The Most Beautiful Lake in Kentucky, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the lake you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:19
Sometimes the quest for tranquility and scenic beauty leads people to the serene lakes of Kentucky. Knowing the most appreciated lake can help future visitors select their perfect escape, where the reflection of sunset paints the waters with myriad colors. This intel often aids in planning quick getaways or long, soothing vacations.
Visitors' experiences and preferences bring to life a dynamic, crowd-sourced list that guides others towards choices that have charmed others. As each vote casts a ripple, the allure of each lake comes into clearer view, helping everyone make informed decisions about where to cast their next stone or set their next camp.
What Is the Most Beautiful Lake in Kentucky?
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167votes
Censusdata at English Wikipedia · Public domainLake Cumberland
U.S. Army Corps of EngineersWith over 1,200 miles of shoreline, Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake in Kentucky. Its crystal clear waters and stunning scenery make it a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping.Lake Cumberland is a stunning man-made reservoir located in south-central Kentucky. It covers a vast area of approximately 65,530 acres, making it the largest lake by volume in Kentucky, and one of the largest lakes in the United States east of the Mississippi River. The lake stretches across several counties and offers breathtaking natural beauty and ample recreational opportunities for visitors. With its crystal-clear waters, scenic surroundings, and diverse wildlife, Lake Cumberland is a beloved destination for boating, fishing, camping, and more.- Size: 65,530 acres
- Volume: 6.1 million acre-feet
- Shoreline Length: 1,255 miles
- Maximum Depth: 200 feet
- Flood-Control Capacity: 1.2 million acre-feet
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234votes
George Green, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Public domainKnown for its excellent fishing and water sports, Kentucky Lake is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's calm waters and picturesque surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway.Kentucky Lake is a stunning reservoir located in western Kentucky, USA. It is one of the largest man-made lakes in the eastern United States and offers breathtaking natural beauty and abundant recreational activities.- Size: 160,300 acres
- Creation Year: 1944
- Location: Western Kentucky
- Adjacent Areas: Kentucky Lake State Park, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
- Recreational Activities: Boating, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing
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324votes
George Green, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Public domainLaurel River Lake
U.S. Army Corps of EngineersSurrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest, Laurel River Lake is a natural wonder that offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and camping in this pristine wilderness area.Laurel River Lake is a picturesque lake located in southeastern Kentucky, surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.- Location: Southeastern Kentucky
- Size: Approximately 5,600 acres
- Maximum Depth: Over 200 feet
- Shoreline Length: Over 200 miles
- Recreational Opportunities: Boating, fishing, swimming, camping
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417votes
Ichabod · CC BY-SA 3.0Barren River Lake
U.S. Army Corps of EngineersWith its rolling hills and scenic beauty, Barren River Lake is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's calm waters are perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, while the surrounding forests offer endless opportunities for hiking and camping.Barren River Lake is a stunning man-made reservoir located in Allen and Barren counties in Kentucky. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.- Location: Allen and Barren counties, Kentucky
- Size: 10,100 acres
- Length: 81 miles
- Shoreline Length: 141 miles
- Average Depth: 27 feet
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518votes
Wine Guy · CC BY-SA 3.0Nestled in the heart of Kentucky's rolling hills, Rough River Lake is a picturesque destination that offers something for everyone. The lake's clear waters are perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, while the surrounding forests and hills provide endless opportunities for hiking and camping.Rough River Lake is a gorgeous reservoir located in Breckinridge, Grayson, and Hardin counties in Kentucky. It was formed by impounding the Rough River with the construction of the Rough River Dam, which was started in 1954 and completed in 1959. The lake is known for its serene beauty, surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning cliffs.- Location: Breckinridge, Grayson, and Hardin counties in Kentucky
- Type: Reservoir
- Impounded river: Rough River
- Year of dam construction: Started in 1954, completed in 1959
- Size: Approximately 5,100 acres
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63votesWith its crystal clear waters and secluded coves, Nolin Lake is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping in this tranquil setting.Nolin Lake is a stunning reservoir located in the southern part of Kentucky, USA. Surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and lush green forests, it offers a tranquil and scenic retreat for nature enthusiasts and water lovers alike.
