Cumberland County: River Trails, Nature and Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park brings together multi-use trails, seasonal cave tours, a golf course and a boat ramp. The Cumberland River also shapes the opportunities for outdoor activities: you can include river trails, fishing opportunities and water-related events in your travel plans. The upper reaches of Dale Hollow Lake extend into Cumberland County; the lake spans the state line between Kentucky and Tennessee.

At Dale Hollow Lake: Trails, Cave and Golf

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park has more than 12 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, unless otherwise indicated by signage. Because the availability of individual trails may depend on posted notices, it is worth checking the current signage. The Eagle Point Trail is the park’s main birdwatching trail, providing a specific destination for anyone who wants to focus their time outdoors on birds.

Another seasonal experience is the guided wild-cave tours at Cindy Cave. Scheduled tours run from Memorial Day through Labor Day; check the tour schedule before your trip. The park’s golf course is an 18-hole, par-72 course. Its facilities include five sets of tees, practice greens, a practice bunker and a driving range. Course conditions and facilities may change.

For launching boats, the park has a gradually sloped concrete ramp and two parking areas for boat trailers. Conditions may affect ramp access and parking. The boat ramp and the park’s trails offer different ways to spend time at the lake; which one suits your stay depends on whether you would rather be on the water or on land.

River Trails, Fishing and History

The Cumberland River Trail is 76 miles long in total, with a 30-mile section passing through Cumberland County. One access point is next to Veterans Memorial Park. Trail markers point out the route and historically significant sites, including former landing sites of the steamboat Cumberland River Queen. This combines route guidance with a glimpse into the area’s river history.

Another option is the 6.5-mile Burkesville and Alpine Hill Trail. It is designed for walking, running and cycling, and connects the central business district with the Cumberland River Trail. The route lengths show two different scales: the trail between the business district and the river route, and the longer section of the Cumberland River Trail that runs through the county.

The Cumberland River also offers a distinctive seasonal profile for fishing: even during hot summer months, cold-water fishing is possible there. The river is home to trophy-size brown trout and numerous rainbow trout. Catch conditions and regulations may change; before fishing, check the applicable rules and local conditions.

If you would rather plan a longer motorcycle route, the Explore Cumberland County Trail offers a 105-mile route through the county. It passes along the Cumberland River and Dale Hollow Lake and runs over Alpine Hill. The route offers a different view of the landscapes found in the county than the shorter trails for walking, running or cycling.

Woodland and Time Outdoors

Marrowbone State Forest and Wildlife Management Area covers 1,983 acres in Metcalfe and Cumberland counties and is located on Highway 90. The area is open from sunrise to sunset for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching and photography. Hunting is also permitted there in accordance with statewide regulations. This information can help with planning if you want to include a natural area with clearly specified recreational opportunities in your stay.

Events and Local Character

The events calendar includes dates in various months. The Cumberland County Fair and Horse Show is held every July in Burkesville’s city park. The program includes a horse show, 4-H exhibits, rides and a demolition derby, among other things. The annual Fourth of July celebration takes place at Veterans Memorial Park and includes a canoe and kayak race on the Cumberland River. The Southern Kentucky Classic Softball Tournament has been held every year in Burkesville since 1965, usually during the week or weekend near American Independence Day.

More recurring events take place in late summer and fall: River Festivus is held annually on the third weekend of August. Its program includes races in kayaks, canoes or paddleboards during the Mighty Cumberland River Run, as well as the Festivus Float. The Cumberland River Bluegrass Festival, which begins on the third Thursday in September, features free bluegrass music, arts and crafts, food, a 5K run and a river duck race. The festival reflects Kentucky’s musical traditions and the identity of the river community. During River Festivus, the annual Cumberland Queen Riverboat Revue at Veterans Memorial Park also celebrates Burkesville’s river heritage. Dates and programs may change; check current event details before traveling.

The local character also includes less date-dependent themes: Up the Creek Winery grows Kentucky Proud grapes and berries in Possum Hollow in central Cumberland County. A public art scene is also developing in the county, with new installations and projects; individual works may change. Along with the river routes, natural areas and seasonal events, these offer different ways to shape your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Burkesville, Marshall, Logan, Barren County, Owen County, Hopkins County, Knox County, Madison County.

For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.