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Land Between The Lakes John Mahler

Welcome to Land Between The Lakes

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is a 170,000-acre outdoorsmen's paradise between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in western Kentucky and Tennessee.

This natural playground not only features vast forests, open lands and streams. Adventurers will also discover attractions , camping , trails , wildlife and historical exhibits and much more. Families enjoy the diverse educational and recreational facilities such as the Woodlands Nature Station and the Homeplace 1850s .

Situated on a large peninsula surrounded by the nation's largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico, you can enjoy a weekend of fishing , boating , dining and soaking in the sun as you relax at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

So start making plans for your next vacation to Land Between The Lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley!

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LBL Attractions

Land Between The Lakes is full of fun-filled, family-friendly attractions.

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• Elk & Bison Prairie
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• Turkey Bay OHV Area

There's always something going on in and around Land Between the Lakes.

June 13, 2024

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Discover Wildlife

Elk and bison can be seen at the Elk & Bison Prairie in Land Between The Lakes. Drive through this scenic, enclosed area for your chance to see these magnificent creatures up-close and personal. You might even have to stop and wait for these guys to get out of the road!

Throughout LBL, deer, osprey, beaver, migratory birds and bald eagles can be seen in addition to numerous other native wildlife.  The Woodlands Nature Station features many live animal exhibits and programs for the enjoyment of wildlife enthusiasts.

Travel The Trails

If you're looking for trails, we have them - hiking , biking , horseback riding , ATV and water trails . Dozens of miles of hiking trails are scattered throughout the recreation area. Biking adventures will enjoy several challenging trails through the park. Horseback riding trails are quite popular in the Wrangler's Camp area.

Over 2,500 acres are set aside for OHV riding in LBL. And most recently, water trails for paddlers have been established along the shores of Land Between The Lakes.

Experience History

The Civil War was fought on lands in southern LBL, home to the former site of Fort Henry. Iron furnaces from the 1800s are located here with self-guided tours available at Center Furnace. The Homeplace 1850s is a working, living history farm with exhibits, interpreters and demonstrations of live in the mid-19th century.

Cemeteries, the remains of home sites and communities are scattered throughout the numerous back roads of Land Between The Lakes.

Explore The Lakes

Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are on each side of Land Between The Lakes, featuring more than 340 square miles of water for fishing, boating and recreation. Dozens of boat ramps dot each side of the lakes. Pontoons, fishing boats, house boats, jet skis, water toys and other rentals are available for anyone who wants to spend time on the lake.

Several resorts and other accommodations are located just across the water from LBL. Over 200 restaurants are within a short drive of LBL as well as a great selection of attractions the entire family can enjoy.

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About Kentucky Lake

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Learn About Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Dam creates the largest manmade lake in the eastern United States - Kentucky Lake! The dam backs up the Tennessee River for 184 miles and creates the lake that stretches south across the western tip of Kentucky and nearly the entire height of Tennessee. At maximum normal operating level, Kentucky Lake covers 160,300 acres and features 2,300 miles of shoreline.

More important than the project's size are the jobs it performs. Kentucky Dam is the spigot that TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) uses to help control floods on the lower Ohio and Mississippi rivers; it is the gateway to the Tennessee River waterway and is a major generating plant in the TVA power system.

Construction of Kentucky Dam

The huge job of building Kentucky Dam took six years from the start of construction on July 1, 1938, until the reservoir began filling on August 30, 1944. At the peak of construction TVA had nearly 5,000 men at work building the dam and preparing the reservoir area.

To provide a dry river bed for construction, huge cofferdams were built in three stages, starting on the east side and working to the west embankment.

The first stage enclosed 26 acres for workers to construct the navigation lock. In the second stage, 40 acres were enclosed for constructing the powerhouse and 9 of the spillway bays. The third stage enclosed about 30 acres for completion of the remaining spillway bays.

