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Outdoor Adventure Weekend at Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes is a great fit for visitors who like to stay moving and don’t want to spend their trip bouncing between the same two stops. With miles of trails, open water on both sides of the peninsula, and plenty of room to roam, LBL offers an active weekend that feels full without feeling forced.
This itinerary is built for travelers who want long days outside, a mix of land and water adventures, and a few places that reward curiosity. Expect to be tired in a good way.
Day 1
Two Wheels, Singletrack, and a Strong Start
Start the weekend on the trails, with an emphasis on mountain biking. The Canal Loop Trail is the clear favorite here. This 11-mile singletrack loop, with multiple connectors, lets riders tailor the distance while still experiencing some of the best terrain and lake views in LBL. It’s engaging without being extreme, and it’s a great way to kick off the weekend with some momentum.
After your ride, break for a picnic lunch and slow things down a bit with a walk at Hematite Lake. The walk across the dam is a fun contrast after time on the bike, and the boardwalks in the back of the lake make for an easy, scenic cooldown.
Wrap up the day with dinner in Murray, Benton, or Cadiz, all solid choices when you’ve earned a good meal.
Day 2
Dirt or Water?
Day two is where you decide how loud you want the day to be.
For off-road enthusiasts, spend the day at Turkey Bay OHV Area. This is a “bring-your-own adventure” – there are no ATVs or OHVs available to rent on-site, so you’ll need to bring your own machine. Turkey Bay offers miles of designated trails ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes, and it’s easy to spend an entire day here.
Before you hook up the trailer, be sure to Call Before You Haul to check trail conditions. Heavy rain can close the area temporarily. The Turkey Bay information line is (270) 924-2000.
If water is more your speed, dedicate the day to Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. Rent a boat and lean into high-energy activities like water skiing or tubing, which are especially fun on the wide, open stretches of water. Mix in swimming or cruising quiet coves to round out the day.
Either way, plan something simple for dinner and give yourself time to recover.
Day 3
Horses, Backroads, and Hidden History
The final day trades speed for exploration.
Start the morning with a guided horseback riding tour at Wranglers Campground. It’s a great way to experience LBL from a different perspective, especially if you’ve already spent time on bikes or boats earlier in the weekend.
From there, take Forest Service Road 174 toward Pryor Bay, a quieter stretch where the shoreline feels less developed and more remote. Spend some time near the water and check out the abandoned Pryor Creek Bridge, an easy-to-miss remnant that rewards those who know where to look.
Continue on to visit the Great Western Iron Furnace, one of the most well-known historic sites in Land Between the Lakes and a reminder of the region’s industrial past. Nearby, seek out the far lesser-known site known as the Home of the Last Resident, a subtle but fascinating stop that tells a very different story about life in LBL before the lakes were formed.
If you still have time, a quick pass through the South Bison Range or a short stop at The Homeplace Working Farm fits naturally into this part of the peninsula before heading out.
Planning Notes
LBL is expansive, cell service can be spotty, and adventure days often involve more driving than expected. Check conditions ahead of time, bring what you need, and leave room to adjust plans as you go.
This weekend mixes movement, variety, and a sense of discovery. By combining biking, boating, off-road riding, horseback tours, and historic exploration, it offers an active experience that never feels repetitive – and still leaves you with stories worth telling afterward.
