If you’re into scenic lakes, wild rivers, rolling farmland, and a deep sense of Kentucky tradition, Pendleton County checks every box. This Northern Kentucky gem offers outdoor adventure, cozy and creative lodging, lively festivals, and one of the most authentic farm experiences in the region. Whether you’re casting for trophy bass, paddling through historic waterways, or petting Highland cows on a summer farm tour, Pendleton invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and stay awhile.

Here’s why Pendleton County deserves a spot on your Kentucky bucket list:

Trophy Bass, Wooded Trails & River Days

Get ready to explore Kentucky’s outdoors.

If you love to fish, Kincaid Lake is a dream for anglers and paddlers alike. Ranked among Kentucky’s top five lakes for trophy largemouth bass, it’s the kind of place where fish over 20 inches are part of the regular catch. If fishing’s not your thing, the calm waters and forest-lined coves make it ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Keep an eye out for bald eagles flying overhead, too!

The sun rises over a calm lake, casting warm light and reflections on the water. Mist rises from the lake’s surface, with trees and a few parked cars visible along the shore.
Sunrise over Kincaid Lake.

Surrounding the lake is Kincaid Lake State Park, a family-friendly basecamp with over 150 campsites, from primitive tent setups to full-hookup RV sites. There’s a swimming pool for hot summer days, a camp store stocked with the essentials, and a recreation area featuring pickleball courts, mini-golf, a playground, hiking trails, and picnic shelters. It’s everything you need for an affordable, activity-packed outdoor getaway.

A dog sits at the front of a purple kayak on a river, looking ahead. Trees line the riverbanks under a blue sky, and another kayak with people is visible in the distance.
A family sits by a campfire near two campers and a picnic table in a wooded campsite at sunset. Trees surround the area, and smoke rises from the fire as the sun sets in the background.
Kayaking the Licking River and camping in Kincaid Lake State Park.

Looking to explore by water? The Licking River runs through the heart of the county and offers 4- to 12-mile canoe and kayak trips. This is one of Kentucky’s most scenic and historic waterways, lined with wooded bluffs, farmland, and rich wildlife habitat. Paddle-in/paddle-out access is available, and you can even make it a multi-day trip with primitive camping through Thaxton’s Canoe & Paddler’s Inn. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just out for a relaxing float, the Licking River delivers.

Festivals That Bring the County to Life

Pendleton County knows how to throw a celebration, and two annual festivals capture its creative spirit and strong community roots.

Balloons & Tunes (Last Saturday in July)

Several colorful hot air balloons are illuminated from within, glowing brightly against the night sky, with a crowd of people watching and cars parked in the background.

This summertime favorite features a stunning hot air balloon experience, where glowing balloons light up the night sky and tethered rides offer fun (and thrills). Add in live music from regional bands, local food trucks, and a Kids Zone packed with games and inflatables, and you’ve got a full day (and night) of fun. Admission is just $10, and kids under 5 get in free, making it one of the best-value events in the state.

Kentucky Wool Festival (First Full Weekend in October)

People gather near a rustic wooden coffee shop at an outdoor fair. Other stands, including one selling fresh lemonade, line the path as more visitors walk along, surrounded by trees with green and autumn-colored leaves.
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For three days every fall, Pendleton County becomes a hub of heritage, craft, and music. With live sheep shearing, spinning, weaving, and fiber art demos, the Wool Festival honors the area’s agricultural roots. Expect toe-tapping tunes from bluegrass, folk, country, and gospel bands, plus rows of handmade goods, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities. This festival has been going strong since 1983—and for good reason.

Get to Know the Land (and the People Who Work It)

Pendleton County doesn’t just talk about local food—it invites you right onto the farms with an incredible agri-tourism experience.

From May through October, the Pendleton County Farmers’ Market is the place to meet local growers and sample seasonal produce, fresh meats, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Many of the products here carry the Kentucky Proud label, meaning they’re grown, raised, or made right here in the Commonwealth.

What sets Pendleton apart is the friendliness of its farms. The county lives by the motto: “Farms Are Friendly”, and visitors are truly welcome.

