Cumberland River Trail

The Cumberland River Trail is a 6 km (3.7 mi) return walk from the Cumberland River reserve to Cumberland Falls. It follows a forested gorge past boulder pools, crosses the river several times and finishes with a short rocky scramble to two modest cascades. Allow about 4 hours; published estimates range from 2.5 to 7 hours, and the crossings, not the distance, set the pace.

The route starts with about 400 m beside the river through the holiday park campground, below tall gorge walls, then enters a signed forest track. The walk to Jebb’s Pool is mostly level and straightforward, about 1.5 km one way. This is the sensible turnaround if you want a shorter visit: the upper section is rougher and the falls themselves are small.

Cross at Jebb’s Pool to continue. A brief climb reaches a forest path above the water; after just under a kilometre, a third crossing has large boulders, followed about 450 m later by the most awkward crossing. After another short stretch you reach a large green pool and small cascade. The final 250 m narrows beside a rock wall and crosses sloping rock and boulders; the last few metres are a scramble. You return the same way, so the crossings come again.

The falls are a pair of small cascades feeding one pool amid forest and exposed rock. Frame both cascades with the rock basin if you’re taking a photo. The route is more rewarding as a gorge walk than as a waterfall-only outing: Jebb’s Pool and the other river pools are part of the payoff.

Use visitor parking at Cumberland River Holiday Park and follow the signs through the campground to the river. Dogs aren’t allowed on this walk. The low crossings should not be attempted at high water; wet rock is slippery, especially on the short scramble at the end.