Kentucky's Deepest Lake Is One of Its Best-Kept Secrets
Why Rent On Herrington Lake
Herrington Lake in Mercer, Garrard, and Boyle counties is the deepest lake in Kentucky, plunging to 249 feet near the Dix Dam. Created in 1925 to generate hydroelectric power, the lake covers 2,335 acres and winds through the rolling Kentucky landscape with a beauty that surprises most first-time visitors. A vacation rental here gives your family private access to one of the state’s most scenic and underrated lakes.
Lakehouses and Cabins with Genuine Kentucky Charm
Vacation rentals near Herrington Lake offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and relaxing outdoor spaces with beautiful lake views. The wooded shoreline and deep, clear water give every property an atmosphere of real seclusion. Pet-friendly options are available, and many lakehouses feature private docks and cozy outdoor living areas that make long summer evenings here genuinely hard to end.
Boating, Fishing, and Life on Deep Water
The depth and clarity of Herrington Lake make it exceptional for fishing, boating, and water sports. Striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish are all present in the lake, and the deep water provides a cooling refuge during hot Kentucky summers. Kayaking along the wooded shoreline in the early morning is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the lake, and the calm coves offer excellent spots for swimming with younger kids.
History at the Dam and the Kentucky River Below
Dix Dam, the engineering achievement that created Herrington Lake, was the largest earth-filled dam in the world at the time of its construction. The Dix River meets the Kentucky River at High Bridge just below the dam, and the scenery at that confluence is genuinely dramatic. Nearby Danville and Harrodsburg offer excellent dining, bourbon distilleries, and some of the most historically significant sites in the state.
A Deep Lake Worth Choosing for Your Kentucky Vacation
Herrington Lake rewards families who look beyond the more famous Kentucky destinations. The depth of the water, the beauty of the wooded shoreline, and the proximity to Danville and Harrodsburg combine to create a vacation rental destination that delivers both natural beauty and cultural richness. Book a lakehouse here and your family will wonder why they waited so long to find it.
- Surface area (mi)
- 5.59
- Max depth (ft)
- 249.34
- Elevation (ft)
- 751.31
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 325.35
Popular activities
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Cross-country Skiing
- Kayaking
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Marinas on Herrington Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Herrington Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, Herrington Lake is safe for swimming. The water quality meets safe drinking water standards and is safe for recreational use, according to an environmental study by an independent consulting firm.
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Herrington Lake is a popular destination because it offers excellent fishing. The lake is abundantly stocked with various fish species, including bluegill, catfish, and bass. It also provides several outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and boat rentals, making it a versatile playground for recreational sports.
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For bass in Herrington Lake, Kentucky, the minimum size limit for largemouth bass is 12 inches, with no specific daily creel limit mentioned beyond statewide regulations. Herrington Lake follows the statewide regulations for black bass, allowing a daily creel limit of 6 bass, with no more than 6 of these being largemouth or smallmouth bass combined.
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There is no public beach at Herrington Lake. Swimming is only accessible through private property or by boat, as there are no publicly available access points. You can rent watercraft from the marinas on the lake to access the water.
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Towns near Herrington Lake include Burgin, Harrodsburg, Perryville, Salvisa, and Willisburg, all located in Mercer County, Kentucky. Herrington Lake is also partially in Boyle County. These towns offer various local amenities and services to residents and visitors of the lake area.
