Dale Hollow Lake and Dale Hollow State Resort Park offers a host of exciting activities and accommodations for visitors. Whether you’re looking for cycling, boating, camping, hiking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, swimming or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful views & wildlife.
– Hike to Eagle Point Overlook.
– Dine in the Island View Restaurant and bar.
– Launch from the boat ramp for fun or fishing.
– Experience a camping cottage or equestrian trail.Basketball
Basketball courts are located at the campground entrance and in the picnic area. Overnight guests may check out sporting equipment at the Country Store.Biking
Dale Hollow Lake Resort’s 3,400 acres give plenty of room for approved mountain bike trails. Bring your own bikes.
Birding
Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, and many others make their homes here year-round, while summer visitors might include the Green Heron, Indigo Bunting, and Scarlet Tanager. Migrating visitors encountered at Dale Hollow Lake are the Ring-Necked Duck, the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and American Redstart. The most important birding trail in the park is the Eagle Point Trail, with the Boom Ridge-Eagle Point Connector Trail offering less shrub-scrub habitat and more mixed forest habitat. The overlook offers a good opportunity to view raptors and waterbirds; a telescope is useful if you are willing to carry it to the overlook.
Boating
Ample cruising waters are edged with plenty of inlets and dotted with islands. This park marina completed in 2008 boasts nearly 200 slips with state-of-the-art facilities, including a ship’s store and fuel dock. Recreational boats as well as fishing boats are welcome and may be rented by the day. The ship’s store will carry Dale Hollow Lake souvenir items and the latest in boating gear and apparel. Questions about the marina? Call (270) 433-6600. A gradually sloping concrete launching ramp is available. There are two lots for parking trailers.
Caving
Feeling adventurous? Explore the underground wonders of Cindy Cave with a wild cave tour led by a knowledgeable guide. You will get wet and dirty, but you’ll have a great time doing it! Fee is $7.00 per person, $5.00 for children 8 and under. Helmet, light, and kneepads are provided. Scheduled tours are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter tours for groups of 3 or more can be arranged by contacting Coti Groce at 270-433-7431 or email coti.groce@ky.gov. Self-guided tours are currently prohibited.
Eagle Watching
December through February offers the best eagle-sighting opportunities around the lake.
Fishing
The fishing season is year-round, and they’re biting every day! Crappie, bream, muskie, walleye, trout, catfish, and five species of bass — largemouth, smallmouth, white, Kentucky, and rock — have given Dale Hollow Lake undisputed honor as a top fishing spot in the country. This lake held the world record smallmouth bass and the state record muskie. Dale Hollow Lake, formed by backing up Tennessee’s Obey River in 1943, has 620 miles of shoreline. There are plenty of shoals, small tributaries, and clean, clear water to encourage healthy fish growth. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. Click here to purchase a license online at KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Don’t have a fishing pole? No problem! Ask at the lodge desk about their fishing loaner program where you can check out FREE equipment.
Golf
The longest of the 18-hole courses, the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course, plays along hilly terrain. It promises to challenge you and your group. A day on the links is enhanced by all the amenities of this popular park. A fully equipped pro shop and new driving range are open year-round with rental riding carts, pull carts, and clubs available. For more info on the Dale Hollow Lake State Park Golf Course, CLICK HERE.
Hiking
Over 12 miles of trails are designated as multi-purpose trails, open for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking unless otherwise posted. No motorized uses are allowed. The trails generally follow old logging roads along narrow ridge tops through the park. Most of the trails end at the tips of these ridges, which form peninsulas into Dale Hollow Lake, requiring a return trip on the same trail.
Horseback Riding
15 miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking (unless otherwise posted). Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.
Miniature Golf
The park features a nautical-themed 18-hole mini golf course with flowing water throughout and bridges that allow you to cross over the stream to sink your putt! The ADA-accessible course will re-open Memorial Day weekend. Hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm Sunday through Thursday and 8:30 am – 8 pm Friday & Saturday. Price is $6/adult, $4/child (5-11), and 4 & under FREE.
Motorcycle Ride Trail
The ride starts right here at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park! The Cumberland Valley is known for scenic roads and beautiful views.
Picnicking
Grills are located at all campsites and primitive cabins. A picnic shelter, with restrooms, is located in the picnic area and is available for rent up to one year in advance. Tables and a grill are also located near the Cindy Cave parking area and provide the perfect place for a picnic outing.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds can be found near the lodge. Three additional playgrounds are in the campground and can be accessed mid-March to mid-November.
Swimming
An outdoor lodge pool featuring a sloped entrance, separate wading pool, and wheelchair lift that is ADA accessible is available for lodge guests only. Campers can enjoy a splash in the well-tended pool inside the campground.
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- Photo by Brian Stansberry