- Location: Edmonson, Grayson, and Hart counties, Kentucky
- Surface Area: 5,795 acres (2,347 ha)
- Max Depth: 100 feet (30 m)
- Shoreline Length: 172 miles (277 km)
- Primary Inflows: Nolin River
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79votesKnown for its pristine waters and abundant wildlife, Green River Lake is a popular destination for anglers, boaters, and nature lovers. The lake's scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place to unwind and relax.Green River Lake is a stunning lake located in Central Kentucky. It is a reservoir created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with the state of Kentucky. The lake offers breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its lush green surroundings and serene atmosphere, Green River Lake provides a perfect retreat for visitors seeking peace and tranquility in the heart of nature.
- Location: Central Kentucky
- Type: Reservoir
- Size: 8,210 acres
- Shoreline Length: 147 miles
- Maximum Depth: 200 feet
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86votes
Joshinatorky at English Wikipedia · Public domainHerrington Lake
The Kentucky River AuthorityWith its clear blue waters and rugged shoreline, Herrington Lake is a natural wonder that offers breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping in this picturesque setting.Herrington Lake is a stunning reservoir located in central Kentucky, United States. It is often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Bluegrass' due to its breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The lake covers an area of approximately 2,335 acres, offering plenty of space for recreational activities and water sports.- Size: 2,335 acres
- Depth: maximum depth of 249 feet
- Length: over 32 miles
- Shoreline: over 325 miles
- Water Source: Kentucky River
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96votes
ChrisKuehl · Public domainWhile not technically a lake, Cumberland Falls is a natural wonder that is worth a visit. Known as the "Niagara of the South," the falls are a breathtaking sight that can be viewed from several different vantage points.Cumberland Falls, also known as the 'Niagara of the South,' is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the state of Kentucky. The falls are famous for their stunning beauty, especially during the daylight hours when rainbows can often be seen forming amidst the mist. This incredible display makes Cumberland Falls a popular destination for visitors seeking a tranquil and picturesque experience in nature.- Location: Corbin, Kentucky
- River: Cumberland River
- Height: 68 feet
- Width: 125 feet
- Water Volume: 3,600 cubic feet per second
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105votesWith its rolling hills and scenic beauty, Taylorsville Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's clear waters are perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, while the surrounding forests offer endless opportunities for hiking and camping.Taylorsville Lake is a stunning lake located in Kentucky. It offers breathtaking natural beauty and a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and lush greenery, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Location: Spencer, Anderson, and Nelson counties in Kentucky
- Size: Approximately 3,050 acres
- Length: 18 miles
- Maximum Depth: 79 feet
- Shoreline Length: 75 miles
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Ranking factors for beautiful lake
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Scenic beautyThe overall scenic beauty of the lake, including picturesque landscapes, stunning sunsets, and clear waters that reflect the surrounding scenery.
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Water qualityClear, clean water enhances the beauty of a lake and makes it more appealing for swimming, boating, and other water-based activities.
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Surrounding natureA beautiful lake is often complemented by the surrounding natural environment, including forests, natural rock formations, and wildlife.
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Recreational activitiesThe availability of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking, can enhance the appeal and enjoyment of a lake.
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AccessibilityA beautiful lake should be easily accessible for visitors, with well-maintained roads and facilities that cater to various needs and preferences.
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Seasonal beautyDifferent seasons may bring unique beauty to a lake, such as colorful fall foliage or ice formations in the winter months.
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Size and depthThe size and depth of a lake can contribute to its beauty, providing a sense of scale and awe.
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Historical or cultural significanceA lake may be more beautiful if it has historical or cultural significance, such as a connection to local folklore, historical events, or famous figures.
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Natural featuresUnique natural features, such as waterfalls, cliffs, or islands, can enhance the beauty of a lake.
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Local communityA friendly and welcoming local community can make a lake more attractive and enjoyable for visitors.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful lake in Kentucky. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or lake is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1593 views
- 188 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lake once every 24 hours. The rank of each lake is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful lake in kentucky
Kentucky is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, and its lakes are no exception. With over 90,000 acres of water, Kentucky offers some of the most stunning lake views in the country. From the serene waters of Lake Barkley to the crystal-clear depths of Kentucky Lake, there's no shortage of natural beauty to admire. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, Kentucky's lakes have something for everyone. But which one is the most beautiful? That's a question that has sparked many debates over the years, and we're here to help settle the score. Join us as we explore the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky and discover what makes each one so special.
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