How Deep Is Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland?

The depth of Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland depends on exactly what part of the lake you’re at. If you imagine a lake like an upside-down mountain, you can see why the depth would differ depending on your exact location.

The average depth of Lake Cumberland is around 90 feet. However, it reaches around 197 feet near the Wolf Creek Dam, where the water is the deepest. The water fluctuates a lot, though. It’s important to realize that these aren’t exact numbers.

Rainfall, evaporation, and dam operations affect the lake’s depth the most. The depth will be much lower during droughts, as you might imagine.

Where is Lake Cumberland on a Map?

Lake Cumberland is in southern Kentucky, traveling across five different counties: Pulaski, Wayne, Russell, McCreary, and Clinton. The lake is incredibly large, spanning over 1,200 miles of shoreline. It covers around 50,000 acres, which fluctuates depending on the water depth.

How Did Lake Cumberland Form?

Lake Cumberland isn’t a natural lake. Instead, it is a reservoir created by humans. The major player in creating it was the Wolf Creek Dam, which was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was finished in 1952. This huge dam stretches 266 feet tall and over 2,300 feet across the Cumberland River.

The creation of this lake flooded the area behind it. Several towns were relocated to higher ground as the water rose and submerged their original locations. Many farmlands and forests were also covered by the lake.

The main reason the dam was built was for flood control. It helps regulate the flow of the Cumberland River, mitigating the risk of flooding downstream. It also provides hydroelectric power, contributing to the region’s electricity needs.

Of course, many people use the dam today because of its recreational value.

What is Lake Cumberland Known for?

Lake Cumberland is known for many things that draw in visitors. For instance, it’s often called the houseboat capital of the world, as it has one of the largest fleets of rental houseboats.

Many people also love fishing in Lake Cumberland. It’s known for its diverse and abundant fish populations. The lake is particularly known for its very large striped bass population, though it also has crappie, trout, and other bass species.

There are also many other ways to enjoy the lake. For instance, the lake also has many boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding activities. There are over 1,200 miles of shoreline to enjoy even if you don’t get on the water.

The lake’s vastness is also surrounded by scenic views. For instance, you can see rolling hills and wooded coves. You should make a point to see the lake’s stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Animals Around Lake Cumberland

There are tons of different animals around the lake, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, and even beaver. Gray foxes inhabit the wooded areas near the lake, but they tend to keep to themselves for the most part.

Occasionally, you can see tons of different birds, including bald eagles. Great blue herons and osprey are common at the lake, so watch for them.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © TcHampel/Shutterstock.com