Summary
Renowned for its bourbon, equestrian activities, tobacco production, fried chicken, and bluegrass music, Kentucky is a state rich in culture and its related aspects. Referred to as the ‘Bluegrass State’ due to its distinctive smooth meadow grass, it also demonstrates considerable geographical diversity.
Kentucky is home to a vast array of natural attractions and landscapes that encompass mountains, rivers, parks, and caves. In fact, it features the world’s longest known cave system and possesses more navigable kilometers of water than any other state except Alaska! While there are numerous natural and artificial lakes throughout the state, some stand out for their exceptional qualities.
Here are the most remarkable lakes in Kentucky:
1. Kentucky Lake; Calloway, Marshall & Livingston Counties
The largest lake situated east of the Mississippi River, Kentucky Lake lies along the Tennessee River and is shared with neighboring Tennessee. This expansive lake, covering 64,900 hectares, features a shoreline of 3,322 kilometers adorned with marinas, cabins, and campgrounds.
Renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for white bass, buffalo carp, and yellow perch, the lake also serves as a great location for boating and various water sports.
There are two state parks adjacent to the lake: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Kenlake State Resort Park. The former is among the most frequented state parks in Kentucky, while the latter hosts the Hot August Blues Festival.
2. Lake Barkley; Livingston, Lyon & Trigg Counties
Separated from Kentucky Lake by the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lake Barkley was formed upon the completion of the Barkley Dam, with both named in honor of the Kentucky native Vice President Alben Barkley.
Lake Barkley features a 1,616 kilometers shoreline, with Lake Barkley State Resort Park located on its eastern shore. This 6,900-hectare park is celebrated for its abundant recreational activities, including swimming, sailing, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and golfing.
The lake also encompasses various attractions such as a Civil War Monument, wildlife refuges, water parks, and historical sites. A multitude of accommodation and dining options are conveniently located on the shoreline or within a short walking distance.
3. Lake Cumberland; Clinton, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell & Wayne counties
As Kentucky’s largest lake by volume, Lake Cumberland has a 2,025 kilometers shoreline extending across six counties. This significant lake attracts over four million visitors annually.
Activities such as rowing, kayaking, and rafting are popular pastimes on the lake. If you seek a thrill, opportunities for wakeboarding, water skiing, and white-water rafting abound.
Lake Cumberland is also recognized as a prominent fishing location, with various providers offering fishing tours around the lake. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, situated along the northern shore, provides diverse activities, including swimming, hiking, and horseback riding.
4. Barren River Lake; Allen, Barren & Monroe Counties
Established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the construction of the Barren River Lake Dam, Barren River Lake is now a favored recreational destination, accommodating overnight stays.
The Barren River Lake State Resort Park encompasses 227 kilometers of the lake’s shoreline. Fishing is the primary attraction in the park, although boating and water skiing are also available.
For those preferring to enjoy the lake without engaging in aquatic activities, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are options along the Lewis Hill Trail. Additional amenities include a golf course, picnic areas, and several playgrounds surrounding the lake.
5. Laurel River Lake; Laurel & Whitley counties
Laurel River Lake is positioned along the Laurel River within the picturesque Daniel Boone National Forest, attracting thousands of visitors annually to enjoy its idyllic natural settings.
This 2,300 hectares lake is favored for boating, featuring seven ramps situated at various locations. Fishing for rainbow trout, walleye, black bass, crappie, and catfish is a prevalent pastime.
Visitors who do not wish to fish can partake in swimming, water skiing, or even scuba diving in the lake, which boasts some of the cleanest waters in Kentucky, reaching depths of 85 meters.
6. Green River Lake; Adair, Taylor & Casey counties
Initially constructed for flood control purposes, Green River Lake has transformed into a significant tourist attraction. Covering 3,000 hectares, the lake is credited with preventing over €100 million in flood damage since its establishment in 1969.
Green River Lake State Park serves as the primary focus for the thousands of visitors the lake attracts each year. This 539-hectare park features 157 campsites, 200 boat slips, and a network of 45 kilometers of trails.
Various recreational areas around the lake offer fishing piers, boat ramps, picnic areas, and beaches. Fishing opportunities here yield excellent results for largemouth bass, channel catfish, muskellunge, and white crappie.
7. Cave Run Lake; Rowan, Morgan, Menifee & Bath Counties
Cave Run Lake is located in the northern section of the Daniel Boone National Forest, constructed primarily for flood control of the lower Licking River valley.
