Barren River Lake State Resort Park is a park located in
Barren County, Kentucky
Barren County is a county located in the south-central portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,485. Its county seat is Glasgow. The county was founded on December 20, 1798, from parts of Warren and ...
and extending into parts of
Allen County and
Monroe County Monroe County may refer to seventeen counties in the United States, all named for James Monroe:
* Monroe County, Alabama
*Monroe County, Arkansas
* Monroe County, Florida
* Monroe County, Georgia
*Monroe County, Illinois
*Monroe County, Indian ...
.
Barren River Lake
Barren River Lake is a , reservoir in Kentucky created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1964 by impounding the Barren River. The lake occupies parts of Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties.
The Barren River Lake Dam is an earthen dam, 146 fe ...
, its major feature, is an
artificial lake
A reservoir (; from French ''réservoir'' ) is an enlarged lake behind a dam. Such a dam may be either artificial, built to store fresh water or it may be a natural formation.
Reservoirs can be created in a number of ways, including contro ...
created with the building of a dam by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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, anniversaries = 16 June (Organization Day)
, battles =
, battles_label = Wars
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, commander1 = ...
begun in 1960. It covers approximately and has of shoreline.
The park was dedicated in 1965.
Attractions
Fishing is a major attraction at this park. The largest
hybrid striped bass
A hybrid striped bass, also known as a wiper or whiterock bass, is a hybrid between the striped bass (''Morone saxatilis'') and the white bass (''M. chrysops''). It can be distinguished from the striped bass by broken rather than solid horizonta ...
ever taken in Kentucky (20 lb., 8 oz.) was caught in Barren River Lake in 1991. The lake contains several other species of fish, including
crappie
Crappies () are two species of North American freshwater fish of the genus ''Pomoxis'' in the family Centrarchidae (sunfishes). Both species of crappies are popular game fish among recreational anglers.
Etymology
The genus name ''Pomoxis'' ...
,
smallmouth bass,
white bass
The white bass, silver bass, or sand bass (''Morone chrysops'') is a freshwater fish of the temperate bass family Moronidae. commonly around 12-15 inches long. The species' main color is silver-white to pale green. Its back is dark, with white s ...
, and big channel
catfish
Catfish (or catfishes; order Siluriformes or Nematognathi) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the three largest species alive, ...
.
The lake also includes 4 marinas to support boating and water skiing. Numerous trails provide hiking and biking opportunities. The most popular hiking trail is the Lewis Hill Trail
[ which is also known as the Connell Nature Trail.]
Events
The Trashmasters cleanup day is a popular volunteer event that helps keep the park clean. Also, each June, the park plays host to Glasgow
Glasgow ( ; sco, Glesca or ; gd, Glaschu ) is the most populous city in Scotland and the fourth-most populous city in the United Kingdom, as well as being the 27th largest city by population in Europe. In 2020, it had an estimated popul ...
's Highland Games, a miniature version of the Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow ( ; sco, Glesca or ; gd, Glaschu ) is the most populous city in Scotland and the fourth-most populous city in the United Kingdom, as well as being the 27th largest city by population in Europe. In 2020, it had an estimated popul ...
tradition.
References
External links
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Kentucky Department of Parks
Glasgow (Kentucky) Highland Games
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Protected areas of Allen County, Kentucky
Protected areas of Barren County, Kentucky
State parks of Kentucky
Protected areas of Monroe County, Kentucky
Protected areas established in 1965
1965 establishments in Kentucky
Lake State Resort Park