Land Between the lakes (LBL) is an enormous rolling woodland playground nestled between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, in western Kentucky. For mountain biking, the highlights of LBL are the Canal Loop and the North South Trail.

The Land Between the Lakes is a federal recreation area managed by the US Forest Service. It covers 170,000 acres of land between Kentucky Lake to the west and Lake Barkley to the east. The recreation area was formed in 1963 by President Kennedy, as a demonstration of how an area with limited timber resources could be converted to a recreation asset generating more economic growth. The experiment was a success, as the LBL region brings in more than $600 million in tourism income per year. LBL is currently the second largest forested tract of public land east of the Mississippi River.

Quick Facts:
- 170,000 acres
- 2 million annual visitors
- $600 million in tourism
- Campgrounds
- Horseback Riding
- Planetarium and Observatory
- 22 Lake Access Areas with boat ramps
- 6 Swimming Beaches
- OHV (4x4) Area
- Elk and Bison Preserve
- 1300 Species of Plants
- 240+ Birds species, including Bald Eagles
- 53 Mammal species

Mountain Biking Trails

Canal Loop
A 14.2 mile loop at the far northern end of LBL. The loop spans LBL and has sections along both lakes.

North-South Trail
A stellar 31 mile point-to-point trail that rolls through hardwood forests along the shore of Kentucky Lake.

These two trails are adjacent to each other and can be combined to make an epic 45 mile ride.

Getting There

From Paducah, KY:
Head east on I-24 to the Grand Rivers exit (Exit 31). Head South on Hwy 453 through Grand River, over the Canal and onto the Trace. You'll soon reach the North Entrance Station visitor center (restrooms and water). This is the northern terminus of the North-South trail and the trailhead for the Canal Loop.

From Nashville, TN:
Take I-24 west into Kentucky. Continue on I-24 for about 60 miles, to the Grand Rivers exit (Exit 31). Head South on Hwy 453 through Grand River, over the Canal and onto the Trace. You'll soon reach the North Entrance Station visitor center (restrooms and water). This is the northern terminus of the North-South trail and the trailhead for the Canal Loop.

Red Tape

There is no fee to enter or ride at LBL. See Camping, below, for campground fees.

Camping

Campgrounds at Land Between the Lakes

HILLMAN FERRY
March 1-Nov 30
Basic - $12.00
Electric - $16.00
Water - $20.00
Sewer - $24.00

PINEY
March 1-Nov 30
Basic - $12.00
Electric - $16.00
Sewer - $24.00

ENERGY LAKE
March 1-Nov 30
Basic - $12.00
Electric - $16.00

WRANGLERS
Open Year-Round
Basic - $12.00
Electric - $16.00
Water - $20.00
Sewer - $24.00

CAMPING AREAS
Open Year-Round
Rushing Creek, Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay, Cravens Bay, Gatlin Point:
Basic - $8.00
(Multiple night discount available)

Fenton:
Basic - $8.00
Electric - $12.00
(Multiple night discount available)

CAMPING SHELTERS
DEPOSITS & FEES: For reservations call 1-877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov. An advance deposit of a minimum of two night's camping fee plus a non-refundable reservation fee is required.
Piney Campground Shelters:
$32 per night Mar 1 - Nov 30
Wranglers Campground Shelters:
$32 (Sleeps 4) Year-round
$52 (Sleeps 8) Year-round

Shelters Include:
Inside: One double bed & one bunk bed (Piney) and one double bed with either one or three bunk beds (Wranglers), ceiling fan with light, small table, folding chairs or benches, and electrical outlets.

OUTSIDE: Porch, fire ring and picnic table. Restroom/shower buildings and outpost supply center are located in campground.

External Links

Land Between the Lakes Official Site

Area Map