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Fishing & Boating
Lake Beshear is a 760 acre reservoir located in Caldwell and Christian counties in Kentucky. Impounded in 1962, the majority of Lake Beshear is domiciled in the beautiful Pennyrile State Forest.
Horse Back Riding
The Friends of Pennyrile is a group of people just like you, interested in promoting the natural resources of Pennyrile State Resort Park. Our group is responsible for developing over 50 miles of horse trails located in the beautiful Pennyrile State Forest.
Mountain Bike Riding
Dawson Springs makes an excellent base for road cycling in the Pennyrile region. Hundreds of miles of good pavement on sparsely traveled roads provide everything from a short leisurely jaunt to a challenging century ride in the hills. Ride our roads!
Canoeing
Dawson Spring, Kentucky offers several opportunities for canoeing and Kayaking. Paddle down Tradewater river one of the 8 Largest Rivers in Kentucky.
Horseback Riding Trails
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Equine Trail System
The Pennyrile State Forest equine trails are very scenic with many sheer sandstone bluffs and rock-bottom streams. Most trials are reasonably safe, but may be challenging for the beginning rider. The trail system is marked with plastic squares with points up and side to side. Each trail is marked with both directions with a different color for each of the three major trails. Please use good trail manners and remember, Pack it in – Pack it Out. Always be alert for trail hazards including wildlife.
SPRING BLUFF: The trail runs parallel to the bluff line for more than 1,000 feet and the shelter cave is quite large. Also a site of a dripping spring. TWO CUT-OFF TRAILS: Both will shorten the ride. One cut-off trial will take you past the Hamby Home Place and Family Cemetery which dates to the 1850s. Half of the trail is single track and very scenic. Orange Trail Loop
This trail has the most points of interest and a few challenging areas. There are also quite a few gravel roads, so be aware of traffic. The Orange Loop is about 8 miles long and takes about 3.5 hours to ride at a slow pace. The trail crosses Clifty Creek which is the main feeder for Pennyrile Lake and therefore, Lake Beshear. Clifty Creek is very scenic with many rock bottom crossings which could be hazardous. Blue Trail Loop
This trail is the shortest of the three marked trails and is 4.5 miles long. It can be ridden in about 2 hours at a slow to medium pace. The terrain is gently rolling to moderate hills and can be ridden by those with medium riding skills. The trail is mostly logging access roads with some single track trails and a little gravel road. Yellow Trail Loop
This trail is nearly 6.9 miles long and takes about 3 hours to ride the complete loop, if you ride at a slow to medium pace. There are a couple of cut-across trails that will shorten the distance and riding time. The terrain is gently rolling to moderate slopes and can be ridden by those with low to medium riding skills. The trail is mostly two track dirt roads with some single track areas. Caution should be used at the two highway crossings because of slick pavement and traffic hazards. The Water Shed Lake is a good mid-point landmark and a good spot to rest.
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