// Things to Do // Trails // Scenic Drives & Picnic Spots
FROM YOUR CAR
Scenic Drives
Woodlands Trace
Woodlands Trace is a 43-mile paved road running north to south through the heart of Land Between the Lakes, connecting Grand Rivers, Kentucky to Dover, Tennessee. Designated a National Scenic Byway, it provides access to many major LBL attractions and trailheads.
Elk & Bison Prairie Drive
This gated drive allows visitors to travel through a protected area home to free-roaming elk and bison. The route is designed for slow driving, and wildlife is often seen near or on the road, making it one of the most popular scenic experiences in LBL.
Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive
Located south of Grand Rivers near the canal, this short one-way drive offers open views of Kentucky Lake. It is especially popular during fall for seasonal color and quiet lakeside scenery.
Energy Lake Road
Running from the Lake Barkley bridge area to Woodlands Nature Station, Energy Lake Road winds through dense forest and crosses Energy Dam. It’s a scenic option for visitors looking to explore the eastern side of LBL.
Backroads of Land Between the Lakes
LBL includes hundreds of miles of gravel backroads that offer a quieter, more remote driving experience. Conditions vary, so visitors should check road access and vehicle suitability before exploring.
STOP & RELAX
Picnic Spots
Cedar Pond Picnic Area
Located along The Trace near the Kentucky–Tennessee border, Cedar Pond offers shaded picnic tables in a quiet setting beside the water. It’s a peaceful stop with nearby walking paths for stretching your legs.
Hematite Lake Picnic Area
Set along the shores of Hematite Lake, this picnic area provides scenic views and easy access to the 2.2-mile trail that loops around the lake. It’s a popular spot for relaxed lunches and short walks.
Moss Creek Day Use Area
Moss Creek is a well-known picnic and swimming area on the northern end of LBL. Calm water access makes it a favorite for warm-weather picnics, paddling, and casual afternoons by the lake.
Roadside & Day-Use Picnic Areas
Picnic tables and pull-off areas can be found throughout LBL at welcome stations, overlooks, and day-use sites. These spots are ideal for quick stops along scenic drives or informal lakeside picnics.
For a complete list of facilities and amenities, download this brochure.
