Day Use Areas
Kendall Tailwater, Halcomb’s Landing, Fall Creek, Fishing Creek, Waitsboro, Cumberland Point:
Lake Access and Boat Launching:
Available year-round
Restrooms: Open & close in alignment with associated campground operation dates.
Use Fees: Collection occurs in alignment with associated campground operation dates.
Lakeview
Lake Access and Boat Launching:
Available Memorial Day to Labor Day (contingent on reservoir elevation).
Launch Fees: None at this location
Wolf Creek Dam Overlook
Opens April 3, 2025
Closes Nov. 3, 2025
Mill Springs Mill Recreation Area 606-348-8189
Grounds, Restroom, and Courtesy Dock
Opens May 16, 2025
Closes Oct. 13, 2025
Mill Tours and Corn Grinding Demonstrations (Interpretive Contractor)
Contractor Active: May 16, 2025 – Sept. 16, 2025.
Grinding Scheduled: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays at 2 p.m. EDT from Memorial Day Weekend through Sept. 16, 2025.
Special Grinding Schedule: During the Mill Springs Mill Cornbread Festival (Dates TBD)
Laurel River Lake Picnic Area
Opens May 1, 2025
Closes Sept. 30, 2025
Boating
Lake Cumberland provides boaters with a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy their respective recreational interests. Our 1,255 miles of shoreline and 65,530 surface acres of water at maximum pool provides boaters with a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy their respective recreational interests. One of 10 commercial marinas situated at various locations on the lake, or one of the many Corps of Engineers Access areas, provide easy access and supplies for boaters. As the number of boaters visiting Lake Cumberland have increased in recent years, the Corps of Engineers encourages visitors to wear life jackets, pay close attention at all times, abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages, and become familiar with the rules of the water and basic boating regulations. You may contact the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources concerning boating regulations and boating safety information.
Fishing & Hunting
Fishing is a popular recreational activity on Lake Cumberland. Kentucky state fishing licenses are required for most individuals prior to fishing on Corps of Engineers waters. Licenses may be purchased at County Clerk's offices, marinas and many other commercial establishments in the area. For up-to-date fishing information, lake elevations, and generation schedules visit the Lake Cumberland Facebook page. Lake Cumberland's fishing report which is updated Monday through Friday can be heard by calling (606) 678-8697.
Hunting and trapping are permitted except in areas prohibited by the District Engineer. These prohibited areas include developed recreation areas such as day use areas and campgrounds, lease areas, marinas, etc. All Federal, State, and local laws governing these activities apply on Lake Cumberland and the surrounding public land. The Kentucky Department of Wildlife Resources administers the wildlife management program and has cooperative agreements with area farmers who perform management practices to benefit wildlife. The fields are interspersed among undeveloped woodlands and make for excellent hunting.
To see a public map for fish attractors available from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Service, Click Here.
Scuba & Swimming
Scuba diving is allowed at Lake Cumberland. Divers must display a "Diver Down" flag in the area where they are diving. Boaters should be alert to the "Diver Down" flag and keep a safe distance away.
Lake Cumberland is home to over 1,200 miles of shoreline and swimming is allowed along majority of the shore. Swimming is not allowed on courtesy docks and boat ramps. Swimming is prohibited at launching ramps, mooring points, marinas, public docks, and posted areas.
Trails
Black Walnut Trail is a quarter mile, one way, trail boasting many interpretive signs to assist with a self guided tour. The trailhead is located located at the Lake Cumberland Natural Resource Management Office at 855 Boat Dock Road Somerset, Ky. A map of Black Walnut Trail can be found here!
Kendall Whispering Pines Trail is a half mile, one way, trail takes you through a forest of pines which is home for much of the area's wildlife. The trailhead is located in the Kendall Campground at 80 Kendall Road Jamestown, Ky. A map of the Whispering Pines Trail can be found here!
Contact
855 Boat Dock Road Somerset, KY 42501
606-679-6337
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM -4:30 PM
lakecumberland@usace.army.mil