Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Guide

Have you been to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) before?

It’s a very large National Recreation Area located in Kentucky and Tennessee. It was initially created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and eventually turned into the hands of the US Forest Service, which now manages it.

There is hiking, scenic driving, camping, biking, ATVing, nature viewing, and, of course, quite a bit of water activities.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you can do when visiting Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area so that you can start enjoying it today.

 

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area History & Information

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is a 171,280-acre National Recreation Area located in Kentucky and Tennessee between Lake Barkley and the Kentucky Lake.

It was designated a National Recreation Area in the 1960s by the Kennedy administration.

The area was originally managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which constructed dams to make the lakes. It was later transferred to and is now managed by the US Forest Service.

The area offers day and overnight outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, camping, jeeps, cycling, equestrian activities, water activities, and nature viewing.

The history of this area, though, is rather dark.

Before it was managed by the TVA, it was home to various communities and even had some Civil War activity at one time.

During the Great Depression, President FDR established the New Deal. This tasked the TVA with constructing dams to help control flooding and generate electricity for Tennessee. The project would provide much-needed jobs in the area.

In order to go through with the project, TVA used eminent domain to force nearly 800 people from their homes. The homes were destroyed, and entire communities were wiped off the map. Some residents were outraged, while others gladly accepted the money to get out of the rural and poorer areas.

There are still remnants of old home sites and communities left behind, including structures, old cemeteries, and historical markers indicating where churches and schools once stood.

Today, the entire acreage of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is public land, with no private land mixed in.

 

How to Get to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

There are multiple ways into Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

You can reach the northernmost portion of the area through Kentucky-453 through Grand Rivers.

Kentucky-80 (West from Fenton and East from Canton) will get you into the middle of the National Recreation Area.

US-79 from Dover, Tennessee, will get you into the southernmost portion of the area.

Those traveling from Southern Illinois and the Paducah, Kentucky, area can best access the area from KY-453 in Grand Rivers.

Once in the National Recreation Area, KY-453 will eventually turn into TN-49. The road within the area is known as The Trace. It is roughly 45 miles in length and is a two-lane striped road that is paved all the way through.

You could reach The Trace and travel through by vehicle and bicycle.

 

What to do at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

There is a lot to do at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

 

Hiking and Backpacking

There are ample opportunities for day hiking and even overnight backpacking at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

There are hiking trails of all different lengths and difficulties to choose from. These trails include:

• Hematite Lake Trail: An easy 2.2-mile loop trail that goes around Hematite Lake near the Woodlands Nature Station. This trail is designated for hikers only.
• Long Creek Trail: An easy 0.3-mile trail that is ADA-compliant. This trail is located near Long Creek and the Woodlands Nature Station. This is designated for hiking only.
• Honker Lake Trail: A moderately difficult 4.5-mile loop trail that goes around Honker Lake. This trail is designated for hiking only.
• North/South Trail: Some portions of this trail are easy, while others are moderately difficult. It is a point-to-point trail around 28 miles in length. This trail is designated for hiking, but some portions may be used by mountain bikers and equestrians.
• Canal Loop Trail: This is an approximately 14-mile (including connectors) hiking and mountain biking trail that is considered moderately rugged. Hikers and mountain bikers should share the trail.
• Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail: This is a moderately rugged 11-mile hiking and mountain biking trail. Hikers and mountain bikers should share the trail.
• Fort Henry Trail System: This trail system consists of around 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking designated trails. Please share the trail respectfully.
• Hillman Heritage Trail: This system of trails is approximately 5.5 miles long and includes hiking and biking trails. Please share the trails with other users.

Overnight backpacking is possible in some areas if a backcountry camping permit is acquired. The permit is required to overnight backpack. The maximum amount of time a person can backpack camp is 21 days. On the 22nd day, campers must move off the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area land.

Backcountry permits can be purchased at Visitor Centers. A three-day permit costs around $10, and a year permit costs $50.

Backpacking is not permitted in all areas. Please ask the Visitor Center personnel where you may backpack camp.

 

Road, Gravel, and Mountain Biking

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers ample opportunities for road, gravel, and mountain biking.

The Trace is 45 miles long and completely paved. You could road bike the entire route from Kentucky to Tennessee or vice versa. Please use caution, as shoulders don’t exist, and you’ll be sharing the road with motor vehicles.

There are numerous other paved roads within the National Recreation Area leading to Visitor Centers, campgrounds, and lake access points.

You could easily do a century ride within the boundaries of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area if you planned it right.

