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Protected area in Kentucky and Tennessee, U.S.
Photo: http://www.terraprints.com, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is a United States national recreation area in Kentucky and Tennessee. Land Between the Lakes offers all the outdoor recreation "basics" with opportunities for environmental and historic interpretation. LBL has many hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, an off-road vehicle area, camping and drag boat racing.
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A 700-acre enclosure that has been restored to pre settlement habitat. Herds of Bison and Elk have been reintroduced and may be viewed from vehicles via a 3.5-mile loop. The Elk and Bison Prairie is open year round.
The Golden Pond Visitor Center should be considered a starting point for anyone new to the area. Information on all aspects of the recreation area can be found here. The Planetarium is open most of the year with the exception of late December. After hours star parties are often held in addition to the regularly scheduled exhibitions. The visitor center is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Operating hours may be limited between Christmas and New Years Day. The visitor center is open until 7PM from mid-May to early September.
A staffed visitor center at the north end of the Trace. The welcome station is open March 1 through November 30. The North Welcome station is open Monday through Friday in March and November and seven days a week from April through October.
A staffed visitor center at the south end of the Trace. The welcome station is open March 1 through November 30. The South Welcome station is open Monday through Friday in March and November and seven days a week from April through October.
A working history farm showcasing the farming techniques and home life of the mid-19th century. The Homeplace is open daily from April 1 to October 31. During March and November the farm is open W-Su. The Homeplace is closed to visitors from December 1 to the end of February.
The Woodlands Nature Station allows visitors to experience the different varieties of wildlife and ecosystems found within the recreation area. The nature station is open daily April 1 to October 31. During March and November the nature station is open Wednesday to Sunday. The Woodlands Nature Station is closed to visitors from December 1 to the end of February. Five hiking trails begin at the nature station.
Visitors to LBL are invited to practice target shooting at the Golden Pond Target Range, open from dawn till dusk year round. The Target Range is located just off of US HWY 68/KY 80. Two shooting ranges are available. A 175-yard rifle range and a 50 yard pistol range. An archery range is located on site as well. The range is closed from 8 to 11AM every Wednesday for maintenance.
In the central portion of LBL, Energy Lake offers 48 well-defined sites with 35 electrical hookups capable of handling tents or motor homes. Campers have access to a swimming and beach area, playground, activity field, canoe and kayak rentals, and hiking trails. The campground is open March 1 through November 30. Some campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance.
At the north end of LBL, Hillman Ferry Campground offers 378 well-defined sites capable of handling a variety of camping from tents to large motor homes. Basic, electric, water, and sewer sites are available. . Campers have access to modern facilities, including a large swimming area, archery range, ball field, bike trails, campfire amphitheater, hiking trails, two boat ramps, fishing dock, picnic tables, and fire rings. During the summer season, recreation programs are offered for all ages. Hillman Ferry Outpost offers camping supplies and rental services. While the campground is open from March 1 to November 30, water is only available from April 1 to October 31. Some campsites may be reserved up to six months in advance.
At the south end of LBL, Piney Campground offers 384 well-defined sites with 281 electrical hookups, 44 sites with electric, water, and sewer, and 59 primitive sites. Most sites are capable of handling large motor homes and campers. Campers have access to modern facilities, including a beach and swimming area, archery range, ball field, bike trails, a campfire theater, hiking trails, two boat ramps, and a fishing pier. Piney has 9 primitive cabins available for nightly rental in the campground. In addition, the summer season offers daily recreation programs for all ages. Piney Outpost offers camping supplies and rental services. While the campground is open from March 1 to November 30, water is only available from April 1 to October 31. Some campsites may be reserved up to six months in advance.
Wranglers Campground provides year-round opportunities for all groups with specialized camping facilities for horseback riding and wagon driving enthusiasts. Services include an activity court, showers, camping shelters, guided trail rides, and farrier and blacksmith services. Wranglers Outpost offers limited food, camping, and equestrian supplies. The campground is open April 1 to October 31. Some sites may be reserved up to six months in advance.
There are four major routes into the recreation area. I-24 and US 62 provide access to the north. US 68 runs through the central part of Land Between the Lakes and US 79 provides access to the south.
Read in the guideThe Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, also known as the Trace, is a 43-mile highway that runs north to south in the recreation area.
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