The impact Kentucky Dam would have on flood control and commercial navigation was foreseen by TVA designers. Electrical generation was not a top priority in the original design; but today's generators contribute about 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year for TVA's power system.

The dam, which is more than a mile long and rises 206 feet above its foundation, required 1,356,000 cubic yards of concrete and 5,582,000 cubic yards of earth and rockfill. The project cost about $118 million.

Kentucky Dam Allows Flood Control

The Tennessee River is the nation's fifth largest river within the lower 48 states in terms of flow. Kentucky Dam is just 22 miles upstream from Paducah, Kentucky where the Tennessee River flows into the Ohio. Water from the 40,200 square mile Tennessee Valley passes through the dam.

This strategic location and the vast flood storage capacity of Kentucky Lake make it possible for Kentucky Dam to reduce or even temporarily shut off the flow of water from the Tennessee to help lower flood crests on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

With the other dams in the TVA system, it helps provide flood protection to 6 million acres of land in the lower Ohio and Mississippi valleys and reduces the frequency of flooding on another 4 million acres. In the many years since Kentucky Dam was completed, this flood regulation has reduced damages in those areas by millions of dollars.

Projects to improve navigation conditions on the lower Tennessee River began shortly after the Civil War, but it was Kentucky Dam and lock which finally provided a first-order channel for today's big inland towboats and barges.

Kentucky Lake is the first step in a stairway of navigable TVA lakes that allow modern 9-foot draft vessels to travel the 650-mile-long main river the year round. Since impoundment of Kentucky Lake in 1945, completing this waterway and linking the Tennessee Valley with the 21 state inland waterway system, freight traffic on the Tennessee has grown from 2 million tons a year to more than 31 million tons.

The lock, at the eastern end of the dam, handles more than 2,000 loaded barges a month. This normally requires lifts of about 55 feet between the river below the dam and the lake behind it. A river tow bound upstream may carry steel from the north, grain from the midwest, or petroleum products, chemicals, or ores from the Gulf Coast.

Down-bound tows carry a variety of Tennessee Valley products to other regions, including nuclear reactor vessels too large to travel overland.

Power Generation

The five turbine-generators in Kentucky Dam powerhouse have a total capacity of 175,000 kilowatts. They harness the river's flow to generate up to 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.

Some of this water comes from the river's headwaters and already has helped to spin turbines at a dozen other TVA dams as it flows a thousand winding miles down the Tennessee Valley.

Kentucky Lake is a magnet for vacationers and fishermen from a wide area of mid-America, with recreation use amounting to some 17 million visits each year. Along its nearly 2,300 miles of cove-studded shoreline are many boat docks and resorts , several state parks , the Tennessee National Wildlife refuge, 48 public access areas, many county parks and municipal parks, state wildlife management areas, a dozen group camps and clubs, nearly 100 commercial recreation areas, and three small wildlife areas.

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Kentucky Lake

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Kentucky Lake is in the Western Waterlands of Kentucky and the West Tennessee region of Tennessee .

Kentucky Lake was built during World War II by the Tennessee Valley Authority to generate electricity, to control flooding on the Tennessee River and create a recreational paradise.

Cities and towns

• 36.8553 -88.3542 1 Benton
• 36.7767 -88.1442 2 Aurora
• 37.033056 -88.349444 3 Calvert City
• 37.0047 -88.2317 4 Grand Rivers
• 37.0244 -88.2997 5 Gilbertsville
• 36.6094 -88.3156 6 Murray
• 36.301111 -88.313889 7 Paris

There are four major routes providing access to the lake. I-24 and US 62 provide access to the north. US 68 runs through the central part of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and US 79 provides access to the south.

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With 160,000 acres (64,000 ha) of water and 2,380 miles (4,000 km) of shoreline you can fish, ski, tube, kayak, sail, jet ski, drag race, and relax on the lake. Kentucky Lake is the second largest man-made lake in the U.S. and the area offers a variety of restaurants, many antique stores, go-cart riding, championship golf courses, miniature golf courses, biking, hiking, nature viewing, music shows, and festivals. Fish for catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sauger, stripers, and large and smallmouth bass, or enjoy hunting throughout the area.

