Of Woods and WaterInformation in and around
Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort near Cumberland Falls in Kentucky |
|
From the excitement of summer to the magic of the holiday season, the City of Williamsburg, Kentucky offers a packed calendar of events that bring the community together throughout the year. Summer features patriotic celebrations like the 4th of July Parade, fireworks at KY Splash Water Park, the Whitley County Fair, outdoor movie nights, and community gatherings. KY Splash Water Park also hosts KCEOC's 28th Ken-Ducky Derby. Come out for a full day of games, food, and activities all leading up to the main event - the famous Duck Drop! In August, don't miss BURGer Days, where local restaurants compete for the title of Best Burger in the City, along with community yard sales and family kayaking events. As the seasons change, Williamsburg comes alive with some of its most popular annual traditions. Fall favorites include Old Fashioned Trading Days, Heritage Day, Oktoberfest, the Jeep Jamboree, Pumpkins in the Park, and the Music and Mud Festival. Halloween festivities round out the month with campground trick-or-treating, a drive-in Halloween movie, and the city's annual Trick-or-Treat celebration. The holiday season is filled with community spirit, featuring the Chili Cookoff & Craft Bazaar, Small Business Saturday, Peppermint Week, the Christmas Bazaar, the Williamsburg Christmas Parade, Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, and Cookies with Santa. Whether you're a local resident or visiting the Cumberland Falls area, Williamsburg's community events offer a great way to experience the area's small-town charm, support local businesses, and make lasting memories with family and friends. For the latest event information, times, and updates, follow the City of Williamsburg and Williamsburg Tourism on social media.
0 Comments
Step 1: Access Your Registration Portal After booking your trip, you'll receive a confirmation email and, if needed, reminder emails. Both emails contain a personalized registration link that takes you directly to your guest registration portal. Simply click the blue registration link in your email to begin. Tip: Keep your confirmation email handy. It's the quickest way to access your trip details and registration information. This is the standard format for the confirmation email:  This is the standard format for the reminder email:  Step 2: Review Your Guest List Once inside the registration portal, you'll see a section for each participant on your reservation. If you see "Guest Not Specified", it means guest information has not yet been entered for that spot. The portal allows you to:
Your registration portal will look like this:  Click "Start Registration" to enter the participant's details. Below is an example of what the registration portal will look like:  Step 3: Complete Guest Registration If you're registering yourself or a minor child, click "Start Registration" and complete the requested information. Typical registration details include:
Depending on your activity, you may also be asked for: Dietary Restrictions: This field only appears for activities that include meals or food service. PFD Weight Class: Your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) size is selected based on weight class to ensure a proper fit and maximum safety during water activities. Be sure to review all information for accuracy before submitting.  Step 4: Invite Other Guests to Register Group leaders can make registration easier by inviting other participants to complete their own registration. Simply select "Invite to Register" and enter:
For unrelated minors, use a parent or guardian's email address. Once invitations are sent, each guest will receive their own registration link and can complete the process independently.  Step 5: Check Registration Status to Ensure Completion Registration isn't complete until all required forms and waivers have been signed. Each participant should complete:
Below is an example of what completed registration and release forms will look like:  Need to Change a Guest Name? If someone on your reservation can no longer attend and needs to be replaced, you'll need assistance from the reservations team. Contact a reservation specialist at 606-526-7238 and request that the original guest be removed from the reservation. Once removed, the spot can be reassigned and registration completed for the correct participant. Register Early for a Stress-Free Adventure!
Completing registration before arrival helps ensure a faster check-in process and allows our team to prepare for your group's needs. Whether you're rafting, hiking, ziplining, or enjoying one of our many outdoor experiences, having your registration completed ahead of time means more time enjoying the adventure. We look forward to seeing you at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort! There’s something about a meteor shower that makes people slow down. No crowds. No screens. Just you, a dark sky, and streaks of light crossing overhead. If you’ve never watched one before—or you’ve tried and didn’t quite catch the magic—2026 is a great year to change that. Below, we’ll cover what meteor showers actually are, how to watch them (without over complicating it), where to find darker skies near us, and the key dates you’ll want on your calendar.