There are several hundred miles of gravel roads throughout the National Recreation Area. This makes the area perfect for gravel biking. One could even go bikepacking if they get a backcountry permit and ask about legal areas to camp with a bike.

There are numerous trails designated for mountain biking (and hiking), including:

• North/South Trail (31 miles/Point-to-Point)
• Canal Loop Trail (14 miles/Loop)
• Central Hardwoods Bike Trail (11 miles/Out and back)
• Fort Henry Bike Trail System (30 miles/Out and back)
• Hillman Heritage Trails (5.4 miles/Out and back)

Some of these trails may still be closed to cyclists due to significant tornado damage a few years ago. Please check in with the Visitor Centers to be informed of any trail closures.

There are not many sources of adequate drinking water around the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Please ensure that you bring plenty of water with you when cycling in the area. Hydration is critical to your safe enjoyment of the cycling environment at LBL.

 

Tent, Cabin, Equestrian, and RV Camping

There are many different opportunities and ways you can go camping at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

There are 4 developed campgrounds within the National Recreation Area, including:

• Hillman Ferry Campground (374 sites)
• Energy Campground (48 sites)
• Piney Campground (384 sites)
• Wranglers Campground (220 sites)

Basic camping at the campgrounds above costs around $16 a night, while 30-50 AMP electric/water/sewer camping costs between $26 and $40 a night, depending on what services you require.

Cabins are available at all four campgrounds for $75 a night. Each cabin can sleep up to 8 people.

Equestrian camping is only available at Wranglers Campground. The nightly rate for a horse stall is $10.

Additional fees may apply to more people, visitors using showers, golf cart use, and site changes.

There are numerous other basic and dispersed camping locations that you can enjoy. The nightly rates of each of these basic campgrounds are $10 (with the exception of Fenton and Turkey Bay OHV). These basic campgrounds include:

• Fenton (30 Amp Electric $22)
• Nickell Branch
• Sugar Bay
• Boswell Landing
• Cravens Bay
• Birmingham Ferry
• Taylor Bay
• Gatlin Point
• Turkey Bay OHV ($12)
• Smith Bay
• Redd Hollow

All campgrounds, whether developed or dispersed, are first come, first serve and cannot be reserved online at this time.

Some campgrounds feature general stores that sell firewood, ice, camping gear, food, and snacks.

 

Nature and Wildlife Viewing

You can easily observe wildlife around the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in any area that you visit.

However, there are a few areas that are designated for viewing wildlife in a controlled environment.

Woodlands Nature Station houses (indoor and outdoor) rescued wildlife that can no longer survive in the wild. This includes wolves, coyotes, bobcats, bald eagles, owls, snakes, frogs, and other animals. There are also pollinators present at this location. Admission starts at $10.

The Elk and Bison Prairie is a drive-through (no bikes or motorcycles) enclosure where you can witness elk and bison roaming throughout the area. This costs $5 per vehicle.

Honker Lake also provides wildlife viewing and birding. It was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A 4.5-mile trail loops around the lake, making it easy for walkers and hikers to access it. This area is free to visit.

Multiple wildlife refuges exist throughout the LBL area on both the Kentucky and Tennessee sides. These areas are good places to view various birds and other waterfowl.

Aside from the wildlife listed above, deer may be observed throughout the National Recreation Area. Please watch for them as you drive.

Larger predatory animals, such as bears and mountain lions, do not have a population at LBL. Still, they may occasionally pass through the area while looking for a home or a mate further south.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area protects wildlife. It is unlawful to collect, harm, harass, or handle most wildlife at LBL.

 

Jeep and Scenic Driving

There are said to be nearly 400 miles of roads within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Many of these roads are gravel or dirt. Most (unless gated or signed) allow motor vehicles to use them. Many will require a 4X4 vehicle, such as a Jeep or truck. Some have mud holes and vehicle-created erosion that makes them difficult to use.

Most of the roads throughout the LBL area are very scenic, offering views of the forest, water, and old things left behind, such as home sites and cemeteries.

Driving the backroads of LBL makes for a great time when the temperature outside is really hot.

 

Equestrian Riding and Camping

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers nearly 100 miles of horseback riding trails.

Camping is available at Wranglers Campground with more than 200 sites for basic and electric/water/sewer/horse stall units.

Some of the best trails for horseback riding at LBL include:

• Bear Creek Loop Trail (6.6 miles)
• North/South Trail (28 miles)
• Fords Bay (6.9 miles)
• Wranglers Campground Trail (8.5 miles)
• Tobacco Barn (12 miles)

Equestrian camping is first come first serve and may not be reserved online at this time.