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Did you know that Kentucky Lake, together with Lake Barkley, form the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico? With hundreds of miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of space for anglers, casual boaters and weekend water adventures to share!

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13 Things To Do Around Kentucky Lake, The South's Very Own Great Lake

Sarah McCosham

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.

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Here in Kentucky, when we want to relax, we head to the lake. And while there are many, many lakes in The Bluegrass State, the eponymous Kentucky Lake is the ultimate destination. Often referred to as “The South’s Great Lake,” it’s the largest man-made lake in the eastern U.S. It’s two miles wide and backs up the Tennessee River for 184 miles, from western Kentucky down through Tennessee. It’s so massive that there’s no land in sight when you look down the middle of it; it’s as if you’re looking out into the open seas… but you’ve never left Kentucky. With so much to do and see, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things to do around Kentucky Lake, so you can start planning your next lakeside adventure!

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So who’s ready for a little vacation at The South’s Great Lake? We sure are! What are your favorite things to do around Kentucky Lake? If you have any other must-visit destinations, be sure to pass those along in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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You don't have to be a seasoned spelunker to see some serious cavern - steer for Mammoth Cave National Park, a cave system that shelters several hundred miles of subterranean tunnels, some of which can be seen on a guided tour.

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Our Vacation and Travel Guide provides complete information on all the major tourist destinations in Kentucky, including all major cities, National Parks, State Parks, Recreation Areas, and more.

Please use the interactive map below to start exploring travel destinations in Kentucky. Scroll down for a list of Kentucky destinations, or open up a complete list of all Kentucky destinations in a Movable Pop-up Box .

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14 Of The Most Beautiful Spots To Visit In Kentucky

H ome to flourishing jungles, magnificent rivers, and picturesque towns, Kentucky’s breathtaking beauty makes it one of the perfect US destinations, especially for summer travel . From the Appalachian Mountains on its east side to its Horse Country, the world’s horse capital, the Bluegrass state is brimming with specular attractions that will definitely leave tourists in awe! Have a camera ready, take a trip to this state, and experience its majesty. Whether one is looking a natural scenery, an incredible city view, or historic settings, these 10 of the most beautiful spots to visit in Kentucky guarantee unforgettable trips.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Places For A Summer Vacation In Kentucky

UPDATE: 2023/07/10 23:41 EST BY QUINTER AUMA

Most Beautiful Spots To Visit In Kentucky

Kentucky is a beautiful state, and boasts some of the most picturesque places in the U.S. This article was updated to add more breathtaking places to explore in the state. It also added more valuable information, including a few tips in between the entries to help vacationers make the most of their visit.

The Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Home to one of the abandoned places in the to see in the U.S. national parks , the Blue Heron mining site, the Big South Fork National River, and Recreation Area is a perfect spot for visitors looking for opportunities to connect with nature. Nestled in the northeastern side of the state, in the Cumberland Plateau, the place comes with several outdoor activities, including rock climbing, hiking, rafting, camping, and horseback riding.

Travelers are bound to find numerous natural bridges in this region and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding.

Covering 125, 000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, the Big South Fork National River, and Recreation Area boasts several miles of breathtaking gorges and other rich historical features worth noticing.

• Space covered: 125,000 acres of Cumberland Plateau

The Big South Fork National River is home to the Blue Heron, one of the abandoned mining sites to explore in the U.S. If exploring the neglected places in the country, one should also check some of the U.S. abandoned sites to see on a road trip .

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area

Mounted between Kentucky and Tennessee, this spot was designated a national recreation area in 1963 , and is never short of things to see and do.

From incredible hiking trails to scenic drives to fantastic wildlife, including bison and elk, there is something for everyone in this gorgeous region. The recreation area offers one of the eastern United States' largest blocks of rugged forest.

