Lake Cumberland

lake, Kentucky, United States

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July 18, 2026

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Lake Cumberland is a large, man-made reservoir in southwestern Kentucky, created in 1952 when the Wolf Creek Dam impounded the Cumberland River. It is one of the largest lakes in the eastern United States, covering over 50,000 acres and boasting more than 2,300 miles of shoreline. The lake extends to the base of Cumberland Falls, a site known for its scenic beauty and occasional lunar rainbows.123

The primary purposes of Lake Cumberland are flood control and hydropower generation, managed as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system. The lake is a popular recreation spot, offering opportunities for boating and fishing. It is connected to Lake Barkley, another reservoir on the Cumberland River, via a canal.132

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Kentucky
Drainage of Kentucky
…on the Cumberland has created Lake Cumberland. It is the state’s largest lake, spanning an area of more than 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares). In the southwest the Cumberland has been impounded to form Lake Barkley, which is connected by a canal to Kentucky Lake, which was created by a dam…
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…on the Cumberland has created Lake Cumberland. It is the state’s largest lake, spanning an area of more than 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares). In the southwest the Cumberland has been impounded to form Lake Barkley, which is connected by a canal to Kentucky Lake, which was created by a dam…
Read More