Baskets filled with various fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, green bell peppers, green beans, cabbage, yellow squash, and zucchini, arranged on a wooden floor in a market or farm setting.
A Highland cow with long, shaggy orange fur stands near a barbed wire fence in a grassy field, with a small calf beside her. Trees and a blue sky with clouds are in the background.
Farm-to-table produce and adorable Highland cows are integral to Pendleton’s agri-tourism culture.

Every first weekend in July, the Farm Tour offers a self-guided road trip through working farms, greenhouses, vineyards, beef operations, and equestrian centers. You can meet the farmers, tour the land, and even pick up fresh goods along the way—so bring a cooler, some cash, and your curiosity. Highland cows? Absolutely. Scenic backroads and historic barns? You’ll find plenty.

Many stops along the farm trail include opportunities to pet animals or learn how the food on your table is grown. It’s educational, hands-on, and great for families.

Stay in Places That Make You Feel at Home

You won’t find cookie-cutter hotels in Pendleton County—and that’s a good thing.

A wooden cabin with a wraparound deck is nestled among trees. The cabin is elevated, has a slide from the deck to the ground, and features multiple windows and a sloped roof.

Instead, lodging here is all about personality. Cozy cabins, scenic cottages, B&Bs, and campgrounds offer visitors a chance to unplug, relax, and connect with the land. Many properties are nestled in peaceful woods, rolling farmland, or right by the lake, offering easy access to hiking, fishing, or stargazing around a campfire.

Kincaid Lake State Park offers traditional camping options, including RV hookups and primitive tent sites. If you’re more into glamping or lodge-style stays, several locally owned spots offer comfortable accommodations with a personal touch—often with local tips, home-cooked breakfasts, or farm views.

Bonus: Pendleton County is just a short drive from The Ark Encounter, so it’s a perfect place to stay if you’re looking for quiet, affordable lodging that still keeps you close to major regional attractions.

Four dark gray Adirondack chairs surround a metal fire pit on gravel beside a wooden cabin porch. Trees and an American flag are in the background, with sunlight casting shadows.
A large Cedar Creek RV is parked on grass beside a picnic table, fire pit, and two lawn chairs, with trees and another RV in the background under a clear sky.
A metal-clad house with a wide front porch, wooden pillars, two white rocking chairs, red door with a wreath, small patio table, and pumpkins lining the walkway. A gravel path leads up to the house, and grass surrounds it.
Unique accommodations in Pendleton County, Kentucky.

With flexible check-in options, competitive pricing, and small-scale hospitality, it’s easy to slow down and stay awhile.

Golf With a View

If golf is your game, Pendleton County has two scenic courses that let you tee off with a side of Kentucky charm.

Kincaid Lake Golf Course

A scenic landscape with rolling green hills, scattered trees, and a winding path under a partly cloudy blue sky on a sunny day.
The rolling hills at Kincaid Lake Golf Course.

Just minutes from Falmouth, this public course is welcoming to players of all levels. It’s well maintained, surrounded by natural beauty, and ideal for a casual morning or afternoon round. Add in the proximity to Kincaid Lake itself, and you’ve got a great setup for a golf-and-fish kind of weekend.

Pendleton Hills Golf Club

A man wearing a gray shirt, black shorts, and sunglasses is preparing to hit a golf ball with a driver on a grassy golf course lined with trees and winding paths.
Tee off in style at Pendelton Hills.

Looking for a more technical course? Pendleton Hills offers a challenging layout, rolling terrain, and beautifully maintained greens. The vibe here is community-oriented with memberships, leagues, and tournaments. This is where locals gather, and visitors are welcomed into the fold.

Both courses are easily accessible from major corridors and offer a refreshing escape from crowded urban areas. With nearby lodging, local dining, and plenty to do off the green, Pendleton makes a great golf getaway—no rush, no wait times, just the game and the views.

Plan Your Pendleton Trip

Pendleton County brings together everything that makes Kentucky shine—scenic waterways, welcoming farms, lively festivals, and accommodations that feel personal. Now’s the time to map out your visit and relax and unwind in this corner of Northern Kentucky for yourself.

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A smiling person with short hair, glasses, and a black t-shirt takes a selfie outdoors in a parking lot, with a red car and grass visible in the background.

Jason Macumber

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