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Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,608 Google reviews · Running trail in Golden Pond, Kentucky · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
170,000 acres between the Kentucky & Barkley lakes for camping, hiking & water activities.
What runners say about Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
“The camp sites were clean and the environment was peaceful, except, lol, when our dog Tops was barking.”
“We would take our off-road vehicles, and drive down empty dirt roads just to find out if there’s any beautiful campsites at the end.”
“We went to the off road area for the day and had a blast, trails were well marked and easy to navigate and so much fun to take the jeep on!”
“The camp sites were clean and the environment was peaceful, except, lol, when our dog Tops was barking.”
“There are lots of easy trails that are well marked and maintained.”
Always a favorite getaway. The Trace is paved 2 lane and beautiful in all seasons. There are plenty of pull offs for scenic views, nature, hiking, biking, photos, etc. You’ll come across bison prairies, elk and bison ranges, the Iron Furnace, both north and south visitor centers, and the old homestead.
One of the coolest parks I've ever been to. I have visited several times and each time I discover something new. Really awesome longer trails for experienced hikers as well as shorter kid friendly trails with lots of wildlife. Surrounded by water and some of the most beautiful sunset watching spots I've been to.
Took the trail at hematite lake 2.2 miles was an easy trail if you can walk over 2 miles. There was a 5ree down on the trail but it was easily gone around. Definitely will be back . Great place for family fun . There is a map at the trail head along with a QR code to get a map of the trail on your phone.
A great place! The Hillman Ferry campground is fantastic and has many fun things to do. The bathrooms are clean and shower facilities are nice too. The biking paths could use some maintenance and the bike path maps should be updated. The bison and elk reserve is amazing. What a great experience.
Trail conditions & character
“We would take our off-road vehicles, and drive down empty dirt roads just to find out if there’s any beautiful campsites at the end.”
“It was spacious but not a level site & no hand soap in public bathhouse hence the 4- star rating.”
“The kids and dogs like tromping through the random creeks and streams along the way and picking up the blue slag that can be found near the lake.”
“The camp sites were clean and the environment was peaceful, except, lol, when our dog Tops was barking.”
“We went to the off road area for the day and had a blast, trails were well marked and easy to navigate and so much fun to take the jeep on!”
Plan your run at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitelandbetweenthelakes.us
- Phone(800) 525-7077
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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