I'm hoping to take a long weekend (Thurs - Mon including travel days) in early July and was interested in exploring some of the Kentucky State Parks which look lovely from my early investigations. The only problem is there are so many and I'm not sure how to distinguish among them. I'm looking for a place with a nice lodge, it doesn't need to be fancy. Slightly smaller is probably better than a big conference/resort setting.

I don't need a lot of amenities such as golf, tennis or planned activities, but I'd love a place with great scenery (a lake view would be a real plus) and some moderate hiking trails. Pine Mountain and Jenny Wiley are two that stand out, but does anyone have any recommendations for a place for a quiet get-away, that's less rustic than camping?

I'm not sure this is what you are looking for, but we love the Red River Gorge/Natural Bridge area. We have stayed in the lodge there. There are also quite a few cabins in the area. The scenery is beautiful, but it is mostly a hiking area -- no lake. We also stayed at Cumberland Falls lodge (not to be confused with Lake Cumberland). There are hiking trails around there also. We like the Kentucky state park lodges we have stayed in and they sound like what you are looking for, so I don't think you would go wrong with one of the lodges wherever you decide to go.

There is a very nice lodge at Lake Cumberland, and the level of water has not dropped significantly while they are working on repairing the dam in spite of what you might hear. If you are looking for a rural setting just to relax, Rough River lodge and cabins are on a lake. It is about 80 miles from Louisville.

I agree that Natural Bridge and Cumberland Falls are very scenic.

I think Jenny Wiley is very nice and they have an outstanding summer theatre program, as well. You could hike during the day and take in a play in the evening.

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like my impressions from my initial research are right and there are a lot of nice options.

I agree with maj in that Red River Gorge/Natural Bridge area is very scenic but if a lake is a must then you should consider somewhere else. I have not been dissappointed in any of the places metioned already (excluding Jenny Wiley because I haven't been there so I cannot say). Being a native I may be partial but it really is a beautiful state and any place you go will offer you great views and beautiful landscapes.

On another note, I was researching My Old Kentucky Dinner Train operated in Bardstown, KY. It looks like something you may want to add to your itinerary just for the views alone but I'm not sure what the closest body of water is though.

It sounds like you would really enjoy the Land between the Lake area but I'm not sure if there is any type of 'Lodge' there...hmm. ?

Hi, Travelkitty----LBL (Land between the Lakes) has Kenlake Lodge (on Kentucky Lake) and also Lake Barkley. Kenlake is older than Barkley, maybe a little more tired in its decor and furnishings. Both offer gorgeous lake views, a restaurant, water activities and woods for traipsing around. Barkley would be a good choice, IMO, if you decide to head further west than the parks mentioned earlier.

KY Dam Village, in same general area, tends to be more crowded and busy, with its outlet shopping, water park, etc.

Honestly, I don't think you can wrong with any park in the KY system. Each has its own flavor and charm; almost all offer choice of lodge, cottage or cabin. IME, the listings and descriptions on parks.ky.gov are very helpful.

Enjoy your Kentucky weekend !

I would second Rough River if you want something really laid back with a great water view. However, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the Kentucky State Parks. all are in lovely areas with great outdoor views.