One of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky is Lake Cumberland. The lake is crystal clear absolutely gorgeous. The huge lake is lined with amazing rock cliff walls, forest, and different varieties of wildlife.

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While you're on a boat, enjoying the lake and looking in the water and at the shore, you can expect to see fish, birds, raccoons, squirrels, even an occasional bobcat or even a black bear, maybe even Bigfoot. Yes, I said Bigfoot. But, only a few lucky boaters have seen Billy, the Lake Cumberland Goat.

Locals, frequent boaters, and visitors to Lake Cumberland know about Billy. Others, who have only heard about him visit the lake in the hopes of seeing the unofficial lake ambassador.

This is a video from Fall 2019.

Billy, the Lake Cumberland, goat surprises unsuspecting Indiana boaters

A few years ago, I came across two farming couples from Batesville, IN, who took a vacation at Lake Cumberland before their very busy harvest season to celebrate both a wedding anniversary and a birthday.

When they saw Billy on the rock cliffs, they couldn't believe their eyes.

The goat was just walking on the cliffs high above the lake water where Harmon and Difficulty Creeks meet. Billy took them by total surprise. They had no idea that Billy was very well known in those parts.

Patti and Keith, and Susie and Ted thought Billy wasn't real. The goat looked so majestic and perfect, then he moved. LOL

Photos of Billy the Lake Cumberland Goat

Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
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Not really knowing anything about Billy and his notoriety, they decide to do a little research and found out he had his own Facebook group and Instagram account. Billy has almost 3,000 members in his group. As they were scrolling through the post in the group, they came across a photo contest.

To win, you had to take the best photo of Billy. Whoever had the best photo was going to win a goat shirt and stainless steel goat mug.

How to get Billy the Lake Cumberland goat to stand still for photos

Doritos did the trick. For the delicious, nacho snack chips, Billy will stand there all day.

Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
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Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
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He took the bait. Once he finished and they ran out, they started snapping photos of Billy, and boy did he turn on the charm. When Billy realizes that he has an audience, he brings his modeling and superstar A-game. 

Patti wrote this in the status of the photo she posted on Facebook.

What a poser. He smiled and wagged his tail at the Paparazzi. Love to know what he was thinking.
Susie Hahn
Susie Hahn
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Look at his confident smirk.

Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
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Billy is not shy at all. You can see where he gets his confidence. LOL

Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
Susie Hahn and Patti Abbott
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Is Billy the Lake Cumberland Goat still hanging around the lake this year? (2022)

Yes, he is! I found some really good photos that Amanda Ballman posted to the Lake Cumberland Boaters Facebook page. He looks better than ever.

We found Billy! West of Difficulty Creek. Across from a concrete boat ramp...He was tucked up higher in the rocks. I saw his legs but his face was behind a small tree.

Billy stands and waits for his admirers.

Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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It's like Billy has been trained to pose for the camera. He is so photogenic.

Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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Amanda and her family swam over to the shore to feed Billy.

As soon as we started getting closer he started walking down.
Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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Looks like he likes the food they brought over for him.

Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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What were Amanda and her kids feeding Billy? This is what she said in her Facebook post.

He loved kettle chips, nuts, berries, and yellow bell pepper. Not the grapes.

Where in Lake Cumberland can you find Billy the Goat?

If you are headed down to Lake Cumberland, Amanda was nice enough to show you exactly where to find him.

Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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Thank you, Amanda, for letting me share your awesome photos.

I wish I looked as good as she does during a day on the lake.

Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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Even her Fourth of July manicure is to die for. BTW, manicures like this are her business.

Amanda Ballman
Amanda Ballman
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