Lake Cumberland: Largest Man-Made Lake East of Mississippi

Distinctions

• Largest by surface area east of Mississippi River
• 3rd largest by volume among US man-made lakes
• Created: 1950 by Wolf Creek Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers)

Dam Specifications

• Type: Concrete gravity dam
• Height: 275 ft (84m)
• Length: 2,300 ft (700m) at crest
• Spillway: Uncontrolled ogee, 300,000 cfs capacity

Recreation and Economy

• Shoreline: 1,250 miles (2,000 km)
• Activities: Boating, fishing (striped bass, crappie, trout), hiking, camping
• Commercial fishing: Active industry
• Media appearances: "Thelma & Louise," "Walker, Texas Ranger"

Location

South-central Kentucky, near Burnside (1 mile downstream from dam). Impounds Cumberland River.

Lake Cumberland exemplifies multi-purpose reservoir benefits: flood control, power, recreation, water supply, and economic development.