Kentucky: America's Fresh Water Playground

Did you know that state of Kentucky boasts more than 1,000 navigable miles of water? The bluegrass state is home to more miles of running water than any other state other than Alaska. Here are some ways to enjoy this fresh water playground all summer.

Lyon County has appeared on 'Best Places to Live' surveys and is home to Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, and Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The large lakes and surrounding nature provide endless boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities to enjoy.

Three state resort parks in the Land between the Lakes areas offer various lodging, dining, and activity options. Kentucky Dam Village is a 170,000-acre wooded peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Lake Barkley State Resort Park sits on the eastern shores of Lake Barkley, one of the world's largest man-made lakes. Kenlake State Resort Park rests on the mid-west shore of Kentucky Lake. All three parks offer restaurants with water views and choice of rooms at the lodge, cottage rentals, or a campground for nightly accommodations.

The Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area provides water activities for all ages and desires. Leisurely cruising the water ways is fun on a rented houseboat or pontoon boat. Fishing is an angler's paradise with the big man-made lakes as well as four smaller fishable lakes and multiple ponds all within the recreation area. Bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are common catches in the area. Some of the states largest fish species have been recorded caught in Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.

You can stay on land in Lyon County and still enjoy the water. Nine golf courses, and one miniature golf course, rest on the edges of the area's waterways with breathtaking views. A 700 acre elk and bison prairie is situated in the Land between the Lakes NRA just north of the Golden Pond Visitor Center. Cars can drive through this protected habitat for a small fee 365 days a year. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails wind through woods and along streams with chances to see wildlife and scenic views such as Blue Hole, a deep spring with a bright blue hue.

Lyon County is not the only part of Kentucky with beautiful water to enjoy. Lake Cumberland was built for the purpose of flood control, but its residual effects are fun water activities and scenic views. Lake Cumberland is the third largest lake in Kentucky and is home to both Lake Cumberland State Resort Park and General Burnside State. Lake Cumberland is wildly popular with 1,500 houseboats cruising its waters each summer.

The largest waterfall south of Niagara, Cumberland Falls is a beautiful sight with water plunging almost 70 feet down and 125 across into the Cumberland River. The waterfall sits in the middle of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. The mist from the falls creates a rare moonbow on clear nights. The Daniel Boone National Forest is also home to the tallest waterfall in Kentucky. At over 100 feet tall, Yahoo Falls is a short walk down a marked trail off Highway 700 in McCreary County.

Rivers act as borders along much of Kentucky's edge and offer conventional water activities as well as Kentucky traditions. History can be seen at The Buffalo Trace Distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River. Tours start at the museum and take visitors through the bourbon making process that has occurred here for two centuries, and then ends at the warehouse filled with maturing bourbon barrels.

Aside from well known lakes and waterfalls with state parks and organized activities, Kentucky is also home to many smaller rivers and creeks for paddling adventures such as canoeing, whitewater rafting, or kayaking. Kentucky boasts more shoreline than Florida and this Midwest fresh water oasis offers fun activities for everyone.