When most people think of Kentucky, they think of things like horse racing and the best bourbon in the United States - not diving. The fact is though, the state has a lot to offer, including some outstanding quarries and several fantastic lakes. Offering something for everyone, plus a long diving season, thanks to the temperate climate, these lakes make a great place for a diving vacation close to home.
Laurel River Lake
Covering 5,600 acres, and featuring beautiful cliffs and peaceful coves, Laurel River Lake is a popular destination for all sorts of water sports enthusiasts. Offering a number of outdoor activities to choose from, including fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, water skiing, and horseback riding, to name just a few, this is a fantastic place for the whole family to spend precious free time.
One of Kentucky's deepest lakes, with maximum depth at 280 feet near the dam, and also one of the cleanest lakes in the state, Laurel River Lake offers good visibility at 10-30 feet most of the time, plus there are many intriguing rock formations that tell the story of the area's geology. The lake is home to a number of freshwater aquatic species, including both largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, catfish, and walleye; along with turtles, frogs, salamanders, crayfish, and other critters.
There are a number of amenities here, including picnic areas and barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, and group shelters; you'll find no shortage of activities to keep you busy between dives. The lake is open all year, and is located about 20 miles from London, Kentucky.
Lake Cumberland
Located in the south central portion of the state a short distance from Somerset, Lake Cumberland was formed when the Wolf Creek Dam was completed in 1950. Built to provide hydroelectric power and flood control, the lake now offers lots of opportunities for recreation, and under the surface, divers can visit what remains of a number of small towns. The lake is huge at 1010 miles long, and has 1,255 miles of shoreline. You can get air fills at Beaver Creek Marina on the lake's south side.
The average depth in the lake is 90 feet, and visibility is good, from 10-30 feet most of the time. Surface temperatures can be as warm as the mid-80's in the summer, but drop to the 40's during the winter months. You'll find plenty of fish waiting to greet you when you dive here; there are striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, Kentucky bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, walleye, and more. There are numerous amenities available all around the lake; the largest area is Lake Cumberland State Park on the northwest side; there, you'll find lodging and dining, plus fun activities for the whole family.
Lake Cumberland is usually open for diving from April through October, however the park's headquarters can provide annual dates.
Dale Hollow Lake
Well known for its clear waters, Dale Hollow Lake is located on the Tennessee-Kentucky border near Glasgow, and was formed when the dam was built in 1943. Here, you'll find the remains of the old Willow Grove Schoolhouse, plus Diver's Rock at the outlet of Sulphur Creek. In addition, there is a fantastic springhouse to explore near the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park. This lake has 620 miles of shoreline and covers 27,700 acres of lake surface. It offers maximum depth at 130 feet, and visibility at 25-30 feet most of the time.
Onsite amenities include cabins and lodges, campgrounds, nature trails, and more. Dale Hollow Lake is open for diving all year.
With plenty to keep you occupied for weeks, months, or even longer, Kentucky's lakes are a great place to dive. Whether you visit just once or return time and again, you're certain to enjoy outstanding underwater vistas you won't soon forget.