Spend Three Days On Three Lakes On This Weekend Road Trip In Kentucky
By Sarah McCosham|Updated on June 14, 2023(Originally published June 10, 2023)
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There’s nothing like visiting Kentucky lakes that are known for their vibrant colors against the endless Bluegrass skies. Here in Kentucky, we are all about lake life, from pontoons and houseboats to water sports of all sorts and the most spectacularly scenic waterfront dining. If you love the water as much as we do, you’ll want to check out the following three-day lake road trip in Kentucky we put together, which visits some of the state’s most jaw-dropping, iconic, and breathtakingly beautiful lakes.
Per this Kentucky lake map, this road trip spans around 220 miles and is designed to be taken over the course of three days, with recommended lodging, dining, and attractions listed below.
Feel free to customize the Google Map of the trip to suit your needs!
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is one of the most underrated treasures in the state and is perhaps one of the best lakes in Kentucky. This Kentucky State Park is 2,871 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation of both the land and water varieties.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 419 Jenny Wiley Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA
The park’s crown jewel is the 1,100-acre Dewey Lake, a cerulean pool with some of the bluest water in the state. You’ll be dazzled by its azure waters, which make Jenny Wiley State Park truly stand out — even in a state that’s known for its abundance of rivers and lakes.
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When you're ready to break for the night (but not ready to stop the water fun!), check into Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, one of the best and most well-appointed resorts in the state.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 419 Jenny Wiley Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA
From its amazing pool to waterfront accommodations, this is one of the best Kentucky State Parks for water lovers.
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Next morning (after breakfast at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, of course), it's time to head out to the next beautiful lake on this road trip in Kentucky: Laurel River Lake. This lovely lake is located in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. This is one of the larger Kentucky lakes as it spans 5,600 acres. There's so much to do as you enjoy the beautiful water and stunning surroundings.
On the last day of this epic road trip following this Kentucky lake map, we're making a pit stop before our final destination. Located in Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Falls is the most iconic and well-known waterfall in the state and hailed as the Niagara of the South. I encourage you to stop at the eponymous Kentucky State Park and marvel at this wonder in person!
Last, but certainly not least, for water lovers, Lake Cumberland is the ultimate destination in Kentucky. The Houseboat Capital of the World is rife with opportunities for all varieties of water recreation, from boating and fishing to kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
This eponymous Kentucky State Park is an all-around all-star; between the access to amazing hiking, fishing, birding, and other outdoor recreation, you'll want to stay at Lake Cumberland forever!
Lake Cumberland State Park Road, Lake Cumberland State Park Rd, Kentucky 42629, USA
And you can... kind of. In addition to boasting a prime location, the accommodations at this state park on this Kentucky lake map are all incredibly affordable, too. All of the accommodations here are the perfect blend of modern and cozy, with beautiful views and top-notch amenities, like the temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool at
Lure Lodge.
Lure Lodge, 5465 State Park Rd, Jamestown, KY 42629, USA
Of course, you're welcome to end your three-day road trip to Kentucky lakes with a memorable evening. For example, enjoy waterfront dining at the lodge and take in the sunset over Lake Cumberland, marveling over the amazing adventures you had with your friends and family.
Have you had a chance to take this road trip or visit some of the destinations on this map of Kentucky lakes? Feel free to share your experiences in the following comments section.
If you’d like to explore more of the Bluegrass state, take a look at these best Kentucky road trips too.
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Small Towns Road Trip: Experience life beyond the big cities when you take this road trip highlighting some of Kentucky's hidden gems.
