Variety Of Trails Make LBL A Recreation Paradise With more than 200 miles of trails winding their way through rolling woodlands and along isolated shorelines, no wonder the USDA Forest Service's Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. "Whether you like to hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, or ride an ATV, LBL has got a trail for you," said Bill Ryan, LBL Trails and OHV Manager. "We offer something for just about everyone." LBL's hiking trails are especially diverse. Visitors of all skill levels will find trails that meet their needs. More extensive hiking networks include the 65-mile-long North/South Trail; the 14-mile Canal Loop, which is a shared-use trail with mountain bikers; and the 26-mile Fort Henry Trail, which traces the path of General Grant's troops during the Civil War. "Each trail network has its own distinctive features," said Ryan. "Canal Loop has a rugged beauty, North/South showcases LBL's diversity, and Fort Henry has Civil War history." Shorter hiking trails wind through the Nature Watch Demonstration Area near the Woodlands Nature Station. These trails offer scenic beauty, as well as educational opportunities. The longest, at 4.5 miles, is Honker Trail, which covers such varied terrain as woodlands, meadows, and the lakeshore. Center Furnace Trail, at .3 miles, is literally a walk through time, offering a glimpse at the region's role as a major iron ore producer in the early 19th century. Long Creek Trail, at .2 miles, is accessible. Mountain bikers have discovered LBL - thanks in part to its mountain bike trail system. Canal Loop offers some of the most challenging riding in the region. The Canal Loop has been the site of several National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) sanctioned events in recent years. LBL's Wranglers Campground has the reputation as the region's premier horse camp, attracting trail riders from around the country. Approximately 100 miles of horse trails depart from Wranglers and cover a variety of terrain, from woods to the lakeshore. Many also pass by historic sites, such as the ruins of the Laura Iron Furnace. "Horseback riding is quickly growing in popularity, and LBL has fast become a center for trail riders," said Randall Mitchell, Wranglers Campground Manager. "A variety of competitive events are held at Wranglers each year", Mitchell added. Another fast-growing sport is the use of All-Terrain Vehicles, or ATV's. LBL has the first federally designated area set aside just for ATV use - the Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area. ATV enthusiasts have long known about Turkey Bay and its varied and challenging trails. Turkey Bay riders can ride up and down approximately 100 miles of designated trails. Turkey Bay also offers primitive camping and a 24-hour generator area allowing many visitors to make a weekend of their ATV experience. "Trails are such an important part of LBL, and we're really proud of the variety of trail experiences we offer here," said Ryan. "Our trails have really put us on the map, so to speak, but we hope our continuing efforts to improve our trail systems will keep us there." Turkey Bay staff recommends that users "Call Before You Haul" to check current trail conditions at 270-924-2000, or visit us on the web at www.lbl.org, Trip Planning and then click on Trails Update. Land Between The Lakes is located in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, accessible from I-24. For more information on LBL's trails or to request a trail map, call 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Trail descriptions and maps are also available on the LBL website at www.lbl.org.