Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake is a reservoir in western Kentucky created by damming the Tennessee River, stretching more than 160 miles (257 kilometers) along the western edge of the state. The water forms a long, winding body with many coves and wooded shorelines surrounded by rolling hills and flat plains.

The Tennessee Valley Authority built Kentucky Dam between 1938 and 1944 to control flooding and generate electricity for the region. The dam blocked the Tennessee River and created one of the first major hydroelectric projects in the southeastern United States.

The name honors the state, though the water actually flows through both Kentucky and Tennessee, connecting communities on either shore. Locals often refer to the area simply as

Several state parks along the shore offer boat ramps, campgrounds, and fishing spots accessible by highway. The best time to visit is spring or fall, when the weather is mild and fewer visitors are around.

The reservoir holds more floodwater than any other dam in the Tennessee Valley Authority system, playing a central role in regional flood protection. In some places, the water reaches depths of more than 70 feet (21 meters), providing habitat for numerous fish species.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: January 1, 1944

Part of: Tennessee River

GPS coordinates: 37.01256,-88.27003

Latest update: December 12, 2025 04:45