Kentucky is known for its abundance of beautiful lakes, with Cumberland being the Houseboat Capital of the World and Dewey Lake our very own crystal-clear oasis. There’s another lake in south-central Kentucky, however, that’s relatively under the radar and absolutely worth visiting. Dale Hollow Lake is a 28,000-acre oasis of azure in Burkesville, Kentucky, that, between its startling beauty and recreation opportunities, is basically the Bluegrass State’s very own Lake Tahoe. And once you see this breathtaking lake, you’ll agree with us that it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky.

This is Lake Tahoe, an American icon that sits on the state line between California and Nevada, surrounded by the majestic, snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located at 6,225 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the country and the second deepest, and touted as one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.
Amit Basu Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This is not Lake Tahoe, but doesn't it look like the famed alpine lake?
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
This beguiling body of water is Dale Hollow Lake, a 28,000-acre lake that sits right on the state line of Kentucky and Tennessee and is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the region.
Dale Hollow Lake
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook

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Part of the eponymous Kentucky State Resort Park and surrounded by towering hills and dotted with marinas and cabin getaways, this lake is a worthy destination for a lake retreat in Kentucky.
Dale Hollow Lake
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
Just like its Tahoe counterpart, Dale Hollow Lake is known for its startlingly clear-blue waters. During the summer, you'll often be able to see your feet while swimming around. If you have an issue with swimming in murky water, you just may fall in love with this scenic lake!
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
The lake is beautiful from all angles, especially the vistas afforded from higher vantage points. There are over 15 miles of designated multi-purpose trails at this Kentucky State Park, open for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking -- unless otherwise posted.
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
Book a night or two at the beautiful resort so you have a home base for your adventures. Dale Hollow Lake might not be Tahoe, but we happen to think it's even better, because it's surrounded by the kind of sublime natural scenery you'll only find in Kentucky.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook

Wanna see more of this stunning lake in Kentucky? Watch this informative YouTube video by Backroad Acres about Dale Hollow Lake. 

Have you visited this Lake Tahoe lookalike in Kentucky? What a marvelous discovery!

Looking for more only-in-Kentucky wonders? Plan a trip to Kentucky’s Niagara Falls! Or if you’re searching for more adventure, be sure to check out these incredible attractions in Kentucky.

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State Parks In Kentucky

Melanie J. | November 15, 2023

What are the best state parks in Kentucky?

We have over 40 state parks in Kentucky, and all are worth visiting. However, these are the ones that we recommend: 

  • Nolin Lake State Park, Mammoth Cave
  • Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
  • Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
  • Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Union
  • Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
  • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
  • John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
  • Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
  • Columbus Belmont State Park, Columbus

Don’t forget to check out our previous article telling you more about these state parks in Kentucky.

What are some more hidden gems in Kentucky?

There are lots of hidden gems in Kentucky, but here are the ones we like the best:

  • The Chain Rock at Pine Mountain, Pineville
  • Louisville Mega Cavern, Louisville
  • Lost River Cave, Bowling Green
  • Land of the Giants: Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont
  • Hidden River Cave, Horse Cave
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro
  • Kentucky's Stonehenge, Munfordville
  • Indian Staircase in Red River Gorge, Pine Ridge
  • Kentucky River Palisades, Lexington

Read our previous article with more info about these hidden gems in Kentucky.

Besides Dale Hollow Lake, what are some more of the prettiest lakes in Kentucky?

While Dale Hollow Lake could arguably be the prettiest lake in Kentucky, here are some more lakes that are stunningly beautiful: 

  • Laurel River Lake - west of Corbin
  • FRP-LaGrange Quarry, LaGrange
  • Land Between the Lakes, Golden Pond
  • Cave Run Lake, Morehead
  • Lake Cumberland, Bowling Green
  • Dewey Lake, Prestonsburg,

Discover more by reading our previous article about the prettiest lakes in Kentucky.

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Dale Hollow Lake, United States