The important part: You don’t need a telescope. You don’t need equipment. You just need a clear, dark sky and a little patience. How to Watch a Meteor Shower (Without Overthinking It)
A lot of people miss meteor showers because they make it more complicated than it needs to be. Here’s what actually works: 1. Get away from bright lights Streetlights, parking lots, and even your neighbor’s porch light can ruin your night vision. The darker it is, the more meteors you’ll see. 2. Give your eyes time to adjust It takes about 20–30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark. Avoid looking at your phone during that time. 3. Don’t look straight at the radiant Look slightly away from where the meteors originate—you’ll often see longer, brighter streaks. 4. Be comfortable Bring a chair or lay back on a blanket. If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t stay long enough to see much. 5. Be patient Meteor showers come in waves. You might see three in a minute… then none for five. Stick with it. Where to go in South-central KY, or North Central TN for good meteor viewing: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park (TN) is a certified International Dark Sky Park and one of the darkest spots in the region. Its remote location and protected skies make it ideal for seeing fainter stars and more active meteor showers, especially on clear nights. The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (KY/TN), especially around the Bandy Creek area, is one of the best places in the region for stargazing. The park regularly hosts stargazing events in collaboration with the Knoxville Astronomy Club and the University of Tennessee. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (KY) is best known for its moonbow, but it can also be a solid place to catch a meteor shower. While not a dark sky park, areas away from the main lodge and parking lots can still offer surprisingly good night sky views. The tricky part can be finding a good open area without lights. A Simpler Option: Stay Here & Look Up If you don’t feel like driving an hour or more in the middle of the night, you don’t have to. Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort (KY) is not a designated dark sky park, we’re far enough from major city light pollution that the sky still shows up here. especially compared to most towns and suburbs. We turn off the public lights on meteor shower nights so you can enjoy the full experience. Just grab a blanket or chairs, move away from any campfires or head over to Firefly Field, and look up into the night sky! That means: You’ll still catch plenty of meteors on peak nights You don’t have to pack up and drive late You can go from campfire looking up in about 30 seconds You can move in and out of the comfort of your lodging while still enjoying the meteor shower. Moonbow Magic at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Q: What does a moonbow look like in real life? Will it be super colorful?
A: In person, moonbows often look soft and ghostly—more pearl-white than neon. Your eyes aren’t as color-sensitive at night, so the colors can feel muted. Cameras (especially with longer exposures) often reveal more color than you see with the naked eye.
Q: Why is Cumberland Falls so famous for moonbows?
A: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky is one of the most celebrated places in the U.S. to see a moonbow because it can be seen year-round. The falls produces a consistent plume of mist, and the viewing area lines up well when the moon is bright and the sky cooperates.
Q: Do moonbows happen every night at the falls?
A: Nope—moonbows are picky. They typically require:
Q: What time of night is best to catch one?
A: The best viewing window varies depending on moonrise. The moon must be high over the tree line so it can provide enough to light the mist. Each night the moon rises approx an hour later than the night before.
Q: What should I bring for a moonbow trip?
A: A little prep goes a long way, and can depend on the season:
Q: What else can I do at Cumberland Falls besides moonbow-chasing?
A: Make a full day (and night) of it:
Q: What’s the best mindset for a moonbow visit?
A: Think of it like stargazing: you can plan well, but nature has the final vote. Even if clouds steal the show, you still get a roaring waterfall, night air, and that wild “we’re tiny and the universe is huge” feeling. Stay at Sheltowee Trace ADventure Resort Near Cumberland FallsAs autumn sweeps across southern Kentucky, the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park becomes one of the most breathtaking destinations in the region. Known as The Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls transforms each fall into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and golds. Whether you’re chasing fall color, hiking forest trails, or seeking cozy cabin stays, there’s no better place to stay than Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort — your adventure basecamp in the heart of Kentucky.
🌄 Explore the Beauty of Cumberland Falls in Autumn Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Falls is a must-see natural wonder. The 68-foot waterfall cascades powerfully into the Cumberland River, surrounded by towering hardwoods that glow with brilliant fall foliage from late September through early November. By day, you can watch sunlit rainbows dance in the mist, and by night, experience the world-famous moonbow — a rare lunar rainbow that appears only under a full moon. Photographers, hikers, and nature lovers alike will find endless opportunities to capture the magic of fall. 🏕 Stay at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort: Comfort Meets Adventure Just minutes from the falls, Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort offers some of the best Cumberland Falls lodging options for every kind of traveler.
