Birding
Any season offers exceptional viewing prospects of raptors which include the red-tailed hawk, coopers hawk, American kestrel, great horned owl, barred owl and screech owl. Autumn and winter seem to be the prime viewing times of the wood duck, green heron, great blue heron, belted kingfisher, whip-poor-will and the mallard that reside along the lake shore. Numerous species come to life in the spring and summer such as gold finches, eastern bluebirds, cardinals, wrens, tufted titmice, hummingbirds, pileated woodpeckers, and many other beautiful species. Excellent birding opportunities exist throughout the park, but of special note are the numerous nesting chimney swifts high in the cliff walls of the boat ramp road. Flocks of turkey vultures also gather and roost in the hardwoods along the State Dock road every evening near dusk. Wild turkey can be seen in or near the hardwoods and along the scenic trails throughout the park. Wolf Creek Dam National Fish Hatchery, located just 3 miles south the park, has a wonderful great blue heron rookery open for spring tours.
Boating
Lake Cumberland is a paradise for the water sports enthusiast. The marina offers 100 open slips, rental fishing boats, pontoon boats, houseboats, and ski boats. Open April through October. Contact State Dock – www.statedock.com or 1-888-782-8336 (888-STATE DOCK)
Camping
The park’s 129-site campground offers utility hookups, three central service buildings with showers and rest rooms, laundry facilities, two dump stations, and a grocery nearby. Closed Nov 1 - Mar 31.
Disc Golf
Disc golf is played like traditional golf. Instead of using a ball and clubs, players throw a flying disc or frisbee®. The sport which was first played formally in the early 1970’s, shares with “ball golf” the goal of completing a hole in the fewest number of strokes-or throws! Disc golf shares many of the same joys, and challenges as traditional “ball” golf, whether you’re sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. However, there are a number of key differences. First, disc golf at Lake Cumberland does not require a greens fee or a cart rental. With disc golf, you never get stuck with a bad “tee time.” Disc golf can be enjoyed by people of all ages, male and female, and is an inexpensive sport.
Fishing
With 50,250 acres, Lake Cumberland has an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, bluegill, crappie, rockfish, and walleye. The fishing is better than normal after the level reduction to 37,000 acres. Forget your gear? Fishing equipment can be checked out at the Country Store April through November.
Game Room
Located at Lure Lodge, the game room is open to park guests until 11pm. Two pool tables, ping pong, foosball, and a variety of arcade games will keep the family entertained on those rainy days!
Gift Shop
Plan to do some shopping while visiting Lake Cumberland. A large selection of Kentucky crafted products are available, such as pottery, jewelry, candles, jams, candies, coffee and sauces including bourbon flavored varieties. Over 100 book titles about Kentucky and by Kentucky authors cover a wide range of interest. There is something for everyone from bluegrass CD’s to themed clothing, educational toys to decorative items.
Hiking
Enjoy the beauty of the beech, oak and hickory forests and scenic lake overlooks on two park hiking trails. A four-mile loop trail around the Lure Lodge area, and a 1.5-mile trail (one-way, 3 miles total distance including return) with a lake overlook near the park entrance (parking available).
Horseback Riding
The entire family will enjoy guided trail rides that depart every hour.Open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day, 9 AM- 5 PM, CT. $18 person.
Miniature Golf
For a day of just "putting around," the 18-hole miniature golf course is perfect for family fun. Course open April 1st to November 30th. RATES Ages 13 & Older: $4.00 Children 5-12: $3.00 Children 4 & under: Free
Picnicking
The picnic grounds have tables, grills, and playgrounds for family outings. A picnic shelter has tables, grills, water, and electric; and may be reserved for rental up to one year in advance. Fee for shelter rental.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds for the youngsters can be found in the lodge area.
Shuffleboard
Shuffleboard courts adjacent to Lure Lodge. Overnight guests may check out sports equipment.
Swimming
The indoor pool complex at Lure Lodge features a temperature-controlled pool, an atrium, a retractable skylight for warm weather, a game room, and an exercise room with a hot tub. Open year-round. Available to lodge and cottage guests. An outdoor, public pool is open daily Memorial Day weekend through mid-August. Lifeguard-protected. Fee charged.
Tennis
The entire family will enjoy a day of fun and games on the tennis courts adjacent to Lure Lodge. Overnight guests may check out sports equipment.
