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A classic example of western KY hollows with peeks of Kentucky Lake.


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Map Key

29.9

Miles

48.2

KM

Point to Point

688' 210 m

High

374' 114 m

Low

3,362' 1,025 m

Up

3,145' 959 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This route winds up and down wooded hollows as you make your way along the length of the Land Between the Lakes peninsula. The trail wanders between the coast of Kentucky Lake to the west and the Trace scenic highway to the east. A few road hikes are required, but they are barely used forestry roads and you are not likely to see a soul.

A few highlights include old pre-TVA era cemeteries reminding you of the thriving communities here before the damming of the Cumberland River. Pay special attention as the trail turns at the mouth of Higgins bay and you'll notice a small island with a cemetery. This island is accessible by a small land bridge if the lake is low enough.

Need to Know

Backpacking permits are required if doing primitive camping for free at all of the welcome centers; or can be submitted online. If you camp at any of the designated "backcountry campsites" you'll need a dispersed or basic camping permit which is good for the requested amount of time and applies to campsites that are considered basic or areas allowing dispersed camping. If pitching a tent while hiking/trekking a camping permit is not required.

Description

Hiking this from the North Welcome Station, you exit the parking lot towards the southeast corner and head down an obvious footpath. You'll need to skirt around a gate and continue for a couple of hundred feet. At this point, turn left at the power line clearing and continue south for another 100 or so feet where you'll join up with the established trail. There may be easier ways to join the trail from the parking lot, but this is the only way I have done it. Keep in mind that we have only done this trip as a three-day backpacking trip and it will be described as such!

From here, the trail is clearly marked with white blazes for the main trail and yellow for spur trails that lead to springs or shelters. Continue along the main trail and the trail eases down toward a small inlet of the lake called Nickell Cove and on toward a section that runs along the main body of the lake. Continuing south and away from the lake, you'll find the turn off for Brown Spring and a couple of mile stretch of going up and down hollows. Most of the climbs are gentle and rolling, but elevation adds up by the end of the day. The next major water sighting will be Pisgah Bay. Keep an eye out for an empty picnic table and grab a spot for some lunch. Continuing on and away from the lake has you finally reach the area just inland of Smith Bay. Cross the first creek (no bridge) and continue through the open field to the next substantial bridge crossing. This is a good site for camping the first night.

The second day continues the same pattern of water/woods/water/woods. After leaving Smith Creek, the next bay you'll encounter will be Duncan Bay, then Sugar Bay and finally Higgins Bay. If the water in the lake is low enough to expose the sand beach, Higgins Bay should provide a good campsite for the second day. If not, continue on and there are a couple of good options shortly after. We end up at a previously used campsite just to the north of Rhodes Bay.

Day three has you continuing south past Rhodes Bay, a small inlet named Savells Branch, and finally Vickers Bay (this will be the last time you see the lake for this portion of the N-S trail). After turning inland from Vickers, you continue through what is, in my opinion, the most beautiful part of the trail as you wind through the woods, criss-crossing Barnett Creek and its feeders. Eventually, you split away from the creek and you begin to hear road noise from the more boring tourists cruising down the Trace scenic highway. The trail then turns south for one last climb before spitting you out onto the Trace south of the bison/elk viewing area and highway 68. Follow the Trace under highway 68 and end at the Golden Pond Visitor Center. Grab a pop from the vending machine or maybe a show at the planetarium while you wait for your ride!

If heading North on the North-South Trail (North Section), You can access the trail from the Golden Pond Visitor's Center. The trailhead is located on the other side of the overpass on the left. There are trail markers for the trail if you follow the left side of the road to make sure you do not miss the trailhead. You can have a great hike going North or South on the North/South Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Pretty much typical for the area with the exception of the small percentage chance to spot a fallow deer. Oh, and LBL is notorious for ticks of all shapes and sizes - bring DEET or permethrin!

Every couple of miles, the landscape changes and so does the flora and fauna. This is a very diverse hike!
There are many fowl species on the trail. You may get the chance to see a Bald Eagle, a wood pecker, Canadian geese, osprey, various owls and starling nests. You may come across evidence of a cayote. Beware of snakes sun bathing!

In the spring time there were various wild flowers (i.e. Indian Pink Wildflower, Trifolium, a Wild Blue Phlox, a Dwarf Iris, Wild Rocket), ferns, and grasses. This trail goes through grassland and deciduous forests of pine, oak, maple, elm, etc.

History & Background

Land Between the Lakes was formed after the Tennessee River and the Cumberland River were dammed up as a result of one of FDR's New Deal project in the '40's. You can see the remains of the old towns and farms in the area in the form of cemeteries and crumbling foundations of farmhouses.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brandon L with improvements by Keith Thompson and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 8 votes

#1

in North End

#2877

Overall
  4.3 from 8 votes
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#1

in North End

#28

in Kentucky

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Photos

One of a handful of bridges that you'll encounter on the North-South trail.
Dec 14, 2015 near Benton, KY
Where's the beach?  Recent snow and rains over the last month or two has the water high!
Apr 24, 2015 near Benton, KY
This is a picture of the pine trees from the Golden Pond trailhead entrance of the North-South Trail heading North.
Apr 19, 2021 near Cadiz, KY
Heading north from the Golden Pond trailhead entrance on the Golden Pond trailhead entrance of the North/South Trail. Girl Scout Troop 845 Cadettes are posting updated pictures of their hike to help those interested in viewing the trail.
Apr 19, 2021 near Benton, KY
One of our Cadettes looking at a natural spring along the North/South Trail. Girl Scout troop 845 are posting pictures to keep updated pictures of the trail for those interested.
Apr 19, 2021 near Benton, KY
Walking through a flatter area of the North/South Trail heading North. Girl scout troop 845 Cadettes want to share images of their hike to help people who are interested in trekking this wonderful trail.
Apr 19, 2021 near Benton, KY
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