Fagan Branch

Fishing

Go to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov for all fishing regulations and current slot limits for largemouth and smallmouth bass, redear sunfish, and channel and flathead catfish. That website will also have the trout release/stocking schedule.

Hiking

The 3.2-mile Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail is moderate to moderately strenuous in places where there are a few hills. There is cell phone service throughout the trail, but you might have to move to the water’s edge to obtain it in places.

All 47 bridges have painted numbers in two places—on the floor and on the left-hand guardrail—to assist you in determining your location.

You should carry drinking water or a filter, and trail snacks. It’s also recommended to consider carrying a first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, and weather protection gear, such as sun screen, sunglasses and rain gear.

And remember: Use the trailside receptacles for trash disposal, or better yet, carry your trash out with you!

Rules

• No hunting.
• No alcohol allowed on premises.
• No swimming allowed.
• Fires prohibited.
• No houseboats.
• Any person caught littering will be fined not less than $100 and no more than $500.
• Electric trolling motors only for boats. No fuel-powered equipment is allowed on the trail or in the water.
• Pets must be kept under control with a leash.
• No overnight camping.

Need to Report an Issue?

Fagan Branch Lake/Reservoir is managed and operated by the Lebanon Water Works Company, owned by the City of Lebanon, KY. Daren Thompson, Lebanon Water Works Company operations and management superintendent, and his excellent staff get the credit for Fagan Branch’s beautiful appearance, trail maintenance, garbage collection efforts and more.

Need to report an issue at Fagan Branch Reservoir or the Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail? Click on the button below and you’ll be sent to an interactive map designed by the Lebanon Water Works Company. You’ll find helpful information about the area, and within the map you can pinpoint the area of your concern and click and access a reportage box.

INTERACTIVE MAP

How to get to Fagan Branch

There are multiple ways to get to Fagan Branch from Lebanon, the Heart of Kentucky. Here’s the best route.The total distance is 5.8 miles, and it’s a leisurely 10 minute drive:

• Begin at the intersection of KY 2154/ Lebanon Bypass and US 68/KY55/Main Street in Lebanon (near the Walmart at 2136 Campbellsville Road). Travel south/southwest on KY 2154/Lebanon Bypass for 3/4-mile; turn right (south) onto KY 208 at the stop sign.

• Take KY 208 for 3.1 miles through Calvary, KY; turn left (north) at the stop sign onto KY 2744/Old Calvary Pike.

• Go only 350 feet; turn right onto Sportsman Lake Road.

• Travel 1.4 miles on Sportsman Lake Road until it junctions with Fagan Branch Road and turn left.

• After traveling only a half mile, you’ve reached 370 Fagan Branch Road, and a junction. Turn right to access the large parking lot, boat ramp and trailhead. Turn left to access another large parking lot and a way to access the western end of the dam.

Who Was Cecil L. Gorley?

Fish and Wildlife Officer Cecil L. Gorley, who died in 1995, originated the idea for the trail. Dr. Joseph W. Green, who served on the Lebanon Water Works Company board of directors for more than four decades, coordinated volunteer inmates from what was then the Marion Adjustment Center, and they blazed and built the trail. Thomas said it was Frank Ballard, who was a MAC security guard and the inmate work team supervisor, who actually determined where and how the trail weaved through its 3.2 miles.

In 2009, the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission obtained a $100,000 grant that rehabilitated and expanded the trail to what it is today. The grant made possible new bridges, signage, $62,000 in blacktop for the access roads and parking zones, and steel picnic tables, trash cans and benches.

Nowadays it’s home to Canada geese, eagles and ospreys, deer, beaver and all of Kentucky’s typical wildlife, trout (stocked because of the deep, cold water), and a broad variety of fish and aquatic life. Even smallmouth bass, which were caught by Gorley in Green River and used to stock Fagan Branch.

DISCLAIMER:

Introduction: The material and information provided by the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission and Lebanon Water Works, Inc. ( hereinafter collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”) herein is for general informational purposes only. All information in this brochure is provided in good faith; however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information in our website. Always, when enjoying outdoor activities of the nature discussed in this brochure, the participant should personally investigate the current status of the trail to be used by the participant, or the water level, temperature or other relevant information pertaining to the Reservoir, as well as weather and other external factors which could affect the activity. The Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail and the Fagan Branch Reservoir are each designed to exist within a natural setting and any manmade markers, structures, posted signs, or bridges on site are subject to a host of influences including the elements, the impact of current or recent weather, wear and tear from use by other patrons, and vandalism by other persons.

Limit of Liability: In no event shall Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission or Lebanon Water Works, nor any of the officers, directors and/or employees of either entity, be held liable for anything arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this webpage. Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission and Lebanon Water Works, Inc., shall not be held liable for any indirect, consequential or special liability arising out of or in any way related to your use of this webpage.