Area Hotspots

Lake Cumberland, one of the largest man made lakes in the eastern United States, surrounds Burnside with more than a thousand miles of shoreline. Houseboating is a tradition here, and Burnside Marina, a quarter mile from the motel, rents houseboats, pontoons and fishing boats. The lake is famous for striped bass, walleye and crappie fishing.

General Burnside Island State Park, about a mile away, sits on an island in the lake and offers an eighteen hole golf course, picnic areas, camping and swimming. The views of the water from the island are especially beautiful at sunset.

Cumberland Falls, about thirty five miles south, is one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern United States and is known as the Niagara of the South. On clear nights with a full moon, a rare moonbow appears in the mist, one of the few places in the world where this phenomenon can be seen regularly. Trails and an overlook surround the falls.

Daniel Boone National Forest covers vast areas around Burnside, with hiking trails, rock arches, waterfalls and scenic drives. Yahoo Falls and the Sheltowee Trace Trail are popular destinations for hikers.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, about forty miles southwest, offers deep gorges, sandstone arches and whitewater, with hiking, horseback riding and paddling opportunities.

Somerset, about seven miles north, hosts the Somerset Cruise, a monthly gathering of classic cars and hot rods during the warmer months, and the Master Musicians Festival in summer. Restaurants, shops and services are more plentiful there.

Mill Springs Battlefield, about fifteen miles away, preserves the site of an early Civil War battle and offers a visitor centre and walking trails.