Owsley Fork Reservoir, Berea College — Attraction in Berea

Owsley Fork Reservoir is surrounded by a protected watershed in the Berea College Forest. This clear-as-a-bell spring-fed gem provides drinking water for the City of Berea, Garrard County and Southern Madison Water District.

Hiking, kayaking and canoeing, sailing, exploring, walking, biking, bird watching, and rock hunting are all possible at Owsley Fork. Horses and riders trot on the main roads. Bring fishing poles and a picnic. Stay all day.

One side of the 151 acre lake has a green space park and gravel parking lot. The other has a boat ramp with a gravel parking facility. There is a picnic table in the green space and one at the boat ramp. Both Owsley Fork Road and Radford Hollow Road have no exit. People tend to speed on the one lane roads.

There is no shelter or restroom at Owsley Fork. You might want to stop at the Big Hill Food Mart for a restroom before heading on to the Reservoir. Mobile phone service is spotty at best and GPS is not always accurate. The closest store is 2.5 miles away.

You will find a vast number of native species represented in the Owsley Fork Biosphere. Nesting bald eagles are typically fishing. Lady slippers (endangered wild flower) embellish pathways as you meander in a white oak deciduous rain forest. Take care to look for snakes before you step over logs or reach down to pick up an item. Occasionally bears and big cats are in the area. Deer and other wildlife are visible most days. Snails and freshwater mussels are abundant. A variety of fish are plentiful, including bass, crappie and catfish.

Just ask, someone will direct you to their favorite fishing spot. A fishing license is required in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for adults renewable annually or as day passes. A license is available to purchase online at the Commonwealth of Kentucky department of Fish and Wildlife or in person at area retailers. Camping and swimming are not permitted. Electric motors are allowed on the Reservoir. Gas powered motors are not allowed. Discharge of firearms is strictly prohibited. Leave no trace, take out what you bring in. Come visit....

(Biased review: I live here.) This is one of Kentucky's beauty spots. Newly very popular since it stayed open during pandemic. Often very busy on fair weather days. Great for hunan-powered or small sails. Limited parking. Boat put-in ramp. No swimming, no gasoline engines on boats, no camping or fires, no discharge of firearms. The view is...

Nice day, fall 25. Nature outdoors near store. Get KY. Ale $1.19+ in cooler at door. Cams. Vids. Photos. Trecking. Pets... Drive... Around all day to night. See Berea KY. Some want Historical, museums, inside, a...