The Bluegrass State may be land-locked, but that doesn’t mean its residents can’t enjoy beautiful bodies of water; in particular, there are some truly glorious lakes in Kentucky we simply adore. These bodies of water not be the ocean, but we argue that these lakes in Kentucky are just as lovely as their oceanic counterparts. Here’s a compilation of some of the most gorgeous lakes in Kentucky.
- Kentucky Lake
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr Formed by the completion of Kentucky Dam, Kentucky Lake harnesses history and beauty. Known as the South’s very own Great Lake, Kentucky Lake is the largest artificial lake by surface area in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. Kentucky Lake, United States
- Land Between The Lakes
circulating/Flickr Land Between the Lakes is one of the state’s most visited attractions and with 170,000 acres of play land to escape to, it’s no wonder why! It’s squeezed between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, and offers some of the best stargazing in the South. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
- Lake Barkley
Vikhram Swaminathan/Flickr Lake Barkley is a pristine place to visit. The body of water runs parallel with the Land Between The Lakes. Lake Barkley, United States
- Barren River Lake
Kentucky State Parks Located near Kentucky’s famous cave area, Barren River Lake is truly a water-lover’s paradise surrounded by trees and rolling hills. Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
- Lake Cumberland
jjj56cp/Flickr Adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest, you get the best of both lakes and nature at lovely lovely Lake Cumberland. Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, USA
- Buckhorn Lake
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, Buckhorn Lake is the perfect escape for those wanting a more secluded water getaway at one of Kentucky’s amazing state parks. Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, USA
- Dale Hollow Lake
Kentucky Photo File/Flickr One of the cleanest and most pristine lakes in the state, this more wilderness-flocked area is a great getaway on Kentucky’s southern shorelines. You could even spot some bald eagles above this beautiful lake! Dale Hollow Lake State Resort, 5970 State Park Rd, Burkesville, KY 42717, USA
- Taylorsville Lake
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr Just about 30 minutes outside Louisville, this lake is a great quick escape for those nearby city dwellers. Talk about an urban paradise! Taylorsville Lake, Kentucky 40008, USA
- Breaks Interstate Park
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Technically not a lake per se, but Breaks Interstate Park does feature water – including a secluded lagoon! – and it’s the kind you can white water raft on, which is definitely worth a spot on this list. Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Eric Fidler/Flickr This amazing natural wonder in Kentucky has made several of our lists, and good reason why, with tons of trails, overlooks and 35 acres of lake access, this park in Slade, Kentucky, is always a hit. Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
- Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Kentucky Photo File/Flickr This western Kentucky retreat really is a picturesque escape on more than 14,000 acres. Dewey Lake truly is a real-life paradise in Kentucky! Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USA
With Kentucky encompassing the two largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River, it’s no surprise there are plenty of lakes to flock to get your water fix. Who needs a beach when these gorgeous lakes will do the trick? Which lake in Kentucky will you be visiting first this summer?
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
Formed by the completion of Kentucky Dam, Kentucky Lake harnesses history and beauty. Known as the South’s very own Great Lake, Kentucky Lake is the largest artificial lake by surface area in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River.
Kentucky Lake, United States
circulating/Flickr
Land Between the Lakes is one of the state’s most visited attractions and with 170,000 acres of play land to escape to, it’s no wonder why! It’s squeezed between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, and offers some of the best stargazing in the South.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Vikhram Swaminathan/Flickr
Lake Barkley is a pristine place to visit. The body of water runs parallel with the Land Between The Lakes.
Lake Barkley, United States
Kentucky State Parks
Located near Kentucky’s famous cave area, Barren River Lake is truly a water-lover’s paradise surrounded by trees and rolling hills.
Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
jjj56cp/Flickr
Adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest, you get the best of both lakes and nature at lovely lovely Lake Cumberland.
Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, USA
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, Buckhorn Lake is the perfect escape for those wanting a more secluded water getaway at one of Kentucky’s amazing state parks.
Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, USA
Kentucky Photo File/Flickr
One of the cleanest and most pristine lakes in the state, this more wilderness-flocked area is a great getaway on Kentucky’s southern shorelines. You could even spot some bald eagles above this beautiful lake!
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort, 5970 State Park Rd, Burkesville, KY 42717, USA
Just about 30 minutes outside Louisville, this lake is a great quick escape for those nearby city dwellers. Talk about an urban paradise!
Taylorsville Lake, Kentucky 40008, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Technically not a lake per se, but Breaks Interstate Park does feature water – including a secluded lagoon! – and it’s the kind you can white water raft on, which is definitely worth a spot on this list.
Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
Eric Fidler/Flickr
This amazing natural wonder in Kentucky has made several of our lists, and good reason why, with tons of trails, overlooks and 35 acres of lake access, this park in Slade, Kentucky, is always a hit.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
This western Kentucky retreat really is a picturesque escape on more than 14,000 acres. Dewey Lake truly is a real-life paradise in Kentucky!
