If you’ve never explored the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in western Kentucky, you’ll want to plan a trip soon. This natural paradise offers 170,000 acres of diverse landscape, including hundreds of miles of trails. One trail in particular has a magical quality that you’ll want to discover for yourself. The Hematite Lake Trail is a beautiful display of Kentucky’s natural wonders and a great excuse for a family outing.

Hematite Lake within the Land Between the Lakes area of western Kentucky is a unique trail that is great for all ages and abilities. The 2.2 mile trail surrounds this small lake and begins with an opportunity to "walk on water" over concrete lily pads that lead to the start of the trail.
Flickr/Land Between the Lakes KY/TN
The trail is lovely year round, but you definitely want to keep an eye on the weather, as it greatly affects the condition of the trail. The views around the lake are delightful and there's a wide variety of plant life as well as wildlife to encounter.
Flickr/Land Between the Lakes KY/TN
The path is mostly flat, which makes it a great way to introduce young ones to the joy of hiking. You'll pass over a boardwalk and a few bridges, giving you views of both the lake and marshland. Definitely be sure to take along some bug spray!
Flickr/Land Between the Lakes KY/TN

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The beauty of this area is in the natural, undisturbed vegetation. This historic land was once mined for its rich deposits of a type of iron ore called hematite. Bands of the ore can still be seen today if you look closely at the rock formations surrounding the lake.
Flickr/Land Between the Lakes KY/TN
Through the sections of trail that take you into the woods, you'll witness vibrant green in the spring and summer and a rainbow of color in the fall. This hike is rustic and natural, adding a pure sense of magic to the experience.
Alltrails.com/Timothy Nixon
As with all trails, this one around Hematite Lake changes with the season, the weather and simply time. It's worth a visit, as is this entire area of Kentucky.
Flickr/Land Between the Lakes KY/TN

Have you had any adventures in the Land Between the Lakes and the Hematite Lake Trail? Share your experience with us in the comments! And for more info on this trail and the area, visit their website here. The address for the Administration Building for Land Between the Lakes (with the trail nearby) is 100 Van Morgan Dr.,Cadiz, KY 42211. For a Trail Map, click here.

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