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The Tennessee Valley Authority dammed the Tennessee River in 1944, and in 1959. When the Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Cumberland River, a pristine peninsula was formed between the two.
In 1961, the federal government earmarked the peninsula for recreation and the Land Between The Lakes (LBL) was born. The U.S. Forest Service now manages the National Recreation Area.
This recreation area in western Kentucky and Tennessee has 170,000 acres of hills and oak forests, 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 250,000 acres of water.
There are three lakefront campgrounds and numerous primitive campsites scattered along the shoreline. In addition, Wranglers Campground, designed specifically for horseback riding campers, offers stalls, rustic shelters and guided rides. Riders have access to nearly 100 miles of horse trails.
Land Between The Lakes offers two mountain biking routes, also open to hikers: the 30-mile North/South Trail and 14-mile Canal Loop. Bike touring is popular on paved scenic drives and along backwoods roads.
Visitors can also explore about 100 miles of designated trails in Turkey Bay, an off-highway vehicle area that offers a variety of terrains and skill levels.
Kayaking also is popular; rentals are available outside Land Between The Lakes.
Bald eagles, deer, wild turkeys, elk and bison are some of the peninsula's wildlife. A 3.5-mile scenic loop drive leads visitors through the 700-acre Elk & Bison Prairie.
Land Between The Lakes also features a nature center, planetarium and living history farm, open from March to November. Contact the recreation area for a calendar of events including wildlife-viewing expeditions, guided canoe trips, festivals, mountain bike races and other special offerings throughout the year.
Fees are charged at some facilities.
Outdoor Activities |
The beautiful Land Between The Lakes.
Aerial view of the Land Between The Lakes in western Kentucky and Tennessee.
Hikers explore Land Between The Lakes in autumn.
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