The One Place In Kentucky That Looks Like Something From Your Wildest Dreams
By Rachel Shulhafer|Published February 10, 2017
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Rachel Shulhafer
Author
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
From the towering mountains and natural arches in the east, to the rolling fields of horse country in the middle, and the cavernous subterranean tunnels in the west, Kentucky has some truly unique landscapes that are breathtaking to explore. However, there is one little corner of Kentucky that is so beautiful, you’d think it was from your wildest dreams. Parts of the landscapes don’t even look like they should be in Kentucky, but we’re glad they are.
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is located in western Kentucky, nestled in between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
There has been an area known as "Between the Rivers" since the mid 19th century. The Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers flow very close to each other in this area of Tennessee and Kentucky, and the small sliver of land in between the rivers is what people back then referred to as "Between the Rivers."
However, government interference is ultimately created what is the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area today. The Tennesse Valley Authority (TVA) impounded and dammed the rivers to create the lakes and flooded some of the low-lying farmland, forcing some residents to evacuate permanently.
In the present day, the Land Between the Lakes is an area full of hiking trails and campsites. Boating and water sports are very popular on the two lakes, making the area especially popular in the summer.
Not many people associate lighthouses with water extending as far as the eye can see with Kentucky. However, this scene is in Grand Rivers, the small town located just to the north of the Land Between the Lakes.
The Land Between the Lakes is 170,000 acres, and is the largest inland peninsula in the United States. There are more than 500 miles of trails for hiking and biking, and more than 200 miles of scenic roads.
The Hematite Lake Trail offers this unique way to cross the water. The trail is 2.2 miles, and offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, especially for water fowl.
A 700-acre section of the Land Between the Lakes is known as the Elk and Bison Prairie. For safety reasons, enclosed vehicles only are allowed into the Elk and Bison Prairie. It costs $5 per vehicle and is a great way to safely spot these huge herd animals.
What do you guys think of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area? We’re ready for some summer boating on the lakes, but until then, we’ll settle for a peaceful hike.
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