These 9 Things To Do In Corbin Kentucky Will Blow Your Mind!

These days, we spend more and more time indoors and online. Recent studies, however, suggest that surrounding yourself with nature has a significant impact on our minds and bodies. It helps us reduce stress, increase our attention capacity, and improve our ability to connect with others. That said, if you want to have some quality time with your loved ones and reconnect with Mother Nature, take a trip to Corbin! Though being a small city, this hidden destination offers plenty of natural beauties waiting for you to explore. Still don’t believe us? This list of things to do in Corbin Kentucky will make you want to book your flight right away! 

A Brief Introduction To Corbin Kentucky

As mentioned, Corbin is not a familiar tourist attraction. In case you are wondering ‘what county is Corbin KY in?’ or why it should be your next destination, let’s first introduce you to this wonderful city.

Located between the counties of Whitley and Knox, Corbin is a small town with a population of 7,272 people. It sits along Interstate 75 at Exit 25 on the banks of Laurel Lake, surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Dendrophiles will be glad to know that Corbin is also home to the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, nicknamed the “Niagara of the South”. 

With that in mind, you can immerse yourself in natural splendors and get to know the amazing wildlife during your trip here. There are plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and horseback riding. 

The town was named after a preacher, James Corbin Floyd. Back in the past decades, Corbin was only known as the city of rail transport. Overtime, however, its culture became richer. Nowadays, Corbin is also the annual destination for music lovers since it holds the NIBROC festival, a yearly event featuring outdoor performances and gathering many famous artists. 

Annual Music Festival In Corbin KY
NIBROC Festival In Corbin KY – Source: The Corbin Arena

So you are the type who travels to satisfy your appetite? Don’t forget it was right here that Colonel Harland Sanders came up with Kentucky Fried Chicken! You can visit the original Sander’s Cafe and discover the history of this iconic brand while enjoying delicious, crispy dishes. 

Aside from KFC, Corbin also offers a variety of restaurants to please all taste buds. Home cooking, steaks and seafood, real Italian cuisine, specialty burgers, and Old World style with a southern touch will delight any palate! 

9 Things To Do In Corbin Kentucky, According To The Locals 

Here comes the part you are waiting for: What are the best things to do in Corbin Kentucky? As mentioned, Corbin is the haven for outdoor adventures, but it also has some of the most intriguing museums and entertainment spots. Hence, whether you go with friends or family, there are activities for everyone. 

Have Fun At The Cumberland Falls 

When it comes to the ideal spot for outdoor activities, this resort park should be the top choice. Folks come here to marvel at the Cumberland Falls which stands 68 feets tall. On a full moon, staying overnight will allow you to immerse in the breathtaking scenery of the waterfall’s Moonbow. 

Cumberland Fall’s Moonbow

There are a variety of activities for you to participate. The resort park’s spectacular trails make it the dream of many hikers. Families can take part in gem mining at the glume mine, picnicking, and riding horses. On the last day of your trip, remember to get some gifts for your friend at the souvenir store! 

Cherish Laurel River Lake’s Tranquility

Laurel River Lake
Laurel River Lake, With Its Cliff-lined Shores And Quiet Coves, Is A Favorite Destination In Corbin – Source: Kentucky Tourism 

Put your feet up, relax, and let the serene view of Laurel River Lake soothe your mind! Going fishing while admiring the scenery is a nice way to spend your day off. Thanks to the seven ramps spaced out over the lake, this is also a perfect spot for boating with your family. Don’t forget to visit the animal watching areas: The shoreline is home to a many species, including bald eagles, Canada geese, and deer!

Visit The Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort For Whitewater Rafting 

So you are an adrenaline addict? Whitewater rafting is definitely for you. In spring, you can choose between a full-day trip that includes meals or a half-day trip without meals. In summer and autumn time, visitors may go rafting below Cumberland Falls. Since rafting is a team game, it will be a great activity for groups of friends.

Whitewater Rafting At The Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort

Camping and cabin rentals are available, and you may participate in many other ventures the resort provides, such as kayaking, zip-lining, and wall climbing. 

Go Camping At Falls Creek Cabins And Campgrounds

Corbin Is The Perfect Place To Go Camping
Camping In Corbin Will Be A Memorable Experience – Source: Unsplash

Camping is a great way to spend time with friends and family. This experience is even more enjoyable in Corbin, where you are surrounded by natural beauty. Falls Creek Cabins and Campgrounds offers various camping options for visitors to choose from. All you have to do is pick your preferred option and embark on the journey!

Sing Your Heart Out At Muddy Boy Karaoke

Belting out your favorite songs at Muddy Boy Karaoke is one of the best things to do in Corbin, Kentucky. This venue occasionally hosts unique costume evenings and live concerts by well-known or up-and-coming musicians. Muddy Boy Records, a prominent independent record label, is in charge of the karaoke. Who knows, perhaps you can find your inner rockstar while you’re here! Even when you don’t, you will still have a great time here.

Enjoy Live Music At Felt’s Music Place

Felts’ Music Place is a great place to spend an evening dressing up and dancing the night away. In addition to live music from local and regional bands, DJs are available every night. Open-mics are held every Thursday. This is the perfect spot for youngsters to let free, laugh all night, and have a wonderful experience.

Discover The Secrets Behind KFC At Harland Sanders Cafe And Museum 

As mentioned, Corbin is where Colonel Harland Sanders discovered the Kentucky fried chicken recipe. Therefore, a trip to the town wouldn’t be completed without visiting Harland Sanders Cafe And Museum. 

Harland Sanders Cafe And Museum
The Original Home Of Kentucky Fried Chicken – Source: TripAdvisor

Here, you can see for yourself the kitchen where the founder created the signature recipe, as well as his office and KFC collectibles. After a tour in the museum, hungry visitors will be eager to enjoy the delicious chicken from the nearby restaurant!

Enjoy The Tastiest Pizza In Town At Snappy Tomato 

Looking for places to eat in Corbin, Kentucky? This pizzeria which was founded with winnings from a horse race wager is the place to go. The restaurant was named after the No.1 horse, Snappy Tomato.

You Can Find The Best Pizzas In Corbin At Snappy Tomatoes
Snappy Tomato Offers The Best Pizzas In Town – Source: Uber Eats

Snappy Tomato prides itself on making its pizzas from scratch with fresh ingredients every day, so you will get the tastiest pizzas in town for sure. It’s up to you whether you want a thin crust or a traditional crust with flavors like Hawaiian or BBQ chicken. These pizzas are so good that you won’t want to miss out on them!

Discover The Art Of Pottery At Campbell’s Ceramics

At Campbell’s Ceramic, you can put your imagination to work and create an unique piece of art. After purchasing a ticket, visitors can select a ceramic item and begin to work on it. Feel free to decorate it with your favorite color palette!  Even if you are not familiar with ceramic art, no worries, because the welcoming owners are always there to assist you throughout the procedure. 

Of course, when you have finished your piece, you can bring it home. Visit this place and prepare to be blown away by your own creativity!  

The Bottom Line

With this list of 9 things to do in Corbin, Kentucky, you can now add this hidden gem to your travel list and surprise your loved one in the next trip! Revel in the lush forests, beautiful pastures, and all the excitement associated with this part of the United States!

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After over 10 years in the field, I've learned enough about the "business" of travel to pass along some precious insights to other globetrotters. You can call me a seasoned-world traveler or an "off-the-grid" pioneer, as I've actually dabbled in both. Traveling is part of my whole life; thus, I go out of town at least once a month for new getaways. Hopefully, all tips and tactics I've picked up along the way can help anyone as enthusiastic about exploring the globe as I am.