About Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)
Overview Tailwater Day Use area is located on the Nolin River below Nolin River Lake Dam and Spillway. The day use area has restrooms, playgrounds, a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a reservable group shelter. Recreation Known for its unique blue/green water, Nolin Lake is one of the top lakes in Kentucky for catfish, bass, crappie and walleye fishing. Visitors can enjoy scenic canoe and boat trips along the river, part of which is located within Mammoth Cave National Park. Boat ramps are provided around the lake for campers' convenience. The Moutardier, Ponderosa and Wax Marinas are located around the lake and offer pontoon and john boat rentals, as well as boat slips and groceries, bait, gas and more. Natural Features Nolin Dam creates a 5,795-acre lake that draws more than two million visitors each year to enjoy water sports and camping in the surrounding expanse of rolling forest. Nearby Attractions Mammoth Cave National Park is located a short drive or ferry ride away. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (270) 286-4511.
How to Get There
From Bowling Green, KY Follow US 31W North from Bowling Green for approximately 14 miles then turn left onto KY 101. In approximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy 259 North for 11 miles before turning right on KY 728. Follow Hwy 728 for 2 miles. Follow signs to Nolin Tailwater on the right. Total driving distance from Bowling Green is about 35 miles; driving time is around 50 minutes. From Louisville, KY Follow I-65 south to exit 91 toward Elizabethtown/Paducah. Follow signs for Western Kentucky Pkwy and Leitchfield. Stay on Western KY Pkwy for 30 miles. Take exit 107 for KY-259. Turn left on 259 toward Brownsville. Continue to follow KY-259S for approx 17 miles. Turn left onto KY-728 Follow Hwy 728 for 2 miles. Follow signs to Nolin Tailwater on the right. Total driving distance is about 95 miles; driving time is about 1 hour, 30 minutes. From Nashville, TN Take I65 North for approximately 66 miles. Merge onto KY 446 exit 28. Merge right onto Hwy 31W North. Follow 31W North for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto KY 101. In approximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy 259 North for 11 miles before turning right on KY 728. Follow Hwy 728 for 2 miles. Follow signs to Nolin Tailwater on the right. Total driving distance from Nashville is about 96 miles; driving time is around 1 hour, 40 minutes.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)
Heading to Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)?
No central reservation system listed for Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10228630) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)?
From Bowling Green, KY Follow US 31W North from Bowling Green for approximately 14 miles then turn left onto KY 101. In approximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy 259 North for 11 miles before turning right on KY 728. Follow Hwy 728 for 2 miles. Follow signs to Nolin Tailwater on the right. Total driving distance from Bowling Green is about 35 miles; driving time is around 50…
How do I contact Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)?
You can reach the park at phone: 270-286-4511 or email: lrl-pagemaster-grn@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
