Rough River Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rough River Lake |
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Rough River Lake near Leitchfield
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 Rough River Lake
Location in Kentucky
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| Location | Breckinridge / Grayson / Hardin counties, Kentucky, US |
| Coordinates | 37°36′42″N 86°29′02″W / 37.6116°N 86.4840°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Rough River |
| Primary outflows | Rough River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 5,100 acres (21 km2) |
Rough River Lake is a large lake in Kentucky. It covers about 5,100-acre (21 km2) of land. This lake is not natural; it's a special type of lake called a reservoir. It stretches across parts of Breckinridge, Grayson, and Hardin counties.
The lake is a very popular spot for outdoor fun. It's the main attraction at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park. People come here to enjoy the water and the beautiful scenery.
How Rough River Lake Was Made
Rough River Lake was created a long time ago. It was built in 1959. The lake was made by stopping the flow of the Rough River. This process is called impounding the river.
The Dam That Created the Lake
The lake was formed by building a big structure called the Rough River Lake Dam. This dam is 132 feet (about 40 meters) tall. It's an earthen dam, which means it's made mostly of earth and rock.
The dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This is a group that builds and manages many important water projects in the United States. The dam can hold a huge amount of water, up to 334,400 acre-feet. An acre-foot is a way to measure water volume. It's enough water to cover one acre of land with one foot of water.
Fun Things to Do at Rough River Lake
Rough River Lake is a fantastic place for many activities. Since it's part of a state resort park, there are lots of things to explore.
- Boating: The lake is perfect for all kinds of boats. You can go fishing, water skiing, or just cruise around.
- Fishing: Many different types of fish live in the lake. It's a great spot for anglers of all ages.
- Swimming: On warm days, visitors can cool off by swimming in designated areas.
- Hiking: The park around the lake has trails for hiking. You can explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Camping and Lodging: The state resort park offers places to stay. You can camp under the stars or stay in comfortable lodges.
Rough River Lake is a wonderful example of how a constructed lake can become a valuable natural resource. It provides both flood control and a fun place for people to visit.