 

ATV Riding and Camping

Turkey Bay is the only designated area where you can ride ATVs and OHVs within the boundaries of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

This area features multiple designated riding trails within around 2,500 acres. There are around 100 miles of trail designated for riding. You must stay on designated trails only. It is illegal to ride anywhere else outside of the designated trails.

Permits for one to three days are $20, and an annual permit is $100. Primitive basic camping is available (first come, first served) for $12 a night.

Protective gear, including a helmet, is required. Riders must be old enough to legally operate ATV/OHV vehicles.

Heavy rain and weather conditions could create closures in this area. Call ahead (270) 924-2000 before you visit to find out any important information.

 

Water Activities

There are numerous water activities within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Pontoons, jet skis, and other boats are common in the area.

Boat launching is available on both lakes.

For Lake Barkley:

• Nickell Branch Campground
• Demumbers Bay Camping Area
• Eddyville Ferry at the end of Old Ferry Road (FS road #117)
• Cravens Bay Self-Service Campground (2 ramps)
• Honker Bay (FS road #135)
• Taylor Bay Campground
• Energy Dam (two ramps, one for Energy Lake and the other for Lake Barkley)
• Devil’s Elbow Day-Use Area
• Fords Bay (FS road #347)
• Neville Bay Camping Area
• Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground

For Kentucky Lake:

• Twin Lakes Campground
• Pisgah Point Camping Area
• Birmingham Ferry Campground
• Smith Bay Campground
• Sugar Bay Campground
• Fenton Self-Service Campground
• Redd Hollow Campground
• End of FS road #172 (Jones Creek)
• Ginger Bay Camping Area
• Boswell Landing Campground
• Gray’s Landing Campground

The ramps at Hillman Ferry, Energy, and Piney Campgrounds are for campers only.

Kayaking and water trails are also abundant on both Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. You can even rent kayaks and canoes from the Woodlands Nature Station. Commercial rental services are available near the lakes in areas outside the LBL boundary.

The lakes allow for the full use of boat motors. Kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders who prefer calmer waters might want to float into the fingers around developed campgrounds for calmer waters.

Swimming beaches are available in some designated campgrounds such as Hillman Ferry, Piney, and Energy.

Swimming is also popular at Moss Creek Day Use Area and “The Sands.” Swimming in various parts of the lake is also popular but at your own risk.

Lifeguards are not present at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

 

Picnicking and Day Use

There are numerous picnicking and day-use areas within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

The best picnic and day-use areas include:

• South Welcome Station
• South Bison Range
• Cedar Pond
• Colson Overlook
• Golden Pond Visitor Center
• Jenny Ridge
• Hematite Lake
• Boarding House (pavilion located below the Nature Station)
• Moss Creek
• Star Camp
• North Welcome Station
• Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive

You can also picnic in other areas that are not designated as long as there are no restrictions or signs prohibiting it.

There are also six pavilions available throughout the National Recreation Area available for rent.

 

Sightseeing and Unique Locations

There are many sightseeing and unique locations to enjoy throughout the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

The Homeplace 1850s Farm ($7 admission) allows visitors to see what a working farm looked like in the 1850s. The area features period interpreters, farm animals, and educational experiences for people of all ages.

The Golden Pond Planetarium (admission starts at $7) features a 40-foot screen that shows various programs on space and the universe. There are also laser shows available. This is a great experience for both adults and children.

Center Furnace (free) features an authentic Iron Furnace and a short trail with educational informational signs.

Driving down many of the paves, gravel, and dirt roads will also lead you to more than 200 known cemeteries. You can also see old homesites and churches (some still standing) off the road or by taking a short hike.

The various smaller lakes, as well as Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, are also worth checking out.

 

Hunting and Fishing

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers ample opportunities for hunting and fishing.

See hunting season dates and permit information at this link.

Fishing is also available throughout the area. Please see the fishing rules and license information on this link.

Aside from designated hunting seasons, firearms are prohibited at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

 

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Official Locations

There are official locations to visit at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

There is a North Welcome Center located in Kentucky. You can purchase permits and gifts and get official information from these centers.

The Golden Pond Visitor Center is also available for buying gifts and permits and providing interpretive artifacts about the area.

The Friends of Land Between the Lakes assist in raising awareness, education, and money for the National Recreation Area. For more information and volunteering opportunities, call 270-924-2007.

US Forest Service Law Enforcement patrols the land between the lake and its national recreation area. To contact law enforcement, call 270-924-2196. For emergencies, call 911.

For all other information, call 800-525-7077.

