Fish, Swim, Visit, and Explore the Outdoors in Beautiful Cumberland County, KY, This Summer

Cumberland County, KY, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise due to the diverse recreational activities along Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River. A surplus of family-friendly lodging options, including cabins, hotels, camping/RV stations, and bed and breakfasts, in and around the charming county seat of Burkesville, serve as a convenient and comfortable home base as you prepare to visit and explore. 

Explore the Outdoors in Cumberland County

Visitors to Cumberland County enjoy swimming, water skiing, boating, kayaking, and even scuba diving. Dale Hollow Lake covers 28,000 acres and features a marina, lodge, and boat ramp, in addition to a wealth of other fun activities, like hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, water sports, mini golf, and caving.

Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest cave system, with over 400 miles of explored caverns, is an easy drive from Burkesville. Two picturesque waterfalls, the 68-foot Cumberland Falls and Seventy Six Falls, which rises approximately 44 feet high, are also a brief drive from Burkesville. The nearby Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers stunning views of Appalachia through old-time train rides through the South Fork Recreation Area.

Burkesville: The Fishing Capital of Kentucky 

Fishermen of all skill levels gravitate to Burkesville, the Fishing Capital of Kentucky, which boasts the No. 1-ranked trout system in the eastern U.S. Five species of bass – Kentucky, largemouth, rock, smallmouth, and white – are found locally, along with trout, catfish, walleye, muskie, bream, sauger, and crappie.

Dale Hollow Lake is a boon for fishermen seeking large, healthy fish. In fact, the world record smallmouth bass, which weighed over 11 pounds, was caught in Dale Hollow Lake in 1955, and it stands to this day.

Under the surface of the Cumberland River, trophy brown trout swim, as do rainbow trout, walleye, sauger, and oversized striped bass. Numerous local fishing guides, such as Captain John Rush of Rainbow Guide Service and Captain Jim Durham of StriperFun Guide Service, are ready to lend their expertise, escorting you to the prime spots on the waters of Cumberland County.  

Where to Stay

Cumberland County is well-equipped to accommodate every kind of visitor, particularly families. This comprehensive business directory explores the many lodging options available in the area. For accommodations in Burkesville proper, visit the Alpine Motel, the Riverfront Lodge, or the Concetta De Bed & Breakfast.

Tourists desiring to be a bit closer to Dale Hollow Lake's water should check out Hendricks Creek Resort, Dale Hollow State Lake Resort, or Sulphur Creek Resort. 
Dale Hollow State Lake Resort, Sulphur Creek Resort, and The Holler at Dale Hollow off Route 61 are happy to host campers and RVs.

The Annual River Festivus is Fast Approaching!

The annual River Festivus in Burkesville, one of Kentucky's largest festivals and a highly anticipated event in Cumberland County, is just around the corner. It is planned for Friday, Aug. 15, and Saturday, Aug. 16.

Grab your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for a five-mile leisurely trip down the Cumberland River in the Festivus Float. For a more high-octane experience, compete in the Mighty Cumberland River Run (registration required for Saturday events). Boonies Outdoor Adventures offers kayak and canoe rentals for those without their own.

The Head for the Hills 5K & 10K (registration also required), set for Friday, is another staple event of the River Festivus. The festival also features a host of local vendors, a Battle of the Bands, fishing competitions, and a free concert on Saturday night by country star Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery.

Learn more about this can't-miss experience for the entire family, and don't wait to book your River Festivus arrangements! 

Experience Cumberland County's Unique Charm

Cumberland County is your gateway to some of the best outdoor activities in Kentucky and the eastern U.S. Contact Explore Cumberland County Alliance for more information.