This lake’s water flow fosters excellent fishing conditions, particularly for bass, trout, walleye, catfish, and panfish. In addition, various activities such as sailing, canoeing, swimming, and jet skiing are available.
Besides water activities, numerous trails surrounding Cave Run Lake provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The area features picnic spots, camping facilities, and boat ramps along the vast 3,300 hectares lake.
8. Rough River Lake; Breckinridge, Hardin & Grayson Counties
This 2,100-hectare lake spans three counties in south central Kentucky. Rough River Lake’s major attraction is the Rough River Dam State Resort Park, situated along the western shores of the lake.
Offering various recreational options such as boating, swimming, and hiking, the park is especially renowned for its fishing opportunities, home to a wide variety of bass.
The park and several surrounding areas provide various accommodations, alongside additional opportunities for swimming, fishing, or hiking.
9. Dale Hollow Reservoir; Cumberland & Clinton Counties
Although a majority of Dale Hollow Reservoir is located in neighboring Tennessee, the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is situated on the Kentucky side of the lake.
This park serves as a significant recreational hub, providing a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and scuba diving. Moreover, it features four trails designed for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
The Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park comprises 145 campsites as well as a 60-room lodge that commands a view of the lake. Additionally, the park includes a golf course, driving range, and an amphitheater.
10. Yatesville Lake; Lawrence County
Located in the far eastern region of Kentucky, Yatesville Lake is a serpentine reservoir known for the Yatesville Lake State Park, which occupies a peninsula on the southeast side of the lake.
The park features an 18-hole golf course, a marina, and a camping area. In addition, visitors can access three trail systems and two boat ramps within the park.
Yatesville Lake is especially recognized for its crappie, bluegill, and bass fishing. Please be informed that a fishing license is necessary to fish in this area.
11. Nolin River Lake; Edmonson, Grayson & Hart Counties
This reservoir extends across three counties in central Kentucky. One of its key attractions are two large recreational areas situated on opposite sides of the 2,345-hectare lake.
Nolin Lake State Park encompasses 135 hectares and offers activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and hiking, complete with 32 campsites with hookups alongside 27 primitive sites.
On the northern side, the Moutardier Recreation Area also features a campground, where visitors engage in canoeing, fishing, and hiking.
12. Herrington Lake; Mercer, Garrard & Boyle Counties
Kentucky’s deepest lake, Herrington Lake has a maximum depth of 76 meters. Upon its construction, its dam was recognized as the largest earth-filled dam in the world.
Today, Herrington Lake serves as an excellent fishing destination, renowned for its abundance of bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Additionally, the lake is visually striking, featuring stunning limestone banks and numerous floating houseboats.
The Peninsula Golf Resort, designed by Pete Dye, overlooks the northeastern edge of the lake, alongside several other accommodations and marinas surrounding the area.
13. Taylorsville Lake; Spencer County
This 1,200-hectare artificial lake is situated along the Salt River. Taylorsville Lake is known for its popularity, often bustling with visitors and locals on weekends seeking to enjoy a day at the water.
Fishing thrives here due to abundant populations of bass, crappie, catfish, and perch. Other prevalent activities include water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing.
The 486-hectare Taylorsville Lake State Park, located on the northern shore, emphasizes fishing, but also features over 27 kilometers of hiking trails.
14. Cedar Creek Lake; Lincoln County
As the second largest state-controlled lake in Kentucky, Cedar Creek Lake stretches across 317 hectares along US Highway 150. Minimal development along the lake fosters a serene environment conducive to relaxation.
There are three boat ramps available around the lake, with plans for a marina currently underway. Anglers frequent Cedar Creek Lake to catch black crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and largemouth bass.
On the east side of the lake lies the William Whitley House State Historic Site, built in 1794 and once serving as a gathering place.
15. Fishtrap Lake; Pike County
Fishtrap Lake was inaugurated by President Lyndon B. Johnson and was constructed in 1968, following the establishment of the 195-foot-high Fishtrap Dam. Covering just 500 hectares, it is a relatively small lake.
This man-made lake is among the premier fishing locales in eastern Kentucky, home to various fish species, including crappie, black bass, striped bass, and catfish.
The Fishtrap Lake State Park is located at the lake’s western edge, adding to the recreational options by providing camping, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities.
