LBL Locator Map
Welcome to Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nestled between the beautiful Kentucky and Barkley lakes, we offer unique opportunities for recreation and education. Whether you want to relax on one of two enchanting lakes, camp with the family on a weekend getaway, hike with friends on one of our scenic trails, or plan a group wildlife viewing adventure, Land Between The Lakes has something you are sure to enjoy. We invite you to come visit for the day or bring your family and stay for a while. Be sure to check out our attractions as "Friends of LBL" interpreters bring the region's history, science, and environment to life. Begin your adventure by exploring the "See & Do" section of our website; you may be surprised by what you find. With more than 170,000 acres and 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, why not let Land Between The Lakes be your getaway place? Click HERE for a recent LBL video! (26min, Courtesy RoundAbout U.)
Mission Statement: "To protect and manage the resources of Land Between The Lakes for optimum yield of outdoor recreation and environmental education for the American people. In so doing, to utilize the demonstration assignment to authorize, cooperate in, test, and demonstrate innovative programs and cost effective management; to help stimulate the development of the surrounding region; and to extend the beneficial results as widely as possible."
About LBL
When the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers were impounded to create Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, an inland peninsula was formed. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated the peninsula Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area in an effort to demonstrate how an area with limited timber, agricultural, and industrial resources could be converted into a recreation asset that would stimulate economic growth in the region. Today, LBL remains the country's only such demonstration site and is the centerpiece of the region's tourism industry.
Land Between The Lakes offers all the outdoor recreation "basics," with some unique opportunities for environmental education and historic interpretation. Nestled in western Kentucky and Tennessee, LBL hosts visitors from all over the nation and from more than 30 foreign countries. With more than 170,000 acres and 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you'll discover a wide range of opportunities in LBL to create memories that will last a lifetime.
LBL is maintained by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with "Friends of LBL" for the public's enjoyment and safety.
For more information, see our LBL FACT Sheet.