Lake Cumberland in October is Sensational!

Written by: Ray Peabody

Autumn at Lake Cumberland—what a wonderful time of year to be outside, enjoying the near perfect weather of cool mornings, warm days, and a little chill in the air at night. Here’s a few ways to fill up your senses and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Cumberland.

Go leaf peeping. Give yourself the treat of Lake Cumberland at her most colorful—the reds, yellows, oranges of the fall foliage. According to the 2022 Fall Foliage Map, color change is expected to begin around October 10, peak toward the end of the month and the beginning of November. Dates are estimates, actual dates dependent on Mother Nature!

Pick a Pumpkin. French Valley Farms near Jamestown KY, is a great family Fall activity and the best place to buy pumpkins, gourds, mums, and all sorts of colorful fall decorations.

Take a hike. One of the best ways to enjoy the fall color is to be in the fall color. Jamestown KY, near Lake Cumberland, is recognized as an Official Kentucky Trail Town, and walking and hiking trails nearby won’t disappoint.

Find some Fall color and inhale the earthy smell of fallen leaves and the fresh air at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. This highly rated state park on the banks of Lake Cumberland has hiking trails for varied skill levels. Baugh Branch Trail is a 1.6-mile linear trail with level terrain and easy grade. Lake Bluff Trail is a 4.0-mile linear trek with a moderate skill level. Outside the park, trails around the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery provide a glimpse of nature ecosystems and natural habitat winding around the creeks surrounding the hatchery.

Go Fishing. If you’re interested in fly-fishing, professional fly fisherman Mark Lamberth is offering FREE fly-fishing clinics at Wolf Creek National Hatchery the second Saturday of each month. Lake Cumberland is known for some of the best fishing in Kentucky, and professional fishing guides are ready to show you some of the best spots for your big catch!

Make some S’mores.  Pitch your tent or bring your RV. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park campground is open year-round and has 75 campsites, with nearby showers and restrooms. Outside the park, but in the area surrounding Lake Cumberland, you’ll find a selection of camping and RV sites for whatever your camping style might be.

Relax at Lure Lodge. The 63-room Lure Lodge overlooking beautiful Lake Cumberland offers full amenities including wireless internet access in the lodge and in all cottages. The pool complex offers year-round fun. Enjoy the fall flavors at Rowena Landing restaurant at Lure Lodge.

Get cozy in a cabin. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park has 29 pet friendly cottages for rent, surrounded by the natural beauty of the lake, hiking trails and outdoor activities. There is also a good selection of cabins and vacation homes outside the park in the Lake Cumberland area.

Treat your family to Halloween Fun. Have spooktacular Halloween fun at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Festivities include costume contests for all ages, camper decorating contests, pumpkin carving contests, movie night at the Lure Lodge and a full schedule of fun crafts and activities. Halloween Weekend October 28-31.

Start planning your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Holidays.  Now is the time to reserve a spot for your family gathering or romantic retreat at Lake Cumberland. There are plenty of options for cozy cabin rentals and vacation homes or the luxury of lovely Lure Lodge.

Happy Fall Y’all!