Land Between the Lakes

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is a 170,000-acre outdoor recreation paradise situated on an inland peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in western Kentucky and Tennessee. Created by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1960s after the damming of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, LBL offers all the outdoor recreation basics — hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing — along with environmental and historic interpretation.

The landscape is rugged and hilly, covered with mixed oak-hickory forest on the Mississippian Plateau. The area experiences a multi-seasonal climate: summers are hot and humid with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (31-33°C), winters are moderate in the 40s-50s°F (4-12°C), and spring weather is often unstable with the greatest risk of storms. Grand Rivers is the only community fronting both lakes. Water recreation is nearly limitless, and the area is considered one of the premier outdoor destinations in the mid-South.

By Plane

The nearest commercial airport is Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) in Paducah, Kentucky, about 30 miles west. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is approximately 2 hours south.

By Car / Road

Four major routes provide access: I-24 and US 62 from the north, US 68 through the center, and US 79 from the south. The recreation area is easily reached from Nashville (2 hours), Louisville (2.5 hours), and Paducah (30 minutes).

The Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway (The Trace) is a 43-mile highway running north-south through the recreation area, forming the backbone from which most roads branch off. A personal vehicle is necessary to explore the full extent of LBL. The Golden Pond Visitor Center at the intersection of US 68 and The Trace serves as the main orientation point.

• Elk and Bison Prairie — A 700-acre enclosure north of the Golden Pond Visitor Center, restored to pre-settlement habitat. View herds of bison and elk from a 3.5-mile vehicle loop. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

• Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium — At US 68 and The Trace, ☎+1 270 924-2233. Open 9AM-5PM year-round (except major holidays). Information on all aspects of LBL, plus planetarium shows and star parties.

• The Homeplace — A working 19th-century history farm, 12 miles south of Golden Pond on The Trace. Open daily April-October, 10AM-5PM. Showcases mid-1800s farming techniques and home life.

• Woodlands Nature Station — 8 miles north of Golden Pond, then 5 miles on Mulberry Flat Rd. Open daily April-October, 10AM-5PM. Experience different wildlife and ecosystems; five hiking trails begin here.

• Hiking — Over 200 miles of trails, including the 58-mile North South Trail spanning the entire length of LBL, the 26-mile Fort Henry National Recreation Trail, and the popular Canal Loop Trail with spectacular lake views.

• Fishing — Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley combined offer nearly 220,000 acres of water. All applicable state fishing licenses are required.

• Biking — Many miles of paved and unpaved roads, plus the Canal Loop and North South trails. The 11-mile Central Hardways Scenic Trail connects both lakes along US 68.

• Horseback Riding — Over 100 miles of horse trails with Wranglers Campground designed for horse camping.

• OHV Riding — The Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area offers over 100 miles of trails. OHV permits and liability waivers required.

• Water Activities — Boating, canoeing, and kayaking on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Canoe rentals available at the Woodlands Nature Station and Lake Energy Campground.

Other than vending machines, there are no eating establishments within the recreation area. Visitors should bring their own food or plan to eat in nearby communities such as Grand Rivers, Benton, or Cadiz.

No beverage services are available within the recreation area. Grand Rivers, at the northern tip of LBL, has restaurants and bars where alcohol is served. Plan to bring your own drinks for camping and day trips.

Budget: Multiple campgrounds throughout LBL, including developed and primitive options. Camping fees vary by facility. Mid-range: LBL offers cabin rentals through the US Forest Service. Nearby communities like Grand Rivers and Benton have motels.

Gift shops are available at The Homeplace, welcome stations, the visitor center, and the Woodlands Nature Station.

• Paducah, Kentucky (30 min west) — National Quilt Museum and vibrant riverfront arts scene.
• Nashville, Tennessee (2 hrs south) — Music City with world-class dining and entertainment.
• Land Between the Lakes: Elk and Bison Prairie — Within LBL, the prairie drive is a highlight.
• Fort Donelson National Battlefield (across the Cumberland River in Tennessee) — Civil War history and the site of Grant's first major victory.