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WORTH THE DETOUR
Cemetery Island in Land Between The Lakes
Cemetery Island is one of the strangest detours near Land Between the Lakes because it only exists part time. Most of the year, it is completely underwater. When Kentucky Lake drops to winter pool, a thin strip of land surfaces in the middle of open water, and a single tombstone stands upright like a marker from another era. It is only accessible by boat, and timing matters. The Four Rivers Explorer visit notes the island becomes visible around a lake elevation of about 355 feet, while summer pool around 359 feet puts it back under.
This is not inside LBL, but it sits close to it, about 1.5 miles by boat from the Redd Hollow Backcountry Area and ramp. The grave is part of the old Newburg Cemetery, a reminder that Kentucky Lake was created in 1944 when Kentucky Dam flooded the Tennessee River valley and forced many relocations. TVA records referenced in the article indicate multiple people remain buried at the site, even though only one marker is visible today.
Quick Facts
- In the Middle of Kentucky Lake
- Former Newburg Cemetery
- Only Accessible by Boat
- Only Accessible at Lake Elevation 356 and Under
- Approach Island from Southwest - Not East
- Leave No Trace
There are no buoys, no dock, and no signs. That also means hazards. Even when submerged, the tombstone and a nearby stump can damage a prop if you are off the main channel.
In late 2025, as seen in this photo, someone placed a flag pole at this site to help mark the location for boaters during summer pool. Whether or not nature claims the makeshift pole is up for debate.
If you make the trip, treat it like a real cemetery. Keep it quiet, leave no trace, and do not disturb the marker.
