There are quite a few incredible lakes within Kentucky’s state lines, and it can take a lot of work to choose a favorite. We decided to poll our readers on our Only In Kentucky Facebook Page to see which state lakes were their absolute favorite. How many of these would make your own personal list of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky?
- Kentucky Lake, KY
Jeff Russell via Only In Kentucky Kentucky Lake is a huge reservoir that is located along the Tennessee River in Kentucky and Tennessee. As one of the most navigable lakes, people come from all over to enjoy this man-made beauty. Created in 1944 by the impounding of the Tennessee River, this reservoir was initially used for hydroelectric power and flood control! Gilbertsville, KY, USA
- Herrington Lake, KY
HerringtonLakeKY.com via Only In Kentucky Herrington Lake was created by damming the Dix River in order to generate hydroelectric power. Today, this lake clocks in at 2,335 acres, and has become a go-to place when warm weather rolls around. Swimming and boating are popular activities here, but not as much as fishing! There are bluegill, catfish, crappie, and more. Herrington Lake, Kentucky, USA
- Lake Cumberland, KY
Vickie Paullus via Only In Kentucky Lake Cumberland is a huge, wildly popular lake with over 1,200 miles of shoreline. Anyone looking to take a dip can do so along the majority of the shoreline. But other than that, Lake Cumberland offers boating, fishing, hiking, and more. This lake is easily one of the largest and most visited in the state. Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, USA
- Lake Barkley, KY
Brad Young via Only In Kentucky Situated near the Land Between the Lakes, Lake Barkley is a massive reservoir, clocking in at 58,000 acres. Out of all the water activities, Lake Barkley offers biking, hunting, hiking, and more. Lake Barkley is one of the newer lakes on the map, but it still offers some great amenities. Lake Barkley, United States
- Laurel River Lake, KY
Tammy Parrott Wine via Only In Kentucky Laurel River Lake is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest and features 200 miles of shoreline. Visitors to Laurel River Lake enjoy the pristine beauty of the area, plus the clean water. There are two full-service marinas on the Lake, The Grove, and Holly Bay. This is perfect for boating and even houseboat rentals! Johnny Karr Hill, Keavy, KY, USA
- Cave Run Lake, KY
Anthony Manns via Only In Kentucky Cave Run Lake is another beaut situated in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Perhaps one of the most picturesque lakes on this list, you can visit for a day trip excursion or camp for a long weekend away. If you’re a fan of being outdoors and in nature, this one is for you. Cave Run Lake, Kentucky, USA
- Eagle Lake, KY
Rita Smallwood Goodman via Only In Kentucky Eagle Lake might be the smallest lake on our list, but that doesn’t mean it lacks natural beauty. This 30-acre lake was created in 1950 by impounding Evans Branch. The shoreline property of this lake is owned by Morehead State University, and fun fact, the lake was named after the university’s symbol, the American Bald Eagle! Eagle Lake, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
- Corinth Lake, KY
Steffon Pallan via Only In Kentucky Another small one in size, Corinth Lake is 77 acres and only 42 feet deep at the deepest point. This lake is popular with anglers, with a variety of fish like largemouth bass, green sunfish, bluegill, and channel catfish. Pitch a tent at the campground and fish all weekend long. Corinth Lake, Kentucky 41010, USA
- Grayson Lake, KY
Sarah Adams via Only In Kentucky Grayson Lake is a real beauty, with tree-lined cliffs and hidden coves. Visitors to this lake even search for waterfalls after a solid storm! Take out a boat for the weekend and cast a line - this reservoir is extremely serene. Plus, with nearby campgrounds, you’ll have this beautiful lake all to yourself for an overnight getaway. Grayson Lake, Kentucky, USA
- Barren River Lake, KY
Stacy Constant Sanders via Only In Kentucky Just south of Bowling Green, Barren River Lake is a beautiful spot in nature with tons of things to do. Many people gather here during the warmer months to swim at the beach or camp in the scenic countryside. Plus, this lake has history! The Barren River was a historic route for pioneers traveling west. Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
- Lake Barkley, KY
Tommy Hayden via Only In Kentucky Lake Barkley is a 58,000-acre reservoir in Livingston County that was formed in 1966 after damming the Cumberland River. Boaters and anglers frequent this lake to find beauty and peace in nature. Plus, you’ll find a bevy of bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Lake Barkley Marina, 4200 State Park Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
Have you been to any of these Kentucky lakes before? Did we miss any that you think should be added to the list of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky? Shout them out in the comments section! Also, make sure to join our Kentucky Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more epic photographs like this and share your own.
