Things to Do Near Barren River Lake: Golf, Trail Rides and Paddling
Updated: 2 hours ago
The water is the main draw, but there are plenty of things to do near Barren River Lake once you're off the boat. Around the lake and across cave country you'll find golf courses, guided horseback rides, canoeing on the Green River, mountain biking, zip lines and minor-league baseball. Here's a practical rundown, with a few notes on planning.
Golf courses near Barren River Lake
Golfers have a good mix of options, from a lakeside course to municipal and semi-private clubs:
Barren River Lake State Resort Park Golf Course: an 18-hole course along the lake at the state resort park. Sources: Kentucky State Parks.
Scottsville Country Club: a semi-private 9-hole course in Scottsville. Sources: Scottsville tourism.
CrossWinds Golf Course: Bowling Green's 18-hole municipal championship course. Sources: City of Bowling Green.
Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf Course: a public course in Franklin, KY, owned by the PGA Tour veteran. Sources: Country Creek.
Call ahead for tee times and current rates, and ask about cart rules if you're playing in wet weather. The state park's lodge and dining are closed for renovation; its lodge is listed as closed through spring 2027, and its cottages are closed due to storm damage. Confirm the golf course's current operations separately. Sources: State Parks project updates; park alerts.
Horseback riding in Kentucky's cave country
Horseback riding in Kentucky can fit into a lake trip, but don't plan around rides at Barren River Lake State Resort Park without confirming that its stables are operating. Current guided options in the Mammoth Cave area include the operators below; reserve ahead and ask about age, weight and experience requirements.
Jesse James Riding Stables & Outlaw Cave in Cave City: the operator lists a two-mile trail ride lasting about an hour. Days and hours vary. Sources: operator information.
Adventures of Mammoth Cave: guided horseback riding near the national park. Check the current ride options and rider requirements before booking. Sources: operator information.
Double J Stables & Horsemen's Campground: guided rides on Mammoth Cave National Park horse trails, plus horse camping. Reservations are required. Sources: operator information.
Canoeing the Green River and paddling the lake
Canoeing the Green River through Mammoth Cave National Park is a different experience from the open lake, with wooded bluffs and gravel bars along the way. Current and access conditions vary: check park alerts, river gauges and shuttle options, wear a life jacket, and avoid high water. River use is prohibited at or above 20 feet on the park's gauges. Back on Barren River Lake, early morning may mean lighter boat traffic, but wind and wakes can still make paddling difficult. The Narrows Marina lists kayak and canoe rentals; call to confirm availability. Sources: NPS paddling guidance; Narrows rentals.
Mountain biking in Kentucky: the Twisted Oliver Trail
For mountain biking close to the lake, start at Port Oliver. SW KyMBA describes the Twisted Oliver Trail as 3.1 miles, built with the Corps of Engineers, with climbs, berms, jumps, bridges and technical wood features. Choose features within your ability and check trail conditions before riding. The state resort park also has a paved 2.5-mile Bike & Hike loop with some strenuous hills. Sources: trail builder; state park trails.
Zip lines and go-karts
Near Cave City, Adventures of Mammoth Cave advertises zipline tours and aerial adventures. The former Kentucky Action Park website now directs visitors to Jesse James Riding Stables & Outlaw Cave, which advertises riding, cave tours and mini golf; don't rely on old listings for an alpine slide or chairlift. In Bowling Green, NCM Motorsports Park offers karting at its separate Kartplex. Check operating dates and rider requirements before you drive. Sources: Adventures of Mammoth Cave; Jesse James & Outlaw Cave; NCM Kartplex.
Ballgames, sailing and staying active
The Bowling Green Hot Rods play minor-league baseball at Bowling Green Ballpark, and Western Kentucky University's Hilltoppers play basketball at E.A. Diddle Arena and football at L.T. Smith Stadium. On the lake, the Port Oliver Yacht Club hosts regattas and sailing activities. If you want a workout or a swim on a rainy day, The Core of Scottsville is a community fitness and aquatic center with pools and group classes. Sources: Hot Rods; WKU facilities; yacht club news; The Core.
Planned activities at The Resort
The Resort at Barren River Lake is under construction and isn't open yet. Walking trails and other outdoor amenities are planned for the RV-site resort, rather than available activities today. The property is across the road from the lake, with no direct lake access. Follow our home page for opening and amenity updates.
Hours, seasons and prices change, so check each business before you go. We'll go deeper on individual activities in future posts in this category.
Planning a future RV trip to enjoy the lake and surrounding outdoors? The Resort at Barren River Lake is under construction and is not open yet. Our RV-sites-only resort is across the road from the lake, with no cabins now or planned and no direct lake access from the property. Join the waiting list for opening updates, then explore the area for ideas to include in your trip.
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