Rough River Dam State Park - Falls of Rough, Kentucky

During my time in Kentucky, I was able to visit many of the state’s parks. A regret I have is not visiting all of the state parks in the state. I lived just south of Lexington, which was ideally suited to travel, but it Kentucky is a long state, making it hard to visit “all the places.” The Kentucky State Parks system is much like where I live now, setting aside some incredible places to visit and explore. One of those places was Rough River Dam State Park. Here are a couple of my favorite photos from my time at the park.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park is located in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. The park is near the city of Falls of Rough, a small unincorporated community that serves as a gateway to the park, offering access to amenities and services for visitors. Other nearby towns include Hardinsburg, which is the county seat of Breckinridge County, and Leitchfield, which is located east of the park.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park owes its existence to a combination of factors, including the need for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities in the region. The establishment of the park can be attributed to the construction of Rough River Dam. The dam itself was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) for flood control and the generation of hydroelectric power. Construction on the dam began in the mid-1950s and was completed in 1959. The impoundment created Rough River Lake, a body of water covering approximately 5,100 acres.

As part of the broader development of water resources and recreation areas, state parks and resort facilities were established around many dam projects. In the case of Rough River Dam, the surrounding area was deemed suitable for a state park, given its scenic beauty and the recreational potential offered by the newly created lake. The park was established to provide a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and golfing, making it an attractive destination for both locals and visitors.

The establishment of Rough River Dam State Resort Park thus represents a combination of efforts between federal agencies, state authorities, and local communities to leverage the natural resources of the area for flood control, energy generation, and outdoor recreation.

Address: 450 Ic-1003, Falls of Rough, KY 40119

Coordinates: 37.61129091549469, -86.50224450796291

Rough River Dam State Park is a cool spot to enjoy a diverse array of outdoor recreation. You can dive into adventure on the 5,100-acre lake, whether you're casting a line or chasing the thrill of water sports. Or… you can tee off against the stunning backdrop of the park's 18-hole golf course, a serene experience surrounded by nature's beauty. Or… you can lace up your hiking boots to explore trails that unveil the region's diverse flora and fauna. Or… you can camp under the stars, opting for RV sites or tent spots for an immersive experience. Or… you can indulge in comfort at the lodge or cottages, balancing modern amenities with nature's embrace. Or… you can spend some time with loved ones with a picnic in picturesque spots, making memories against the backdrop of this natural haven.

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