 

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Rules and Safety

The following rules are enforced at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

1. Metal detectors are prohibited
2. Wildlife and plants are protected
3. Mushrooms, nuts, and berries may be picked
4. Motor vehicles are prohibited from using closed roads
5. All motor vehicles must be used by those who legally hold a license
6. Roads marked “cemetery use only” are permitted to cemetery visitors only
7. Blocking access to a road, trail, or gate is prohibited
8. The max speed on The Trace is 50 MPH
9. Vehicles and bicycles must share the road on The Trace
10. ATVs and OHVs are only allowed to be operated by licensed drivers at Turkey Bay
11. Biking is not permitted on trails and walkways that are designated for hiking/walking only
12. Golf carts are prohibited from all areas except Hillman Ferry, Cravens Bay, Energy, and Piney
13. Backcountry permits are required for overnight backpacking
14. See official camping regulations for each campground or area you wish to camp at
15. Fireworks are prohibited

Please take note of the following important safety information regarding your visit to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

• Ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies are present.
• LBL has two venomous snakes, including the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.
• Much of the area does not offer drinkable water sources. Please pack plenty of water.
• Wear sun protection when visiting the area, especially when on the water.
• Swim at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty.
• Use the roads at your own risk.
• Some areas may not have cell phone signal availability.
• Severe weather conditions can occur in this area.
• While crime is very low in this area, you should lock up any valuables in your car.
• Tell someone where you are going and try not to recreate alone.

Use common sense when visiting the National Recreation Area for both safety and following the rules, and you should be fine.

 

Communities Near the National Recreation Area

When visiting the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, you should also visit the various towns nearby.

Many of these communities have additional tourist activities, accommodation, and great places to eat.

Grand Rivers, Kentucky, is to the north of LBL, and Dover, Tennessee, is to the south of the area.

Grand Rivers, Kentucky, is among some of the best communities around LBL to visit. Visit Patti’s 1880s Settlement for amazing food, sweets, attractions, and shopping centers. Cabin Pizza and Craig’s Dairy Dream are also worth checking out. Lighthouse Landing is an area worth visiting for sightseeing and photography. Wood and Wave is your one-stop for cycling and water sports.

Dover, Tennessee, is also worth visiting if you’re in the southern portion of the National Recreation Area. Fort Donelson is an attraction worth visiting. The fort played a significant role during the American Civil War. There are multiple restaurants in Dover worth checking out, whether you want a burger, pizza, or something sweet.

Other communities are the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area worth exploring include:

• Calvert City, Kentucky
• Benton, Kentucky
• Murray, Kentucky
• Paducah, Kentucky
• Eddyville, Kentucky
• Cadiz, Kentucky
• Camden, Tennessee

Remember to shop local when visiting the communities around the National Recreation Area because many of these communities rely on visitor business.

 

Oddities and Legends Around the LBL Area

There are many different oddities, hidden gems, and even legends around Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Some of these may be interesting to check out for yourself, while others may be too terrifying.

Enjoy the many abandoned places around the LBL area, including over 200 cemeteries that may or may not be haunted. Remember to respect the graves at cemeteries and note that visiting is for day use only.

A few abandoned structures worth visiting are:

• The Silo Overlook
• Hotel California
• Vampire Hotel (structure has been torn down)
• Saint Stephen’s Church
• Cleo Griffin Home

Please remember to treat the abandoned places with care. Most of them are technically archeological artifacts. Spray painting is illegal no matter where you are within LBL.

And then there is the Beast of LBL.

I’m warned about this every time I publish a new video of the area. While I’ve never seen the beast or what most call “Dogman,” I’m told that it lurks in the area.

Every area has to have some kind of bigfoot story, right?

 

Final Thoughts About Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a great place to visit whether you want to hike, bike, camp, horseback ride, ATV, fish, or enjoy the lakes.

I highly recommend visiting. We like to go there and camp every chance we get.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with others. You can also support me by giving me a one-time tip for writing this guide or by becoming a monthly supporter.

I also encourage you to subscribe to my free monthly newsletter for more hiking tips, resources, and local events.

And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!

Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

Please Support Hiking with Shawn

Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. If you would be so kind enough to support my efforts, you can do so by sharing this post with others, especially on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for unique content that you will only find on those pages. You might also join my Southern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Group on Facebook, too!

You can also support me by becoming a Patreon Supporter for as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. Consider buying official Hiking with Shawn Merchandise as another way to support me. I spend a lot of money on Hiking with Shawn and because of extremely high public land permit fees, I make very little money in return so everything helps.

Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!