Plan an Outdoor Getaway to Muhlenberg County

Lake Malone State Park in Muhlenberg County offers all the outdoor adventure you'd expect from a lakeshore nature escape — and then some. Imagine enjoying the lake and activities along its banks only to notice a family of tree-like characters in your midst: That's the Big Twigs family, six larger-than-life sculptures created by artist Steve Brauch. You'll discover them throughout the park, engaged in their favorite outdoor activities to inspire your own adventures and one-of-a-kind photos.

Explore Our Hiking Trails

The park offers a collection of easy trails fit for hikers of all skill levels. For shorter hikes, the Wildflower Trail is a quick quarter-mile trek. This is an excellent trail if you’re exploring with the little ones. For a lakeside excursion, try the 1.5-mile Laurel Trail. You’ll find Oakley Malone, a 17-foot Big Twig sculpture, greeting hikers along this route. Continue on the Twisted Tree, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trails to extend your hiking adventure. Journey down these easy, wooded trails for scenic views of the lake, sandstone bluffs, rock walls and various native flora and fauna. 

Enjoy a Day on the Water

At nearly 800 acres, Lake Malone is popular among anglers and water sports enthusiasts. It’s the perfect spot for your next boating adventure. The park marina features everything you need to get out on the water, including a boat ramp and a fuel station. 

Reel in your next trophy catch with Bobber Malone. Join the Big Twig lakeside, where he sits on a stump with his fishing pole in tow. You might catch crappie, redear sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish when you cast a line on Lake Malone. Be sure to get your Kentucky fishing license before your visit. And if you’re in need of gear, check out the park’s fishing loaner program to borrow some equipment. Just be sure to call ahead to check availability.

Beat the summer heat with a dip from the park’s swimming beach. You’re invited to enjoy sandy beach days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Adventure with the Family

Families will love the park’s picnic area, playground and wide-open spaces. The kiddos will find Paige Malone reading near the playground while Annette and Wattson Malone play with butterflies and fireflies in the nearby green spaces. 

 

 

Bring Your Camping Gear

Spend a night or two under the stars on a camping trip. This natural playground offers 25 sites with electric and water hookups and 34 primitive campsites. The campground is equipped with grills and picnic tables. There are also restrooms and showers onsite. Campers will find Happy Malone roasting marshmallows around his own campfire. Walk-up reservations are available, but campers are encouraged to book ahead of their visit, as sites tend to sell out quickly. 

Don’t forget your camera! The campground also features a butterfly wing mural perfect for photo ops, and you’ll definitely want to snap some selfies with each member of the Big Twigs family. 

Lake Malone State Park invites every kind of explorer to get out and enjoy this hidden gem in Muhlenberg County. Lake Malone State Park is open mid-March through mid-November. Call before you go to ensure the park and the activities you're interested in are available. You can reach the park office at 270-657-2111.

For more adventures in Muhlenberg County, visit www.visitmuhlenberg.com/.