🚣 Fall Adventures You’ll Love Autumn is the perfect season to explore the outdoors in Kentucky. With mild temperatures and stunning views, there’s no shortage of things to do near Cumberland Falls:
🍂 Plan Your Kentucky Fall Getaway Today When it comes to fall vacations in Kentucky, few places rival the combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cozy lodging that you’ll find in Corbin, Ky near Cumberland Falls and Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort. Come experience the crisp mountain air, the vibrant colors of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and the peaceful rhythm of the river. 👉 Book your stay at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort and discover why this hidden gem is one of Kentucky’s best fall getaways.  Proposed placement of solar panels. I realize that many of our customers are not aware of our efforts regarding eco-friendly/eco-sustainable, or whatever word or phrase one might use to describe our efforts to have lessen our impact on our environment.
Although we have always been good at trying to recycle/reuse materials, our first real jump was moving to LED lightbulbs. This was way, WAY back when they were first coming out. My Dad (our founder) was never fond of new technology, but he was fond of saving money. I convinced him based on the savings on our electric bill. The same was true when we switched to tankless water heaters in all of our existing buildings. They were more expensive to buy and install, but with the energy savings, they were less expensive in the long run. New buildings are built with blow-in foam insulation, tankless water heaters, and high efficiency heat/air units. As a result of this, our monthly electric bill for all 6 couple cabins averages out to $240/month. So, what is our big news? I just signed a contract for a company to come in and install solar on our property! I am both nervous and excited. This will not be a battery system, but instead a net metering system. It will connect to the main buildings, including the cozy cabins and super cozy cabins, as well as to the campground. Our hope is to provide enough electricity through the solar panels to offset our usage on those 2 meters. An added benefit will be shaded parking along the front and back rows of the main parking area. We are super excited and a little nervous about this huge (for us) project. The cost should be mostly off-set by a REAP grant and tax benefits from being in an empowerment zone. I will provide updates occasionally on here! Wish us luck!  We are trying to expand the activities we have available during the off season! We have purchased four reusable escape room kits for our guests to check out and enjoy together if you're looking for something fun to do! Below are the descriptions and age ranges for each of the escape room games:
Wooka Booka Island (5-8 years old) A mysterious door appeared in your room out of nowhere! As you walk through it, suddenly you find yourself on the wondrous island of Wooka Booka. There are four animal kingdoms and only one treasure chest. You have a chance to find this long-lost treasure, but first you need to pass the challenges of every kingdom. 45-60 minutes of fun. 2-5 players. Professor Swen’s Lab (9-13 years old) Professor Swen Hemerson has devastating plans for the city of South Lake Tahoe and someone must stop him before it’s too late! Now is the chance to figure out how to find his secret lab and shut down his evil machine. 45-60 minutes of fun. 2-5 players. Houdini’s Secret Room (9-13 years old) The 150-year-old house that belonged to the most famous illusionist Houdini is now a museum. You decide to go there and learn some of his greatest tricks and illusions. Your curiosity leads you to a secret room. As you enter, the door slams shut leaving you locked inside while the walls start closing in slowly. You must solve the challenges to get the right key so that you can escape. 45-60 minutes of fun. 2-5 players. The Gilded Carcanet (13+ years old) An ancient treasure has been said to be buried on a small island outside the coast of Turkey. Little is known about it and its existence has been heavily debated in the archeology community. Professor in archeology, Bartholomew Wilson, has always dismissed the idea as a myth. Until now. Armed with a mysterious letter and a cheap souvenir from his old friend, He and Oscar set out on an epic adventure. Piece together the answers to the many mysteries of the Aegean Sea. 90-120 minutes of fun. 1-4 players. These games are a perfect mix of board game and escape room, that can be played anywhere and everywhere! Work cooperatively to solve the puzzles and accomplish tasks. Can be played with or without a time limit. Pick up at the reservationist building. Self Guided Pricing:
Moderated Pricing:
One thing this area has in abundance is natural beauty. From grand sweeping vistas to lovely creekside ferns, any hike you take will be a treat to the senses. You can spend your morning climbing over and under arches and large boulders as the golden morning sun shines through the trees and then spend your afternoon splashing in a swimming hole beneath a waterfall. It is hard to narrow it down to our favorite area trails, so we picked the ones we love the most that are closest to the resort.
