There are numerous beautiful bodies of water in Kentucky, but Land Between the Lakes holds a very special place in my heart. Surrounded by two legendary lakes: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes is a beautiful place of dazzling beaches, vibrant wildflowers, and constellation-dotted skies. It’s a magical region teeming with wildlife, where wild buffalo quite literally roam free. And all of this natural splendor can be enjoyed via the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, a 43-mile route that’s truly one of the most sublime scenic drives in Kentucky – especially during the summer!

Land Between the Lakes is one of the Bluegrass State’s most glorious gems, offering unparalleled outdoor recreation and stunning scenery. It’s 170,000 acres of beaches, trails, and wilderness, surrounded by two majestic lakes.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
larrybraunphotography.com/Moment Collection via Getty Images
There are all sorts of ways to explore this region, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and biking - you can do it all at this epic outdoor playground. But for those looking for a laid-back tour de force with dashboard views for days, the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway runs north/south along along a ridge of land between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, straight through the heart of the Land Between the Lakes.
Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, Dover, TN, USA
Federal Highway Administration
Winding through lush forests and landscapes, this 43 mile, 1.5-hour drive is perfectly suited for summer, when the trees of Kentucky are at their most verdant emerald green.
ANPerryman/iStock via Getty Images Plus
This scenic byway runs from Grand Rivers into Tennessee, visiting many points of interest along the way. Since you're likely starting in Kentucky, go ahead and begin in picturesque Grand Rivers, home to the lovely Lighthouse Landing, an inn and restaurant that's a slice of Cape Cod in the Bluegrass.
Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
Zack Marksberry/GoogleReviews
From Grand Rivers, the route travels past one of the most intriguing ruins in Kentucky: the Center Furnace, one of eight iron furnaces that operated from the mid-1800s and into the early 1900s. Feel free to get out and stretch your legs on this easy, 0.3-mile loop trail!
Center Furnace Trailhead, Forest Service Rd 134, Eddyville, KY 42038, USA
Joshua Moore/Getty

Related Stories

Follow The Ohio River Along This Scenic Drive Through Kentucky

Follow The Ohio River Along This Scenic Drive Through Kentucky

 Visit 5 Kentucky Kissing Bridges In This Epic One Day Road Trip

Visit 5 Kentucky Kissing Bridges In This Epic One Day Road Trip

 Fall Is The Perfect Time To Visit This Historic Mountain Town In Kentucky

Fall Is The Perfect Time To Visit This Historic Mountain Town In Kentucky
The first lake you'll encounter will be Lake Barkley, an absolute gem that boasts over 57,000 acres of water to enjoy in whatever way excites you most! Boating, swimming, paddling, lounging...
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, 3500 State Park Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
larrybraunphotography.com/Getty
Continuing south, you'll enter a beautiful stretch that's home to some of the Bluegrass State's most beguiling beasts: the American bison.
Jan Smith/GoogleReviews
Those hoping to catch an up-close glimpse of these park royals should check out the Elk & Bison Prairie, a 700-acre region that's at its most beautiful during the summer, when the wildflowers are flourishing. The South Bison Range is another great spot for wildlife watching along this byway, too!
Elk & Bison Prairie, Elk & Bison Prairie Rd, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Different_Brian/iStock via Getty Images Plus
You'll end this scenic drive right around Kentucky Lake, an expansive reservoir that's also the 25th largest lake in the country.
Kentucky Lake, United States
Lisa Long/GoogleReviews
Land Between the Lakes is a true treasure; a place of untold beauty and wonder that's wholly, wonderfully alive in the summer. Hop into the car for a leisurely afternoon along the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, one of the very best scenic drives in Kentucky.
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr

Have you driven this little-known loop just outside Land Between the Lakes before? The Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway really is one of our favorite scenic drives in Kentucky!

If you’re not convinced to explore this byway yet, note that Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley along this route have both been repeatedly named as some of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky. Check out some more of our reader-voted favorite lakes, including Herrington Lake, Cave Run Lake, and numerous others and start planning your next road trip to see them all!

While you’re at it, check out this waterfront cabin with picture-perfect views of Kentucky Lake to make your Bluegrass State getaway complete.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Scenic Drives in Kentucky & Related Info

Jennifer | August 21, 2023

How many scenic byways are in Kentucky?

Kentucky has an incredible 37 official scenic byways (both national and state), as well as numerous scenic roads and trails that crisscross every region of the state. Some of the prettiest scenic byways in Kentucky include: 

  • Boone Creek Scenic Byway
  • Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway
  • Midway-Versailles Road (US-62)
  • Pisgah Pike Scenic Byway
  • Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
  • US 68 Scenic Byway

 

And there are plenty more to choose from! Kentucky is also full of numerous beautiful backroads to explore (especially in fall!), as well as memorable scenic drives that may or may not be officially-designated as byways, but are certainly officially gorgeous in our book. For instance:

 

...and many more!

Does Kentucky have any food trails?

If you prefer to explore the magic of the Bluegrass State through your appetite instead, Kentucky is a feast for ALL of the senses! Indulge in these delicious food trails in Kentucky to experience the state's diverse culinary talents:

 

Related Articles

Explore Kentucky