10 Most Gorgeous Lakes In Kentucky, USA

lakes in kentucky
Stephen
Stephen 
Published
| 5 min read

Sandwiched between the Ohio River in the north and the Appalachian Mountains in the east is Kentucky, a gorgeous, vibrant state with endless possibilities in the southeastern part of the USA. Bustling with an idyllic lifestyle, beautiful terrain, and a charming atmosphere, this state serves as a popular tourist destination. Louisville, the largest city in the state, is popular for baseball and horse-racing. Adventure-seekers will love attractions such as Mammoth Cave, Lexington, and a myriad of breathtaking lakes. To enable you to enjoy a thrilling experience below is a curated list of the most gorgeous lakes in Kentucky, USA.

1. Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thomas R Machnitzki used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located along the beautiful Tennessee River is Kentucky Lake, a gorgeous man-made lake that covers an area of about 647.5 sq. km (250 sq. mi), sprawling from Gilbertsville to Pickwick Dam. Its waters serve as a home to a variety of fish such as yellow perch, bluegill, white bass, both smallmouth and largemouth bass, and many more. What makes it even more attractive to travelers is that there are lovely chairs on the lake for you to relax and enjoy the most magnificent sunset you’ve ever witnessed. If you’re not savoring a romantic moment, then definitely you should try some water activities here.

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2. Green River Lake

Green River Lake
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user LouisvilleUSACE used under CC BY 2.0

As its name suggests, Green River Lake is a breathtaking, lush green reservoir covering an area of 33.2 sq. km (12.8 sq. mi) in a place called Highland Rim in Kentucky. This lake comes with everything adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers would wish for. First, it acts as the home to migratory songbirds and different types of fish. Second, it has beautifully manicured trails where people enjoy hiking and horseback riding. This is also a nice place to come and indulge in boating, kayaking, fishing, skiing, and tubing. Finally, there are beautiful campgrounds for family and friends who wish to enjoy an unforgettable camping experience.

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3. Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brian Stansberry used under CC BY 4.0

Are you looking for a place in Kentucky where you can enjoy mind-blowing outdoor fun with your loved one? No place beats Lake Barkley. This is one of the amazing man-made lakes in the country covering an area of 234 sq. km (90.4 sq. mi). Both locals and tourists come here to enjoy the wonderful sight of bald eagles and other birds soaring peacefully. For water-activity enthusiasts, the lake features designated areas for swimming and fishing. For more fun, you can try out hunting or enjoy a romantic stroll. To top it all, the lake comes with beautiful camping facilities.

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4. Cave Run Lake

Cave Run Lake
Source: Photo by Flickr user LouisvilleUSACE used under CC BY 2.0

Nestled in the gorgeous Daniel Boone National Forest in the northern part of Kentucky, is Cave Run Lake, a beautiful man-made lake with breathtaking views of the rolling hills. It spreads over an area of about 33.5 sq. km (13 sq. mi) surrounded by lush green vegetation. It harbors many different types of fish such as muskellunge, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, white bass among others. If you’re not a fan of fishing, you can enjoy watching birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Or you can indulge in exciting activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting. Camping is also a popular thing here.

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5. Lake Cumberland

Lake Cumberland
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sealle used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Lake Cumberland, also known as the Houseboat Capital of the World & Russell, covers an area of 265.2 sq. km (102.4 sq. mi) and serves as the home to different types of fish such as walleye, sauger, lake trout, striped bass, and many more. It houses the largest fleet of rental houseboats in the US, making it a popular destination for outdoor fun. It’s a good place for people to have fun while boating, fishing, or swimming under the amazing waterfall. The lovely atmosphere and gorgeous trees around the lake make it a perfect place to enjoy a quiet, romantic getaway.

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6. Rough River Lake

Rough River Lake
Source: Photo by Flickr user LouisvilleUSACE used under CC BY 2.0

Situated on the course of the Rough River is an idyllic lake spreading over an area of 20.6 sq. km (8 sq. mi) in Breckinridge, Grayson, and Hardin counties in the state of Kentucky, USA. If you want to explore unspoiled beauty and enjoy a blissful adventure, this is the place to be. It features beautiful trails for hiking and gorgeous disc golf. Swimming and fishing are the most popular activities here, but you can still enjoy a boat ride. You might also spot some bald eagles soaring in the area. The lake is also witness to community events such as Rough River Triathlon.

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7. Barren River Lake

Barren River Lake
Source: Photo by Flickr user LouisvilleUSACE used under CC BY 2.0

Discover this beautiful gem nestled in the lush green rolling hills and covering a space of 10,100 acres (4,087.3 hectares) in the southern part of Kentucky. Barren River Lake boasts some of the most spectacular wildlife in this part of the state. There are beautiful trails where you can go for a walk or a jog. Rent a boat and enjoy a thrilling experience while trying out your fishing skills. Enjoy some fresh air as you watch or play golf on the lush green course. In the evening, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset from the lake.

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8. Yatesville Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Explore the amazing things that Kentucky has to offer as you indulge in a thrilling adventure at Yatesville Lake. Situated a few minutes from the town of Louisa in Lawrence County, this is one of the most scenic lakes in the state with a plethora of exciting activities for you. People of all ages come here to relax and have fun. There are playgrounds, camping areas, and picnic spots designated for family fun. You can also try out golfing or you can just enjoy a quiet, romantic hike. Water activities include swimming, fishing, and boating. This place also offers an unforgettable camping experience.

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9. Laurel River Lake

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Lake information for October 15th, 2020 Headwater elevation: 1006.47 Surface water temperature: 71° Be safe around the lake and remember to wear your lifejacket!

Posted by Laurel River Lake on Thursday, October 15, 2020

Nestled in the charming beauty of Daniel Boone National Forest, Laurel River Lake is one of the most popular destinations for adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers in Kentucky. This place is blessed with magical coves and spectacular rocky shores where people come to relax and meditate. Enjoy a romantic hike in the gorgeous, lush green forest as you admire different flora and fauna. Water-activity enthusiasts will be thrilled to indulge in boating, fishing, skiing, or even scuba diving in these crystal clear waters. You could also bring your family here for a picnic or to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime camping experience.

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10. Herrington Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Spreading over Mercer, Garrard, and Boyle counties in Kentucky, Herrington Lake is a gorgeous artificial lake that is popular for its lush green surrounding and beautiful weather throughout the year. You’ll find lovely fishing spots where you catch fish like bluegill, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, crappie, and many more. Apart from that, it’s also the deepest lake in Kentucky. People of all age groups come here to play and engage in different recreational activities. There are so many spots in the area where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. Remember to take some pictures for your memories.

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Experience lakeside bliss in Kentucky

If you love outdoor activities and are looking for a place to enjoy an idyllic vacation, there’s no better place to be than in Kentucky. You will definitely enjoy a blissful experience as you explore some of the most gorgeous lakes and participate in different exciting water sports.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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