Delight in the mountainside beauty of Hemlock Lodge. The 35 rooms of Hemlock Lodge have private balconies. Open year-round. Rooms are available by late afternoon. Check-out by noon, Eastern Time. Pets are not allowed (with the exception of service dogs).
High speed wireless internet service available at the lodge.
Step out of your cottage into the beautiful ambiance of the surrounding forest. You will be encompassed by beauty in one of four two-bedroom, or seven one-bedroom cottages. Tableware, cooking utensils, and linens are provided. Open year-round. Cottages are available by late afternoon. Check-out by 11:00 AM, Eastern Time. Pets are not allowed (with the exception of service dogs).
The restaurant features a variety of contemporary American cuisine such as Seared Salmon with Sautéed Tomatoes and Onions and Classic New York Strip with demi glace. It also offers traditional Kentucky favorites such as Fried Catfish, Fried Green Tomatoes, and the popular Kentucky Hot Brown, just to name a few. Our very own chef has created many exciting dishes such as his widely requested Apple Pandowdy.
The restaurant seats 175 people, with a private dining area. The restaurant overlooks the famous “Hoedown Island,” which has been designated as the clogging capitol of Kentucky. As a supporter of Kentucky Proud program we utilize locally grown meats and produce when available.
See our upcoming dining specials and events here.
Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors in a park campsite. Two campgrounds, Whittleton Campground and Middle Fork Campground, provide 82 sites with utilities. Twelve primitive campsites are also available. Dump stations and two central service buildings with rest rooms and showers are furnished for your convenience. Closed for season from mid-November to mid-March.
Gift Shop
For the perfect memento of your visit, browse the lodge gift shop featuring a large selection of Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs.
Miniature Golf
Test your putting skills on the 18-hole miniature golf course. Open April 1-October 31, Fee charged per round.
Snack Bars
Two snack bars with all of your favorite treats are in the park. One is located near the swimming pool, the other near the sky lift.
Planned Recreation
Daily summer activities and year-round special events are available for children and adults under the direction of a trained recreation director.
Picnicking & Playgrounds
Four picnic shelters with rest rooms, tables, grills, and a playground are located throughout the park. Shelters available for rental up to one year in advance.
Fee charged for shelter rental.
Mosey on down to Hoedown Island where knee-slappin’, toe-tappin’, and swingin’ your partner is a barrel of fun! Located on the lake below the lodge, this island is an open-air dance patio for weekly square dances. Seasonal with weather. Call park for annual brochure. Park also holds Square Dance Weekends throughout the year.
For a relaxing climb to natural bridge, enjoy a ride on the sky lift. The ascent begins one-half mile from the park entrance and ends within 600 feet of Natural Bridge. Open daily first weekend of April through the last weekend in October. Fee charged.
Naturalist/Recreation Programs
View calendar of recreation and naturalist programs, and other happenings at the park. This calendar will help you plan your trip based around your favorite park activities!
Please be sure to check out the Special Events section of the web site for annual park events.
The ten hiking trails range from one-half mile to seven-and-one-half miles. Trail maps are available at the Hemlock Lodge. Click to view Trail Information.
The watercraft rental dock is a short walk away from the pool complex, along a newly landscaped path. Pedal Boats and Hydrobikes are available for rental. Kids young and old will love the new self-powered watercraft. Explore up and down Hoedown Island Lake.
Open Memorial Day-Labor Day
The pool complex is tucked between the lake and the cliff beneath Hemlock Lodge. The complex includes a spacious stone bathhouse, and a zero-depth (one can enter pool without steps) pool that holds 80,000 gallons of water. The main pool has a "river" theme with directional water jets and floor bubblers. Next to the main pool is a new fenced wading pool with floor bubbles and fountain.
General public: $4 per adult, $3 per child daily.
FREE to lodge and cottage guests.