See & Do
a Local Guide for Fun at Our Big South Fork Cabin
onLake Cumberland Cabin
Lake Cumberland Marinas
Lake Cumberland is 63,000 acres of surface area and 101 miles long with 1,255 miles of shoreline. There are several Lake Cumberland marinas very nearby that you can boat to from the cabin's private dock, or drive to easily. Here's a rundown of marinas and their proximity to our Lake Cumberland cabin.
Burnside Marina
Burnside Marina is the closest marina to our cabin. It's 6.4 miles and about a 13 minute drive by car, or 20 minute ride by boat. Burnside is a full-service marina that offers both open and covered wet slips, transient slips, and small boat rentals through Safe Harbor Rentals. There's a cafe and a store. It is right next to General Burnside Island State Park in Burnside, Kentucky.
Burnside Island Boat Ramp
Burnside Island Boat Ramp is 6.9 miles and about 14 minutes from Jr.'s Place, our cabin. General Burnside Island State Park is the only island in the Kentucky State Park system. This boat launch is a paved, multi-lane launch ramp for boaters and fishermen. It's designed to handle watercraft of all sizes and there are no fees!
Lee's Ford Marina
Lee's Ford Marina is 15.8 miles and about a 25 minute drive. Rent boats or jet skis here. Have your own boat and experiencing issues? They offer boat repair. The renowned Sorrento's Restaurant is at Lee's Ford Marina, featuring their famous grouper fingers. It's upscale, dockside dining that overlooks the marina. Dockside delivery is also available!
Conley Bottom Marina
Conley Bottom Marina is 22.9 miles and about a 33 minute drive from the cabin. Conley Bottom Boat Rentals offers small gear rentals and overnight camping just a few feet from the water's edge. Helicopter tours show you Lake Cumberland from above. The Boathouse restaurant offers something delicious for everyone, from American to Italian and Mexican menu options, with a 360-degree view of the lake as you dine.
More Marinas
There are several other marinas you can visit by boat or car. Beaver Creek is 33.7 and about 45 minutes, Jamestown Marina is 49.5 Miles and about 59 minutes, State Dock is 57.7 miles and about 75 minutes, Grider Hill is 50.8 miles and about 65 minutes. Headed out to Lake Cumberland Thunder Run or Lake Cumberland Poker Run? State Dock is 57.7 miles and about 75 minutes from the cabin. Check out the Lake Cumberland Marinas map or go to BoatUSA.com for a great overview and helpful marina map.
Outdoor Fun Around Lake Cumberland
There are so many outdoor adventures to enjoy around Lake Cumberland, from hiking to water falls to fish and golf. Here are a few ideas for you and your family to consider.
Fishing
Don't forget your tackle box. Fish right off our private dock or try some of the fantastic fishing destinations all around. The Wolf Creek Dam area is one of the top fly fishing spots in the United States. Ready to hook first place? Take your pick of over 25 fishing tournaments in the area.
Hiking & Falls
All kinds of hiking and beautiful waterfalls are nearby our Lake Cumberland Cabin. General Burnside State Park (6.9 miles), Beaver Creek Wilderness (15.5 miles), Panoramic Trail (17.8 miles), Eagle Scout Trailhead (19.5 miles), Meadow Creek Falls (19.7 miles), Princess Falls Trailhead (23.9 miles), Cumberland Falls (26.8 miles), and Big South Fork John Muir Trail (55 mi) are the ones we most recommend. Follow the waterfall trail with this guide or hop in the saddle and explore the Big South Fork Horse trail map. Plan your hike with these Big South Fork Hiking trail maps. Did you know that Burnside is the birthplace of the Boys Scouts?
Cars
& Trains
Burnside is home to the Lake Cumberland Speedway. which is only 5.6 miles away. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is close. In nearby Somerset, there are car shows throughout the year with the largest being the Somernites Cruise. And our large barn makes it easy to store your car if you have one to show!
Golf
Voted the best place to play golf in Kentucky, General Burnside Island Golf course is an 18-hole regulation course and a must see for both pros and casual players. Brian Ault, the designer of two courses recognized by Golf Digest, brought this waterfront course to life with Zoysia fairways, large boulders and bent grass trees. For questions or information on General Burnside Island Golf rates, reach out to the General Burnside Island Golf pro shop at 606-561-4104.
Special Attractions & Events Near Us
While a day on the lake is what attracts many to this area, there’s so much more to do in every season of the year. Whether you are a classic car connoisseur, want to ride the rails back in time or discover a Christmas Island wonderland adorned in lights, there is something for everything here.
Somernites
Cruise
Somernites Cruise in Somerset, KY, is an easy 25 minute drive from the cabin and a must-see for car enthusiasts. The largest monthly car show in the United States is a great place to connect with other classic car owners, grab a bite to eat at a local food truck or bring the family along for a day of face paint and bounce houses.
Burnside Island
Burnside Island is a one stop shop for all things great outdoors. Grab your clubs and tee off at the General Burnside Island Golf course, a green steeped in history and voted the best place to golf in Kentucky. Or get your boat in the water with a beautiful backdrop at the Burnside Island boat ramp. So swing by and grab a club, some hiking boots or a fishing rod and you're bound to have a good time on Burnside Island.
Burnside Island Christmas Lights
When the green leaves have turned and the sound of jingle bells can be heard, Burnside Island transforms into Christmas Island, a magical winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and the smell of hot cocoa. Stay warm in your car and drive through the dazzling Burnside Island Christmas lights and maybe even catch a peek of Santa or the Grinch.
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a family-friendly adventure that takes you on an hour and a half journey through the hillsides and along streams. During the ride you will hear about the region and the railway’s history dating back to the early 1900s - and maybe even grab a traditional coal miner’s lunch!
Blue Heron Mining Community
Blue Heron mining community will take you back to a time where the mines were the heart of economic prosperity for the region and families and workers lived in the “company town” of Blue Heron. Formerly owned by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company, the long abandoned Blue Heron mining community has been preserved with ghost structures to give visitors a taste of a time long since passed.