Land Between The Lakes Hiking Trails
Land Between The Lakes Hiking Trails
Introduction
Located in western Kentucky and Tennessee, the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area is a vast and beautiful region that features hiking trails, lakes, forests, and wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a history buff, there’s something for everyone in this stunning area.
Top Attractions
The Land Between The Lakes area is home to many top attractions, such as the Woodlands Nature Station, the Elk and Bison Prairie, the Golden Pond Planetarium, and the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm.
Woodlands Nature Station
The Woodlands Nature Station is a wildlife rehabilitation center that features live animals, exhibits, and educational programs. Visitors can see native animals such as owls, eagles, bobcats, and snakes up close.
Elk and Bison Prairie
The Elk and Bison Prairie is a 700-acre enclosure that is home to herds of elk and bison. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the prairie and observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Golden Pond Planetarium
The Golden Pond Planetarium is a state-of-the-art facility that offers educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and space science. Visitors can explore the universe through immersive shows and interactive exhibits.
Homeplace 1850s Working Farm
The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm is a living history museum that depicts the daily life of a mid-19th century farm family. Visitors can see costumed interpreters perform chores and trades such as blacksmithing, weaving, and cooking.
Hidden Gems
The Land Between The Lakes area is also home to many hidden gems that are off the beaten path. These include the Canal Loop Trail, the Smith Bay Trail, the Backcountry Camping Area, and the Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area.
Canal Loop Trail
The Canal Loop Trail is a 4.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a historic canal and locks system. The trail features interpretive signs that explain the history and engineering of the canal.
Smith Bay Trail
The Smith Bay Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a beautiful forest and along the shore of Kentucky Lake. The trail offers great views of the lake and opportunities for birdwatching.
Backcountry Camping Area
The Backcountry Camping Area is a secluded and primitive camping area that is only accessible by hiking or paddling. Visitors can camp in the wilderness and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.
Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area
The Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts. The area features more than 100 miles of trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other vehicles.
Food Scene
The Land Between The Lakes area offers a variety of dining options, from local favorites to international cuisine. Some of the top restaurants include the Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant, the Brass Lantern Restaurant, and the Fat Daddy’s BBQ.
Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant
The Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in southern-style catfish dishes. The restaurant also offers other seafood options, as well as burgers and sandwiches.
Brass Lantern Restaurant
The Brass Lantern Restaurant is a casual dining spot that offers a mix of American and international cuisine. The restaurant features a cozy atmosphere and a full bar.
Fat Daddy’s BBQ
Fat Daddy’s BBQ is a popular barbecue joint that serves up delicious smoked meats, sides, and desserts. The restaurant also has a bar and live music on the weekends.
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Land Between The Lakes area offers many budget-friendly activities and accommodations. Some tips for saving money include camping instead of staying in hotels, packing your own food, and taking advantage of free attractions.
Camping
The Land Between The Lakes area has many campgrounds that offer affordable rates and beautiful views. Visitors can choose from primitive campsites, RV parks, and cabins.
Packing Your Own Food
Bringing your own food and cooking equipment can help you save money on dining. Most campgrounds have picnic tables and grills, and some cabins have full kitchens.
Free Attractions
Many of the top attractions in the Land Between The Lakes area are free or have minimal admission fees. Visitors can explore the hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and historical sites without spending a lot of money.
Outdoor Adventures
The Land Between The Lakes area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor adventures include hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
The Land Between The Lakes area has more than 200 miles of hiking trails that offer a variety of terrain and scenery. Visitors can choose from short nature walks to strenuous backpacking trips.
Fishing
Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley offer some of the best fishing in the region. Visitors can catch a variety of fish such as bass, crappie, and catfish.
Boating and Kayaking
Both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley offer opportunities for boating and kayaking. Visitors can rent boats and kayaks, or bring their own.
Wildlife Viewing
The Land Between The Lakes area is home to a variety of wildlife such as deer, elk, bison, eagles, and ospreys. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat by hiking or driving through the wildlife viewing areas.
Historical Landmarks
The Land Between The Lakes area has a rich history that is preserved in many historical landmarks and sites. Some of the top historical attractions include the Fort Donelson National Battlefield, the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, and the Civil War Discovery Trail.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
The Fort Donelson National Battlefield is a historic site that commemorates the Civil War battle that took place in 1862. Visitors can explore the battlefield, the cemetery, and the museum.
Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
The Jefferson Davis State Historic Site is a memorial to the Confederate president who was born in Kentucky. The site features a 351-foot obelisk that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Civil War Discovery Trail
The Civil War Discovery Trail is a self-guided driving tour that takes visitors to many historical sites and landmarks related to the Civil War. The trail covers more than 500 miles and includes sites in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Land Between The Lakes area offers many activities that are fun for the whole family. Some of the top family-friendly activities include the Elk and Bison Prairie, the Woodlands Nature Station, and the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
The Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is a family-friendly destination that offers many activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and golfing. The park also has a marina and a restaurant.
Woodlands Nature Station
The Woodlands Nature Station is a great place for kids to learn about nature and wildlife. The center offers educational programs, live animal exhibits, and interactive displays.
Elk and Bison Prairie
The Elk and Bison Prairie is a popular attraction for families because of the opportunity to see these large animals up close. Families can take a self-guided tour of the prairie and observe the animals in their natural habitat.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Land Between The Lakes area offers many opportunities for off-the-beaten-path experiences. Some of the top off-beat activities include the Maggie’s Jungle Golf and Arcade, the Hillman Ferry Campground Observatory, and the Bison Photo Safari.
Maggie’s Jungle Golf and Arcade
Maggie’s Jungle Golf and Arcade is a unique attraction that offers mini-golf, arcade games, and a jungle-themed environment. The attraction is fun for all ages.
Hillman Ferry Campground Observatory
The Hillman Ferry Campground Observatory is a stargazing destination that offers free public viewing sessions. Visitors can see the stars, planets, and other celestial objects through telescopes and binoculars.
Bison Photo Safari
The Bison Photo Safari is a guided tour that takes visitors through the Elk and Bison Prairie to observe and photograph the bison and elk herds. The tour includes a professional photographer and a picnic lunch.
Natural Wonders
The Land Between The Lakes area is home to many natural wonders, such as the Cedar Pond Wildlife Viewing Area, the Hematite Lake Trail, and the Golden Pond Target Range and Archery Park.
Cedar Pond Wildlife Viewing Area
