This Kentucky State Park Is An Underrated Gem Of Mesmerizing Lake Hikes

Home to a diverse landscape brimming with nature and wildlife — from the rolling hills of Bluegrass Country to the rugged mountains of Appalachia — Kentucky is a sight to see. Boasting an impressive network of state parks (a total of 52, to be exact), the state is well-known with hikers and adventurers for its beauty, rich history, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Although most visitors typically flock to popular destinations like Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest cave system, or the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which boasts some of the best distilleries in the country, there's a handful of hidden gems that offer the same quality experiences with less crowds.

One of these is Paintsville Lake State Park. Located in Johnson County, the park comprises a whopping 1,140 acres; however, the star of the show is the pristine lake, which is surrounded by steep wooded cliffs and secluded coves dotted along its shoreline. Located roughly two hours outside Louisville, Paintsville Lake State Park offers visitors the perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation — without the crowds that typically overwhelm some of the state's more well-known destinations.

In terms of things to do, Paintsville Lake State Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round with activities that range from hiking and camping to boating and fishing. Meanwhile, water enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, fishing, or boating — with equipment rentals available at the full-service marina.

No matter your preference, Paintsville Lake State Park offers visitors a perfect blend of activities to satisfy outdoor enthusiasts. For starters, the park features three hiking trails. The most popular option is the 1.6-mile Kiwanis Trail, which boasts panoramic views of the lake and its surrounding cliffs; all while remaining relatively accessible for hikers (and their leashed pets) of all experience levels. Better yet, the trail also takes you through a variety of wooded areas and along parts of the shoreline, making it the ideal opportunity for nature photography and wildlife spotting.

Outside park boundaries, adventure seekers can also explore the impressive Dawkins Line Rail Trail — a converted railroad corridor that stretches 35.3 miles from Johnson County through Magoffin County. This multi-use trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders looking to experience the Appalachian countryside at their own pace. Plus, the trail passes through several small communities, rural landscapes, and even features a nearly 700-foot tunnel — all of which makes it well worth breaking a sweat to get out there and see for yourself.

Away from land, water activities are at the heart of the Paintsville Lake State Park experience. The park offers kayak rentals starting at $12.50 for two hours, which allows visitors to paddle along the shoreline and take in the steep cliffs from a different angle. Meanwhile, fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching bass, crappie, and other species from the shore. Plus, with a boardwalk and kayak launch designed especially for children, the park ensures that the lake is accessible to anglers of all ages and abilities. Lastly, for the more adventurous, the marina also rents pontoon boats perfect for even more exploring opportunities.

Outside hiking and fishing, travelers will be happy to hear that Paintsville Lake State Park offers a variety of comfortable accommodation options to suit various needs. On one hand, the park's campground features 32 full-service RV sites equipped with electricity, water, and sewer hookups that'll help you set up the perfect RV campground. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more rustic experience, 10 primitive walk-in sites are also available for tent campers. As a general rule, all overnight visitors have access to restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities within the campground area.

The park also offers amenities designed to help enhance your stay, including waterfront picnic shelters that guests can reserve for anywhere between $85 to $112 depending on size and location. For evening gatherings, lakeside firepits are also available to book for $25. Pair them with a batch of s'mores and stories under the stars, and you'll have the perfect way to wrap up your day.

The park's full-service marina operates seven days a week, with extended hours from March through November (7AM to 7PM) and shorter winter hours (8:30AM to 4:30PM). Finally, recreational facilities near the campground include everything from basketball courts to horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and a sand volleyball court, meaning there will always be something to keep you busy.