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes in Kentucky May 15, 2022 Sarah M. What are some beautiful swimming lakes in Kentucky? In addition to some of the beaches at the above list of lakes in Kentucky, we put together this list of amazing swimming holes and beaches in the Bluegrass State. One of our favorites is Blue Heron, a swimming hole is located under the footbridge in the picnic and camping area off Mine 18 Road leading towards South Fork. This is a part of the Daniel Boone National Forest near Stearns. The swimming hole is a pretty deep, surprisingly clear pool that was created via Big South Fork. Grassy Creek is a total hidden gem swimming pole in Kentucky; this little slice of heaven is just off Route 80 inside Breaks Interstate Park. At the parking and picnic area, look for the Center Creek Trail, which is visible and easy to find. Center Creek flows into Grassy Creek. There are several swimming holes along the way, but the rocks can be slick, so use caution and wear closed-toed shoes! And if you’re looking for a waterfall you can actually swim in, head to Dog Slaughter Falls, which is actually part of the Cumberland Falls Resort Park. You will find this waterfall and swimming hole off Forest Road, I95, which is unpaved. Cross a small footbridge and continue on foot about a mile and a half to the Falls. This waterfall swimming pool a great place to relax, and one of the very best ways to while away a beautiful summer’s day in the Bluegrass State! What are the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky? If you’re looking for cerulean blue waters that rival the Caribbean, definitely head to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. This 2,800-acre park is pure Bluegrass State paradise, and at the center of the park, you’ll find Dewey Lake, one of the most glorious bodies of water in the entire state. This pristine lake is a shockingly, startlingly bright blue; a resplendent body of water that perfectly reflects Kentucky’s endless rolling hills and skies. Dewey Lake has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts since the park opened in 1954, in fact, its turquoise waters proving to be undeniably alluring. The best part? Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers pontoons, canoes, kayaks, and jon boat rentals at its marina, which is open seasonally from March 15-Oct. 31, so you can “choose your own adventure” when you visit this beautiful Kentucky lake! (Of course, if you prefer to just camp out on the sand and kick up your feet, that’s 100% acceptable, too.)
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes in Kentucky
May 15, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some beautiful swimming lakes in Kentucky? In addition to some of the beaches at the above list of lakes in Kentucky, we put together this list of amazing swimming holes and beaches in the Bluegrass State. One of our favorites is Blue Heron, a swimming hole is located under the footbridge in the picnic and camping area off Mine 18 Road leading towards South Fork. This is a part of the Daniel Boone National Forest near Stearns. The swimming hole is a pretty deep, surprisingly clear pool that was created via Big South Fork. Grassy Creek is a total hidden gem swimming pole in Kentucky; this little slice of heaven is just off Route 80 inside Breaks Interstate Park. At the parking and picnic area, look for the Center Creek Trail, which is visible and easy to find. Center Creek flows into Grassy Creek. There are several swimming holes along the way, but the rocks can be slick, so use caution and wear closed-toed shoes! And if you’re looking for a waterfall you can actually swim in, head to Dog Slaughter Falls, which is actually part of the Cumberland Falls Resort Park. You will find this waterfall and swimming hole off Forest Road, I95, which is unpaved. Cross a small footbridge and continue on foot about a mile and a half to the Falls. This waterfall swimming pool a great place to relax, and one of the very best ways to while away a beautiful summer’s day in the Bluegrass State! What are the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky? If you’re looking for cerulean blue waters that rival the Caribbean, definitely head to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. This 2,800-acre park is pure Bluegrass State paradise, and at the center of the park, you’ll find Dewey Lake, one of the most glorious bodies of water in the entire state. This pristine lake is a shockingly, startlingly bright blue; a resplendent body of water that perfectly reflects Kentucky’s endless rolling hills and skies. Dewey Lake has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts since the park opened in 1954, in fact, its turquoise waters proving to be undeniably alluring. The best part? Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers pontoons, canoes, kayaks, and jon boat rentals at its marina, which is open seasonally from March 15-Oct. 31, so you can “choose your own adventure” when you visit this beautiful Kentucky lake! (Of course, if you prefer to just camp out on the sand and kick up your feet, that’s 100% acceptable, too.)
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
In addition to some of the beaches at the above list of lakes in Kentucky, we put together this list of amazing swimming holes and beaches in the Bluegrass State. One of our favorites is Blue Heron, a swimming hole is located under the footbridge in the picnic and camping area off Mine 18 Road leading towards South Fork. This is a part of the Daniel Boone National Forest near Stearns. The swimming hole is a pretty deep, surprisingly clear pool that was created via Big South Fork. Grassy Creek is a total hidden gem swimming pole in Kentucky; this little slice of heaven is just off Route 80 inside Breaks Interstate Park. At the parking and picnic area, look for the Center Creek Trail, which is visible and easy to find. Center Creek flows into Grassy Creek. There are several swimming holes along the way, but the rocks can be slick, so use caution and wear closed-toed shoes! And if you’re looking for a waterfall you can actually swim in, head to Dog Slaughter Falls, which is actually part of the Cumberland Falls Resort Park. You will find this waterfall and swimming hole off Forest Road, I95, which is unpaved. Cross a small footbridge and continue on foot about a mile and a half to the Falls. This waterfall swimming pool a great place to relax, and one of the very best ways to while away a beautiful summer’s day in the Bluegrass State!
What are the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky?
If you’re looking for cerulean blue waters that rival the Caribbean, definitely head to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. This 2,800-acre park is pure Bluegrass State paradise, and at the center of the park, you’ll find Dewey Lake, one of the most glorious bodies of water in the entire state. This pristine lake is a shockingly, startlingly bright blue; a resplendent body of water that perfectly reflects Kentucky’s endless rolling hills and skies. Dewey Lake has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts since the park opened in 1954, in fact, its turquoise waters proving to be undeniably alluring. The best part? Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers pontoons, canoes, kayaks, and jon boat rentals at its marina, which is open seasonally from March 15-Oct. 31, so you can “choose your own adventure” when you visit this beautiful Kentucky lake! (Of course, if you prefer to just camp out on the sand and kick up your feet, that’s 100% acceptable, too.)