Eagle Falls Trail- This trail is inside Cumberland Falls State Park. This trail, while the same distance as the shorter trail to Dog Slaughter Falls, is a bit more rugged. This trail not only takes you out to Eagles Falls, but also gives you an amazing view of Cumberland Falls from the other side of the river. Once you get to the falls, there is an fabulous swimming hole beneath the falls, and some boulders to climb on. Don’t want to hike that far? Another way to get to Eagle Falls is to take our Rainbow Mist SUP trip. After you paddle to Cumberland Falls you head downstream a bit to visit Eagle Falls. Bark Camp Creek Trail- This trail is 5 miles out and back. In an area full of beautiful hikes, this one still manages to stand out. The entire trail, from beginning to end is spectacular. The trail doesn’t lead to a big waterfall or arch, like the others on the list, but the whole trail, and the cascades at the end make it one of our favorite trails on this list. Dog Slaughter Falls Trail- A horrible name for a beautiful hike. There are a couple of different trail heads depending on how far you want to hike. The second trail head is just 3 miles out and back to get to the falls. A nice distance when you want to squeeze something in, or would rather spend more time playing than hiking. Once you get there you can stop, picnic and play in the water before heading back to your car. Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower- When open, the Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower provides an amazing view of the surrounding areas. While the tower isn’t always open the trail can be hiked anytime. The park should be able to tell you when the tower will be open. The park sometimes offers guided hikes out to the fire tower, if they are hosting one while you are in town it is definitely worth checking out. Natural Arch- An amazing 50 X 90 ft arch. On the trail you pass two gorgeous scenic overlooks and then take some stairs up to the bottom of the arch. A truly impressive site and a family friendly hike, make this trail hard to beat. You do need a parking pass for the scenic area, you can either pay the fee there, or we sell one day parking passes in our main office. Schoolhouse Arch- This arch isn’t very far off the road, once used as a classroom it would make a great place to have an afternoon picnic in the woods. At only 7 feet high (but still an impressive 80 ft wide) this arch lacks the scale of Natural Arch, but gives you a smaller more intimate experience. If you take Forest Service Roads 193 to 88 and then head west on 88 for 1.3 miles. The arch is 150 yards down a dirt road on the left. If you have any questions about these hikes, other hikes on the area, or the kind of lodging and trips we offer you can send up an email using the contact form below, or give us a call at 606-526-7238 / 1-800-541-7238 1) You get paid to be outside and get in shape. "Pain is just weakness leaving the body". We won't pretend that you won't be sore the first week or so of training, but what a great way to stay in shape all summer!  2) You look forward to going to work. OK, maybe not *every* day, but there aren't many jobs that pay you to have this much fun!  3) Your friends will want you to take them to work with you. One of the benefits of working here is that you can take 1 person (at a time) down the river for free!  4) You get to wear swimsuits and shorts to work. I mean, if you *want* to wear a tie down the river, I guess you could.  5) The smell of suntan lotion, hot days, river funk and sweat. Although sometimes (often?) guides are better seen and not smelt.  6) You love work so much that you don't want to leave at the end of your work day. "Has anyone seen ? His Mom is on the phone." "Go check in the back. I think he is still here."  7) You love work so much, you hand out in your off time. OK guys - you can take your PFD's off now. Your next trip isn't until tomorrow.  8) You can make a difference in your customers' lives. Seriously. As I was going through pictures for this blog, I came across a picture that a guide had been tagged in by a customer on the trip. In the comments was, 'We were best friends with her by the beginning of the rafting trip.'  9) Evening campfires and best friends. I don't think there is a better wat to spend the summer.  10) Best tan lines ever! It's all good.  |
RSS Feed
