Jenny Wiley State Park
🏔️ Appalachian Lodge on 1,100-Acre Dewey Lake — Resort Park With Theatre, Cabins, and Mountain Trails — A Kentucky state resort park on 1,100-acre Dewey Lake with May Lodge, 18 cabins, marina, 10+ miles of hiking trails, disc golf, Jenny Wiley Theatre, and Appalachian mountain scenery — Floyd County, Kentucky
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is a full-service Appalachian mountain resort on the shores of 1,100-acre Dewey Lake near Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Named after Virginia “Jenny” Wiley — a frontier woman captured by Native Americans in 1789 who survived and escaped — the park features the May Lodge overlooking the lake, 18 furnished cabins, a full-service marina, and access to 10+ miles of mountain trails.
The Jenny Wiley Theatre has historically operated a summer amphitheater within the park, staging Broadway-style productions and historical dramas. Dewey Lake delivers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, muskie, crappie, and catfish, while the Sugarcamp Mountain Trail System extends the hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding options into the surrounding Appalachian terrain.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lodge | May Lodge | Lake-view rooms, restaurant |
| Cabins | 18 furnished cottages | Lakeside setting |
| Fishing | 1,100-acre Dewey Lake | Bass, muskie, crappie, catfish |
| Marina | Pontoon, kayak, canoe rentals | Boat launch ramps |
| Hiking | 10+ miles of trails | + Sugarcamp Mtn Trail System |
| Disc Golf | 18-hole championship course | Free to play |
| Theatre | Jenny Wiley Theatre | Summer amphitheater performances |
| Swimming | Lodge pool | For overnight guests |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 68–88°F | Theatre season, marina, full resort |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 42–65°F | Mountain foliage, hiking, fishing |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 48–68°F | Bass fishing, wildflowers, birding |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 25–42°F | Lodge retreat, quiet lake |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day Use | FREE | No entry fee |
| Lodge Room | $85–$130/night | May Lodge, lake views |
| Cabin | $100–$160/night | 18 furnished cottages |
| Pontoon Rental | $50–$100/half day | Marina rentals |
| Day Trip | FREE | Trails + lake + theatre + disc golf |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jenny Wiley?
Virginia “Jenny” Wiley was a frontier woman captured by a Shawnee war party in 1789. She survived 11 months in captivity before escaping — her story is one of Kentucky’s most famous frontier legends.
Is the theatre still active?
The Jenny Wiley Theatre has a long history of summer amphitheater performances. Check the current schedule before visiting, as operations can vary by season.
Can I rent a boat?
Yes. The full-service marina offers pontoon boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent, plus multiple boat launch ramps for personal watercraft.
🏔️ Appalachian Lake Resort
May Lodge, 18 cabins, 1,100-acre Dewey Lake, mountain trails, and outdoor theatre — Kentucky’s Appalachian resort park.
Wildlife & Nature
Jenny Wiley SP — named for Virginia “Jenny” Wiley, a frontier woman captured by a Shawnee/Cherokee war party in 1789 — her escape and survival story is one of the most dramatic in frontier history. The park’s Dewey Lake, Appalachian forest, and mountain streams support black bears, bald eagles, and wild turkeys.
Nearby Attractions
Prestonsburg — adjacent — site of the Battle of Middle Creek (1862, future President James A. Garfield’s first victory). Floyd County — surrounding.
