The Binocular Site
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) straddles the states of Kentucky and Tennessee, covering approximately 170,000 acres. The land was designated a National Recreation Area in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, and is managed by the United States Forest Service. Although the area has been known as “Between the Rivers” since sometime in the 1830s, the name became even more true in the 1960s when a canal was constructed between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, forming a peninsula.
Several miles of trails exist within the LBL Area, and are ideal for cycling and walking. Campgrounds vary between rustic to more contemporary, offering RV hookups, and restroom and shower facilities. In some areas, bikes, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent. The more rustic areas offer boat ramps, fire rings, and picnic tables. Fishing and hunting are allowed within the LBL Area. Sport fish available include largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, blue catfish, and sauger. Animals that can be hunted include deer, turkey, squirrel, and other small game. All hunting is subject to state limits and regulations.
The Land Between the Lakes offers prime opportunities for birdwatching. Birds can be observed from just about anywhere, whether it be the hiking trails or the campgrounds. Just a few of the species seen in the LBL Area include the fox sparrow, palm warbler, Baltimore oriole, summer tanager, purple finch, and the bald eagle.
The state bird of Kentucky is the Northern cardinal and you can find a checklist of birds to watch for while visting Kentucky here.
Photo credit to AndyeMcee, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the birding and wildlife viewing opportunities of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area here.
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