Jeff Russell via Only In Kentucky
Kentucky Lake is a huge reservoir that is located along the Tennessee River in Kentucky and Tennessee. As one of the most navigable lakes, people come from all over to enjoy this man-made beauty. Created in 1944 by the impounding of the Tennessee River, this reservoir was initially used for hydroelectric power and flood control!
Gilbertsville, KY, USA
HerringtonLakeKY.com via Only In Kentucky
Herrington Lake was created by damming the Dix River in order to generate hydroelectric power. Today, this lake clocks in at 2,335 acres, and has become a go-to place when warm weather rolls around. Swimming and boating are popular activities here, but not as much as fishing! There are bluegill, catfish, crappie, and more.
Herrington Lake, Kentucky, USA
Vickie Paullus via Only In Kentucky
Lake Cumberland is a huge, wildly popular lake with over 1,200 miles of shoreline. Anyone looking to take a dip can do so along the majority of the shoreline. But other than that, Lake Cumberland offers boating, fishing, hiking, and more. This lake is easily one of the largest and most visited in the state.
Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, USA
Brad Young via Only In Kentucky
Situated near the Land Between the Lakes, Lake Barkley is a massive reservoir, clocking in at 58,000 acres. Out of all the water activities, Lake Barkley offers biking, hunting, hiking, and more. Lake Barkley is one of the newer lakes on the map, but it still offers some great amenities.
Lake Barkley, United States
Tammy Parrott Wine via Only In Kentucky
Laurel River Lake is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest and features 200 miles of shoreline. Visitors to Laurel River Lake enjoy the pristine beauty of the area, plus the clean water. There are two full-service marinas on the Lake, The Grove, and Holly Bay. This is perfect for boating and even houseboat rentals!
Johnny Karr Hill, Keavy, KY, USA
Anthony Manns via Only In Kentucky
Cave Run Lake is another beaut situated in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Perhaps one of the most picturesque lakes on this list, you can visit for a day trip excursion or camp for a long weekend away. If you’re a fan of being outdoors and in nature, this one is for you.
Cave Run Lake, Kentucky, USA
Rita Smallwood Goodman via Only In Kentucky
Eagle Lake might be the smallest lake on our list, but that doesn’t mean it lacks natural beauty. This 30-acre lake was created in 1950 by impounding Evans Branch. The shoreline property of this lake is owned by Morehead State University, and fun fact, the lake was named after the university’s symbol, the American Bald Eagle!
Eagle Lake, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Steffon Pallan via Only In Kentucky
Another small one in size, Corinth Lake is 77 acres and only 42 feet deep at the deepest point. This lake is popular with anglers, with a variety of fish like largemouth bass, green sunfish, bluegill, and channel catfish. Pitch a tent at the campground and fish all weekend long.
Corinth Lake, Kentucky 41010, USA
Sarah Adams via Only In Kentucky
Grayson Lake is a real beauty, with tree-lined cliffs and hidden coves. Visitors to this lake even search for waterfalls after a solid storm! Take out a boat for the weekend and cast a line - this reservoir is extremely serene. Plus, with nearby campgrounds, you’ll have this beautiful lake all to yourself for an overnight getaway.
Grayson Lake, Kentucky, USA
Stacy Constant Sanders via Only In Kentucky
Just south of Bowling Green, Barren River Lake is a beautiful spot in nature with tons of things to do. Many people gather here during the warmer months to swim at the beach or camp in the scenic countryside. Plus, this lake has history! The Barren River was a historic route for pioneers traveling west.
Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Tommy Hayden via Only In Kentucky
Lake Barkley is a 58,000-acre reservoir in Livingston County that was formed in 1966 after damming the Cumberland River. Boaters and anglers frequent this lake to find beauty and peace in nature. Plus, you’ll find a bevy of bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
Lake Barkley Marina, 4200 State Park Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
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