If you want to take in expansive views of the Appalachian Mountains and hike the challenging terrain surrounding them, head to the Moonbow Trail in Kentucky. In addition to having its ups and downs, so to speak, the trail is over thirteen miles long.

Though this traditional rainbow is breathtaking, Moonbow Trail is so named because these falls provide a “moonbow” on clear nights with full moons.

Solomon Parker/500Px via Getty Images Cumberland Falls offers one of very few reliable lunar rainbows across the globe. You might want to plan a night hike so you don’t miss the hard-to-come-by scene.

Over thirteen miles in the foothills of the Appalachians is quite a trail, even for experienced hikers.

Dan Brandenburg/ iStock via Getty Images Plus Nature lovers who feel equally amorous at the thought of a physical challenge and will really appreciate the workout that Moonbow ensures!

This stone staircase at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a welcome respite when traversing the often more precarious rocky levels of Moonbow Trail.

ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus Moonbow Trail, with its great length, flows in and out of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Climbing both manmade and “earth-made” staircases of stone will take you to the echelons with the most majestic views.

An up-close view of the Cumberland River contrasts pleasingly with the mountains, which are a bit further off.

Jim Vallee/ iStock via Getty Images Plus As you walk the many miles of the trail, you’ll be able to see the river as well as the Appalachian Mountains.

The much-loved Fire Tower is encompassed by wonderful mountain views.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park/Facebook Moonbow Trail meanders extensively, connecting with Trail #2 of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Take a short break to snap a photo of the amazing vista at Pinnacle Knob.

Another picture-worthy sight is the Cumberland River at sunset, as it winds along the mountains.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park/Facebook If you’ve allowed an entire day to hike the Moonbow you will surely have a sense of accomplishment as the sun sets upon you. Take in the fresh open air and relish it.

Whether you’re a lover of the athletic events that Mother Nature sponsors, or prefer photographing her aesthetic wonders on film, the Moonbow Trail is a great destination to explore. With its combination of nature, beauty, and physical challenge, the trail represents a quintessential Kentucky adventure.

Solomon Parker/500Px via Getty Images

Cumberland Falls offers one of very few reliable lunar rainbows across the globe. You might want to plan a night hike so you don’t miss the hard-to-come-by scene.

Dan Brandenburg/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

Nature lovers who feel equally amorous at the thought of a physical challenge and will really appreciate the workout that Moonbow ensures!

ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Moonbow Trail, with its great length, flows in and out of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Climbing both manmade and “earth-made” staircases of stone will take you to the echelons with the most majestic views.

Jim Vallee/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

As you walk the many miles of the trail, you’ll be able to see the river as well as the Appalachian Mountains.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park/Facebook

Moonbow Trail meanders extensively, connecting with Trail #2 of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Take a short break to snap a photo of the amazing vista at Pinnacle Knob.

If you’ve allowed an entire day to hike the Moonbow you will surely have a sense of accomplishment as the sun sets upon you. Take in the fresh open air and relish it.

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Address: Moonbow Trail, Kentucky 40769, USA