is a great venue to network and learn from other photographers.

Not so long ago a photographer was limited to turning in one roll of 36 exposure film into the competition. We had to drive the film to Knoxville and wait for it to be developed. The poor driver would usually return at about daylight on Sunday morning. When the world started changing to digital photography, I thought that our weekend would phase out. I did not think we could do a contest digitally. Questions arose like; how would we judge?, How can we manage all these images on a computer? The judging takes more time and building the final shows can be a nightmare, but the final outcome is rewarding. I realize now that more opportunity comes with a digital contest. A photographer can shoot an unlimited amount of shots and therefore have more opportunity to shoot different subjects and have time to travel to more areas. Of course not to mention the ability to edit your shots. (Just not too much) Some photographers including myself may miss holding the old slide in their hand, but not having anyone to do the developing makes slides obsolete.

If you are a beginner or an old pro at photography, I believe you will enjoy this weekend. There are 2 classes to enter: Accomplished and Amateur. There will be 6 categories to enter such as water, scenic, wildflowers, plants, animals and abstract. Bring a friend, club member or your family to Cumberland Falls for a weekend of photography. Please download the enclosed brochure for more information and a registration form. If you would like to see what images placed last year, please join our facebook page
Cumberland Falls Nature Photography Weekend.
Click here to download brochure
Nature Photography Weekend 2012.pdf

CUMBERLAND FALLS MOONBOW

Known as the "Niagara of the South," the 125-foot wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. But it's only at night during a full moon that you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.
Besides the falls, one of the great attractions at Cumberland Falls State Park is the Moonbow. Visible on moonlit evenings, the moonbow is said to only be duplicated at Victoria Falls in Africa. Read More

January 14, 2012 February 18, 2012 March 3, 2012[b] [b]April 28, 2012

May 12, 2012 September 29, 2012 October 20, 2012 November 24, 2012

For an out of this world adventure, join one of our Star Parties. Learn the basics of reading a Sky Map, hear stories of the constellations, and view the moon, planets, and other astronomical features through telescopes. The dark, night skies of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park make it an ideal location for stargazing. Viewing equipment has been provided by TourSEKY.

Some programming is outdoors so please dress appropriately for the weather. Astronomers are welcome to bring their own equipment and share their knowledge as well. This is a fun-filled program for all ages. For additional information, e-mail STEVE GILBERT, park naturalist or call 606-528-4121.

Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower
SCHEDULED TOURS are March 24, April 28, and May 12, 2012
The Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower was constructed in 1937 by the U.S. Forest Service. The tower was manned by several different men over the years. The "fire watchers" would live in the cabin on top of the tower during the fire seasons.

By the mid 1960s, the Pinnacle Knob Tower was abandoned, as most towers throughout the U.S. were replaced by aerial observation. Over the next 30 years the tower's cabin fell into disrepair. During the spring and summer of 2008, work began on restoring the cabin. The plan was to use as much original materials as possible, as well as maintaining the tower’s authenticity. Read More

Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will host several Road Scholar programs titled, The Mystery and Beauty of Appalachia. The program dates are:


April 29-May 4, 2012
November 11- 16, 2012


Road Scholar participants , mostly over the age of 50, come from all kinds of backgrounds and from all over the United States and Canada. All participants have one thing in common...a love of learning. Program participants grow and learn through new experiences and the active exploration of subjects and interests around the world.

For additional information and registration, please visit this LINK.