BIKING

LBL has miles of old logging roads and scenic backroads perfect for mountain biking and cycling. Two extensive mountain bike trails are suitable for various skill levels and numerous paved roads meander through LBL.  Wind across rolling hillsides and alongside meadows into quiet lakefront bays.

Canal Loop Trail
The Canal Loop Trail is a 14.2 mile trail system that includes four connector trails to offer a variety of bike rides. The trail can be accessed from either the North Welcome Station Trailhead or the Kentucky Lake Drive Trail Access. The system provides options from 1.5 miles to 14.2-miles in distance and is popular because of the less strenuous terrain and scenic lake views.
Rating: Easy to moderate; 120-foot change in elevation.
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North/South Trail
The northern portion of the North/South Trail, a 31-mile section, is open to mountain biking and connects the North Welcome Station with the Golden Pond Visitors Center. The point-to-point trail traverses ridge tops, bottomlands, and the shores of Kentucky Lake. Visitors can us this trail in conjunction with LBL's legal roads to make a series of shorter loops. Other opportunities include connecting to the Canal Loop Trail for a total of 45 miles.
Rating: Easy to advanced; single-track, logging roads, gravel roads.
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Hillman Ferry Campground and Piney Campground trails are available for use by campground patrons. They pass through scenic forests, beautiful lake vistas, and by old cemeteries.

WILDLIFE
Wild turkey came this close to being our national symbol. Large flocks are commonly sited off road #144 and #145. For a glimpse at the bird that actually did get that distinction, head down the North/South Trail, near the Jenny Ridge Picnic Area, to Barnett Bay or Rhodes Bay. Migratory Bald Eagles winter in the area from around December to March.

SCENIC
The Canal Loop Trail offers impressive vistas of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, blissfully winding bikers along the shoreline--particularly the eastern section, near Nickel Branch Boat Launch, which also provides a striking view of Barkley Dam. Access via road #102 or The Trace. Kentucky Lake Drive, which branches west off The Trace near the Canal Loop Trails, carries cyclists atop a ridge overlooking the serene waters below. Old cemeteries dot the landscape along the North/South Trail, invoking reverence for former residents between the rivers.

Land Between the Lakes offers some excellent and virtually undiscovered opportunities for mountain biking. Pick up a trail map at any Welcome Station and hit the road!