The family-friendly destination offers travelers incredible access to magnificent lakes, picnicking, fishing, water sports, and boating, among others.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the U.S., covers over 708, 000 acres running through Kentucky’s 21 counties. The park uniquely features beautiful gorges, cliffs, streams, and rivers that together make up its varied terrain.

The other notable feature in this park is the Natural Bridge, standing 65 ft high, and stretching 75 ft long.

The park offers several outdoor opportunities, including numerous miles of hiking trails, backpacking, and climbing. Stretching for 273 miles, Sheltowee Trace is the largest hiking trail in the park.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

With some of the most beautiful vistas, incredible history, breathtaking scenery, spectacular caverns, and amazing wildlife, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Kentucky.

Offering more than 70 miles of hiking trails, visiting this park comes with plenty of opportunities for discovering the wild areas of the state.

The Wilderness Road Trail, one of the best hikes one can do in the U.S. , allows tourists to take in the history of Kentucky, as they walk in the footsteps of Native Americans, the first inhabitants of the place, and soldiers that fought in the civil war.

Related: Why Kentucky's Cumberland Gap Is A National Park Worth Visiting

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park offers a lot to explore, including unique rock formations, gorgeous underground caverns, and some of the most incredible fauna and flora. During a trip to the park, vacationers shouldn't miss the Hensley Settlement, which gives a glimpse of the 20-th century lifestyle.

Cumberland Falls

Also known as the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls is proof that Kentucky is one of America's most gorgeous states. Measuring 68 ft tall, this is probably the only place where travelers can easily spot moonbows on regularly.

The best time for seeing the Cumberland Waterfalls moonbows is between dusk and midnight. Part of the Cumberland Falls State Park, where several hiking trails and other waterfalls surrounding are nothing but a feast for the eyes.

• Waterfall height: 68 feet

Mammoth Cave

One of the world's longest caves with a lot to offer , Mammoth Cave, is among the most stunning places to explore in Kentucky. Having been wandered by travelers for more than 4,000 years, Mammoth Cave is easily one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions.

Within the cave, travelers will find some bats enjoying the darkness it offers. While the cave system is the Mammoth Cave National Park’s major draw, there are miles of beautiful trails in the region to explore.

This park is also a perfect place for wildlife viewing, and vacationers are likely to spot black bears and several species of birds.

Breaks Interstate Park

Also referred to as the Grand Canyon of the South, this park hosts the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi, Russel Fork Gorge, and the most convenient way to get there is by following Virginia State Route 80.

Lying both in Kentucky and Virginia, this place is an outdoor adventurers’ paradise, boasting 25 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birding.

There is a zip line within the park offering breathtaking views of the gorge.

• Cost of entrance: $3 per car, and $10 per bus (with 15 or more passengers)
• Number of hiking trails: 25

Kentucky State Capitol

Located in the city of Frankfort, Kentucky State Capitol is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Kentucky, thanks to its outstanding architecture. It is the house of the three government branches, the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Constructed in 1837, the building has served as the home of the state’s General Assembly from 1830 to 1910.

Featuring incredible decorative murals, the state's dignitaries' sculptures, and 70 iconic columns, the Kentucky State Capital is spectacular and shouldn't miss on a bucket list for exploring the state.

• Year built: 1837

Louisville’s Olmsted Parks

Lying on the Ohio River's banks, Louisville has plenty of things to do , including beautiful parks, some of which, are the most iconic in the country. The city's Olmsted Parks are some of its most gorgeous places to explore, especially in the summer.

When exploring the big city, travelers can always escape to Iroquois, Cherokee, Seneka, or Shawnee Parks, away from the hustle and bustle of the town. These parks offer a bunch of recreational activities, including hiking, playing tennis, and mountain biking.

The Olmsted Parks Conversancy is responsible for improving, restoring, and preserving the designated Olmsted Parks.

Red River Gorge

Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is known for its natural stone arches and for being a world-famous destination for rock climbing and hiking.

