The Long(er) Road to KenLake

Snakes and sunshine. That’s what I remember about a trip to KenLake State Resort Park back in the early 1980s. It was a hike before I became a hiker. Dad, mom, and myself slogged around on a trail near the lodge and every so often a garter snake would slide across the path, much to our chagrin. An introduction to the wild side of Kentucky that still hasn’t left me alone.

The shorefront acreage around the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area is blessed with several options for outdoor activity. Lake Barkley State Resort Park sits east of LBL on the dammed up Cumberland River. Mineral Mounds State Park boasts a golf course (and red foxes) further north. Kentucky Dam Village Resort is on the western side of the twin lakes, and tiny KenLake provides the southern vista of Kentucky Lake here in the bluegrass. What a breath-holding moment it was to get to that place from the eastern end of the state! You had to cross the Eggners Ferry Bridge on US 68/80, a narrow stretch erected before the advent of the modern SUV. Once across the span, you were then safely greeted by the warm and friendly confines of KenLake.

That short trip changed last week when a cargo ship hit the bridge and took out an entire span in the process. Road Closed.

To say the least, the entire LBL area needs your continued support right now, and especially KenLake State Resort Park. Established in 1948 as Aurora Landing, by 1955 it was considered the most modern park in the still young park system. It was the first state park to be built on a major reservoir, so when you think of the beauty of the Dale Hollow, Lake Cumberland, or Barren River Lake State Resort Parks, you have KenLake to thank for setting the early bar high over 50 years ago.

Book a weekend there by clicking here.

I’m heading there this weekend, detour and all. And hope to see you there!

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