Entry 4: Kincaid Lake State Park - Falmouth, Kentucky

This January, I had the chance to visit Kincaid Lake State Park, and it turned out to be a quiet, unexpected gem in the coldest of seasons. The lake was mostly frozen over, and the snow-covered hills gave the whole park a stillness that felt almost sacred. Few people probably get to see the park like this—blanketed in snow, hushed, and glistening.

One of the coolest moments? I skipped a piece of ice across the frozen lake—something I’d never done before. The sound it made as it glided across the surface was like a low echo bouncing across a natural amphitheater. A small, unexpected memory I won’t forget.

The wildlife was active too. I spotted turkeys moving through the woods and a few deer foraging in the open snow-covered fields, searching for anything edible beneath the crust. It was a simple reminder that life keeps going, even when everything feels frozen in place.

Quiet Beauty and Warm Hospitality

Beyond the views and the wildlife, one thing stood out during my visit: the park staff. Incredibly welcoming and happy to answer questions, they made the experience feel more like visiting a neighbor’s home than just stopping by a public park. That kind of hospitality really sticks with you.

While Kincaid Lake is best known for warm-weather activities like boating, fishing, and swimming, winter reveals a different kind of beauty—a quiet place where you can reflect, breathe, and take in the subtler sights of the season.

Public Lands in Winter: Preserving More Than Just Scenery

Kincaid Lake might not be the first place people think of when planning a winter getaway, but that’s what makes it special. Public lands like this aren’t just for sunny weekends or peak season crowds—they’re preserved for every day of the year, including the cold ones. They give us access to nature’s full cycle—growth, stillness, resilience.

When you visit a state park in the off-season, you gain a new appreciation for the year-round value of preservation. These spaces are more than just places to hike or fish—they’re spaces that hold memories, offer solitude, and reflect back whatever season of life you’re in. Sometimes, the best visits happen when you least expect them.

If you’re ever near Falmouth, Kentucky, I highly recommend stopping in. You might find a frozen lake, wandering turkeys, a warm welcome—or something else entirely that leaves you grateful you took the detour.

GPS: 38°43′12″N 84°16′50″W

Mailing Address:

Kincaid Lake State Park
565 Kincaid Park Rd.
Falmouth, KY 41040

Phone: 859-654-3531

More Information:

http://parks.ky.gov/parks/recreationparks/Kincaid-Lake/default.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kincaid_Lake_State_Park