The 171,280 acres that make up the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area result from two dams on two rivers. The Tennessee River and the Cumberland River flow within 1 to 9 miles of each other in this region. A canal closes one end of the area, making it the largest land-locked peninsula in the United States. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy declared it a National Recreation Area. In 1971, the peninsula became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where the intent was to measure humans' impact on nature. Located near Murray, KY, the area is easily reached from urban locations like Clarksville and Nashville, TN, from which many visitors travel to enjoy the area's pristine environment.
Activities in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is one of the premier places for studying nature, natural habitats, and humans' relationship with the natural world. Students travel there to get involved with the environment. Schools in the area often take field trips to one part of this recreational area or another.
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Fishing
With over 300 miles of natural shoreline, this recreational area provides some of the country's best angling opportunities. Typically, anglers come to this area to fish for bluegill, sauger, catfish, crappie, and bass. Whether you are into lake fishing along the banks, in a boat, or angling along the many streams and small lakes that dot the recreation area, there is an opportunity for you to get the fight of your life in these waters.
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Geocaching
Geocaching is one of the favorite sports in which visitors engage at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The Forest Service maintains over 450 geocache sites for visitors to pursue. Ask at any official site inside the park for information for GPS coordinates and start your quest.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
Much of the wildlife found in this recreational area can be found in many other places as well. Rodents such as rabbits, squirrels, and voles are found everywhere. What is of particular interest in this area is the reintroduction of wildlife that once flourished here. Buffalo, elk, otter, and beaver are only a few of those relocated and are now established and increasing in number.
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Stargazing
Stargazing at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is one of the main reasons visitors come as little light pollution obscures the night sky. A planetarium augments what you see in the night sky with laser programs describing what you see when you look up on a clear night.
How to get to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Address: 100 Van Morgan Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
Fee: Entry fee $0
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area provides a variety of experiences for a family on vacation. Whether the plan is to hike or fish or to sit and soak in nature, this is the place to visit. Renting an RV to explore the entirety of the 176,000 acres that make up this recreation area allows you to experience all of it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
What is the best time to visit Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
The best time to visit Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is in spring to see the trees and wildflowers in bloom. However, if you visit between mid-September to mid-October, you can see beautiful fall colors and will be in the middle of elk bugling season.
Is Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area open all year round?
Yes, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is open year-round. Not all facilities are open in the winter, but the Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium, the OHV area, the elk & bison prairie area, and the Wranglers Campground are all open.
What type of wildlife lives in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
Bears, elk, bison, bobcats, and wild turkeys are among the wildlife that lives in the Land of Lakes National Recreation Area. There is also a variety of birds, small animals, butterflies, and fish.
What is the closest town to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
Hardin, Kentucky is one of the closest towns to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. There are restaurants and stores nearby where campers can take a break or stock up.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Campers can stay in dispersed campsites for a maximum of 14 nights within a 30-day time period.