Because it hosts unique rock formations and sandstone cliffs, the Red River Gorge is a national geological area.

The gorge's natural beauty is spectacular, and is a perfect spot for a family getaway, thanks to the amazing recreation opportunities and incredible accommodation options between the woods.

Related: Here's A Full Guide To Planning A Day Trip From Lexington To Red River Gorge

Dog Slaughter Falls

Dog Slaughter is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Kentucky, and among the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the U.S. Standing at a height of 15 feet, it is definitely one of the most picturesque spots in the state and guarantees epic travel experiences for adventurous tourists. The Dog Slaughter Falls Trail offers breathtaking views of the falls, and an opportunity to marvel at the natural scenery of the surrounding. The hike is rated as moderately challenging, and a perfect place to take dogs for some strolls. Any trip to Kentucky can’t be complete without exploring this waterfall.

• Waterfall height: 15 feet
• The trail for getting to the waterfall: Dog Slaughter Falls Trail
• Hike difficulty: Moderately challenging

Dog Slaughter Falls Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Kentucky, which means it will be crowded, especially during the high season. But since the trail is open year-round, vacationers can explore it when it's less crowded.

The Appalachians

The Appalachians used to be as expansive as the iconic Rocky Mountains and the Alps, but it is still among the most beautiful places one can visit in the United States and among the must-have travel experiences at least once in a lifetime. Covering a space of about 2,000 miles, the Appalachian region is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the U.S., and while the Kentucky side of the region doesn't have the highest peaks, it is incredibly gorgeous and definitely worth exploring.

• Space covered by the Appalachians: 2,000 miles

Fairmount Falls

Standing at a height of 40 feet, Fairmount Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kentucky to visit in the summer . It’s no wonder it entices many tourists from different places who come to witness its glory. Vacationers can explore it any time of the year, thanks for having a less-strenuous. While it's a hidden gem of Louisville, it's definitely worth including on one's bucket list. It is one of the most affordable U.S. summer vacations not to miss in Kentucky. Even in winter, one can still enjoy a quick escape to this gorgeous natural attraction. One won't need to be in the cold for a very long time.

• Waterfall height: 40 feet

Kentucky Lake

Expanding over 160,000 acres of space, Kentucky Lake is one of the most beautiful and largest artificial lakes in the U.S. The sunset views from this lake are some of the most breathtaking and guarantee beautiful experiences for vacationers. Marveling at the gorgeous oranges, reds, and yellows is fulfilling, and photography enthusiasts can take some of the best memories of Kentucky. Some of the spots for catching the best sunsets over Kentucky Lake include the Marina at Lighthouse Landing and a scenic drive along Kentucky Lake Drive.

• Space covered: 160,000 acres
• Where to enjoy the best sunsets over Kentucky Lake: the Marina at Lighthouse Landing and a scenic drive along the Kentucky Lake Drive

Kentucky's Lake Cumberland makes list for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award

This body of water in Kentucky is gaining national recognition after making the list for best lake in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

According to a news release from the network, Kentucky's Lake Cumberland ranked in the top ten for best lake. Here's what to know about the rankings.

USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards See how Kentucky attractions ranked in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award

Best lake in Kentucky

The best lake in Kentucky, according to results from the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, is Lake Cumberland. Lake Cumberland is a reservoir encompassing Kentucky counties like Clinton, Russell, Wayne, and more, according to Kentucky State Parks. It spans more than 60,000 acres of water with over 1,200 miles of shoreline.

Best lakes in the U.S.

Below are the rankings from the USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

• Lake Erie (New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania)
• Geneva Lake (Wisconsin)
• Lake Superior (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin)
• Lake Michigan (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin)
• Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada)
• Big Bear Lake (California)
• Lake Coeur d'Alene (Idaho)
• Lake Champlain (New York and Vermont)
• Lake Austin (Texas)
• Lake Cumberland (Kentucky)