Nolin River Lake, Kentucky

Set in the rolling hills of south-central Kentucky, Nolin River Lake covers just under 6,000 acres—a size that keeps it big enough for adventure but small enough to stay peaceful. Unlike some of the state’s busier lakes, Nolin offers a quieter pace, with calm coves, wooded trails, and plenty of space to fish or paddle without the crowds. Its location near Mammoth Cave National Park also makes it a great base if you want to combine lake time with cave exploring.

Things to Do at Nolin River Lake

Boating and Water Fun

Nolin is built for easygoing days on the water. The mix of quiet coves and open stretches gives boaters lots of options.

Pontoon and Power Boating: Great for cruising with friends or anchoring in a calm spot.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Perfect for exploring tree-lined inlets and shoreline hideaways.
Water Sports: Jet skiing and tubing are popular in the lake’s wider sections.

Moutardier Marina and Wax Marina both offer rentals, fuel, and supplies, so getting on the water is simple even without your own boat.

Fishing

Clear water and steady populations of game fish make Nolin a reliable fishing lake. Anglers regularly catch:

Largemouth and smallmouth bass
Crappie
Bluegill and sunfish
Walleye
Channel and flathead catfish

With less boat traffic than larger lakes, it’s easy to find a quiet stretch of shoreline or settle in for night fishing.

Hikes and Exploring

The surrounding hills and forest create a scenic backdrop for trails and short hikes. A few highlights include:

Brier Creek Trail System: A favorite for both hiking and mountain biking, with varied terrain and lake views.
Nolin Lake State Park Trails: Easy and family-friendly, perfect for a short stroll.
Mammoth Cave National Park: Just a short drive away, offering miles of trails, sinkholes, and cave-side paths.

Camping and Lodging

Whether you want a tent site, an RV hookup, or a cabin with a roof and a bed, Nolin has you covered.

Nolin Lake State Park Campground: Tent and RV sites with fire rings, picnic areas, and clean facilities.
Cabins and Rentals: Lakeside options offer more comfort and are ideal for families or groups.
Nearby Towns: Brownsville, Leitchfield, and Cave City have hotels and inns close to both the lake and Mammoth Cave.

Wildlife and Photography

Deer, wild turkeys, herons, and even bald eagles are regular sights around Nolin. Sunrise and sunset bring out some of the best views for photographers, with calm water reflecting the surrounding hills and forests.

Plan Your Trip

Location: Edmonson, Grayson, and Hart Counties, Kentucky
Coordinates: 37.3259° N, 86.2286° W
Admission: Free to access; marinas, campgrounds, or parks may have small fees

The Bottom Line

Nolin River Lake doesn’t try to impress with crowds or noise—it wins people over with its quiet charm. It’s a place where you can paddle into a hidden cove, reel in a bass, hike through the woods, and end the day around a fire. If you’re looking for a relaxed Kentucky lake trip with room to breathe, Nolin delivers.