There's a special place for outdoor recreation and experiencing nature in southwestern Kentucky. On the map, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) looks like a long swatch of land bordered on three sides by water and extending on the fourth side into Tennessee.

Lake Barkley on the east side of the LBL area and Kentucky Lake on the west side add up to the largest man-made body of water in the country, over 220,000 surface acres of water. A 1.75 mile canal connects the two bodies of water on the northern end of the recreation area. Virtually every water sport is available here plus there are four small fishable lakes within the LBL area that are prime spots for crappie, bass, catfish and bluegill.

Over 200 miles of trails and abandoned roads are available for biking, horseback riding, off highway vehicles, hiking and wildlife watching?all on designated trails. Fort Henry National Recreation Trail in the south end of the area is a system of 10 connecting trails covering 25 miles.

Hands-on nature activities plus guided hiking and canoeing tours are available at Woodlands Nature Station. Opportunities to view wildlife include the 700-acre Elk and Bison Prairie. Golden Pond Planetarium offers a 40 foot diameter dome to view the night skies. Campers can enjoy traditional, rustic and horse camping and groups may stay overnight at Brandon Spring Group Center.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is about 200 miles southwest of Louisville, KY. Take I-65 S to I-24 W to KY-453 S, exit 31.