Get ready: we’ve planned an extraordinary road trip to six stunning lakes in the Bluegrass State. Each lake has remarkable features. Some are perfect for fishing, while others are exceptional places to swim and boat. At a bit more than four hours long, this lake road trip through Kentucky is a challenge to complete in one day while stopping to truly enjoy each lake. Consider stretching the road trip out over a few days to soak in all six lakes’ beauty. Picking a portion of the road trip to complete in one day and leaving the other stops for another time is also a great option. Gather your road trip essentials, and let’s hit the road!
This road trip meanders through south-central Kentucky, with stops near the Kentucky–Tennessee border. The distance between the lakes is relatively short, so it won't be long after you've left one magnificent lake before you're approaching another.
Fagan Branch Lake, also known as Fagan Branch Reservoir, is a 140-acre lake in Lebanon, Kentucky. The lake is a great place to fish and is stocked with rainbow trout each January and November. Swimming and camping are not allowed at Fagan Branch Lake, but it is an excellent spot to hike. The 3.2-mile Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail loops around the lake, offering beautiful water views.
Advertisement
2. Campbellsville City Lake
Campbellsville City Lake, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
A short drive south from Fagan Branch Lake takes you to Campbellsville City Lake. This 85-acre lake in the heart of Campbellsville, Kentucky, is excellent for fishing bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish, among other species. Kayaks and small fishing boats are available to rent. Please note: $25 annual membership is required to access the lake.
Green River Lake is just outside of Campbellsville, Kentucky. This expansive, 8,000-acre lake offers many fun things for visitors to do, including swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, birding, and picnicking. There are basketball and volleyball courts and a mini golf course for sports lovers. The Army Corps of Engineers built a dam in the 1960s to create Green River Lake, and Green River Lake State Park opened shortly after.
About an hour southeast of Green River Lake lies the massive and dazzling Lake Cumberland. With more than 60,000 acres of water, Lake Cumberland is a water-lover’s paradise. There are ample opportunities to enjoy the lake through fishing, boating, and swimming. Hiking trails offer fantastic lake views. Visitors can also stay overnight at the lodge, cottages, or campsites.
Dale Hollow Lake is 28,000 acres of captivating water that crosses over the Kentucky–Tennessee border. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is in Burkesville, Kentucky, and draws visitors with incredible birding, swimming, picnicking, horseback riding, caving, fishing, boating, and biking. Visitors can see eagles flying around Dale Hollow Lake from December through February each winter. The lake's clear water makes it one of the best places to scuba dive in Kentucky!
Barren River Lake is northwest of Dale Hollow Lake in Glasgow, Kentucky. The 10,000-acre lake is a beautiful site to fish, swim, and boat. It's also a great place to hike, bike, birdwatch, and play golf. Barren River Lake State Park Resort offers overnight accommodations for visitors, including a lodge and campsites.
This lake road trip through Kentucky only (ahem) skims the surface of the wondrous lakes in the Bluegrass State. There are 45 major lakes in Kentucky!
Have you been to any of the lakes on this road trip? If you’ve been to more than one, which was your favorite?
Before you set out on your next road trip, check out our list of the best road trip snacks!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
