The Incredible Road Trip Through Kentucky That Leads You to 6 Stunning Lakes

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 just over four hours long, this lake road trip through Kentucky is a challenge to complete in one day, especially when stopping for a while to truly enjoy each lake. Consider stretching the road trip out over a few days to take in the beauty of all six lakes. 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.

1. Fagan Branch Lake

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 permitted at Fagan Branch Lake, but it is an excellent spot for hiking. The 3.2-mile Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail circumnavigates the lake, offering beautiful water views.

2. Campbellsville City Lake

A short drive south of Fagan Branch Lake takes you to Campbellsville City Lake. This 85-acre lake in the heart of Campbellsville, Kentucky, is excellent for fishing for bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish, among other species. Kayaks and small fishing boats are available to rent. Please note: You must pay $30 for an annual household membership or a $5 day pass to access the lake and fish. If you'd like to rent a boat, the cost is $25 for a four-hour rental.

3. Green River Lake

Green River Lake is just outside of Campbellsville, Kentucky. This expansive 8,000-acre lake offers numerous activities for visitors to enjoy, including swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, and picnicking. There are basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a mini golf course, for sports enthusiasts. The Army Corps of Engineers constructed a dam in the 1960s to create Green River Lake, and the Green River Lake State Park opened shortly after.

4. Lake Cumberland

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, and the park's hiking trails offer stunning views of the lake. Visitors can also stay overnight at the lodge, cottages, or campsites.

5. Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow Lake is a 28,000-acre body of captivating water that spans the Kentucky–Tennessee border. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, located in Burkesville, Kentucky, draws visitors with its 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, and it's a sight to behold! The lake's clear water makes it one of the best places to scuba dive in Kentucky.

6. Barren River Lake

Barren River Lake is northwest of Dale Hollow Lake in Glasgow, Kentucky. The 10,000-acre lake is a beautiful spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. It's also a fantastic place to hike, bike, birdwatch, and play golf. Barren River Lake State Park Resort offers overnight accommodations for visitors, including a lodge and campsites, for those who would like to take a weekend getaway here.

This lake road trip through Kentucky only (ahem) skims the surface of the wondrous lakes in the Bluegrass State. There are actually 45 major lakes in Kentucky! With so many stunning bodies of water to visit throughout the state, you have a lot to explore.

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!