Kenlake Golf Trail

The Commonwealth of Kentucky began negotiations with the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1946 to lease a portion of land known as Aurora Landing. The land was situated on the western shore of Kentucky Lake near the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge. This leased land would be used as a state park dedicated to recreation.

The Tennessee Valley Authority leased an initial 1,146 acres to Kentucky. After the land transfer was officially completed on March 13, 1948, the new park at Aurora Landing was named Kentucky Lake State Park and joined the commonwealth’s state parks system. By the 1970’s, the name of the park was shortened to “Kenlake State Park.”

In 2013 the Bill Hamrick Memorial Golf Course at Kenlake State Park was permanently closed. Gil Lawson, spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Parks, said there were a number of factors leading up to the eventual closing of the nine-hole course, including its reduced amount of play, its location in comparison to other available courses and pending reductions to park budgets.

Lawson said, however, the land would not be wasted, as the department is actively searching for something to replace the course. “We are looking at other outdoor uses for the facility,” Lawson said. “We would like to make it something to use” (Murray Ledger and Times). Upon speaking with someone at the front desk of the lodge, I was informed that the trail is open for biking and hiking. I estimate there to be at least two miles of trail.