Lake Malone State Park is located near Dunmor in Muhlenberg County on Highway 973, off of Highway 431, twenty-two miles south of the Central City / Drakesboro exit from the Western Kentucky Parkway. Lake Malone is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the commonwealth. There are striking views of sandstone cliffs, such as Bear Bluff and Chalk Bluff, rising high above the water; and the park is also said to have a natural rock bridge located somewhere on the premises.
On December 22, 1955, at a meeting of representatives of Lake Malone promoters, Department of Fish and 
Wildlife, and the Federal Soil Conservation Service agreed to work together in planning a dam on Rocky Creek. Originally called the Rocky Creek Lake project, the dam would provide flood control for the Mud river watershed. The resulting lake and surrounding area would be used for recreation. In 1961, with the completion of the dam, the waters of Rocky Creek formed an 826-acre lake.
As early as 1959, several citizens wanted a state park in the area. The Muhlenberg Conservation Club that owned some of the land surrounding the lake donated their acreage to the park site. W. C. Malone, a
wealthy, retired lumberman and sawmill operator from Greenville, along with his wife, donated a large amount of land for the development of the lake and state park; therefore, the lake and subsequent state park were named in his honor.
The Kentucky State Parks website encourages, “Hike through the forest thick with hardwood trees, holly, mountain laurel, and tall pines.” The website also advertises, “Discover the beautiful landscape of Lake Malone State Park on the 1.5-mile Laurel Trail or the 0.25-mile Wildflower Trail. These easy-rated hiking trails provide picturesque views of many rock walls, once used as shelters by Native Americans . . . Natural wonders abound in this secluded wilderness!”
Lake Malone State Park is a great place for a picnic and a casual hike, but don’t come expecting to rack up mileage, since the main trail is just over a mile in length. This state park presents a hike for those who love to observe unique rock formations; however, the trail only follows the cliffs for about one-third a mile, before ascending a stairway to the grassy fields above. I found it a disappointment that the stretch of bluffs was so short. Please be respectful of the natural features as you visit this state park, and remember to “take only pictures” and “leave only footprints.”
