Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail

The Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail runs parallel to US 68 and KY 80, east and west between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, providing an opportunity for a twelve mile long “bridge-to-bridge” hike or bike ride. This trail is the result of a mitigation project for the completed four-lane highway. Trails Unlimited, one of the Forest Service’s seventeen Enterprise Units, helped design and construct the trail. A Land Between The Lakes press release shares the following information about this trail:

“We designed this family-friendly trail with smooth surfaces, gentle grades, and trailside rest areas,” stated Bill Ryan, ‘Land Between The Lakes’ Trails Manager. “The paved 3.2 miles of the eastern portion of the trail provides shoreline views of Lake Barkley as well as wildlife viewing opportunities in adjacent  open areas. The 8.5 miles of the central and western portions were developed using a compacted stone surface. Here, visitors will explore rolling hills and ridge tops of a central hardwood forest ecosystem.” Ryan added, “Seven access points give visitors multiple opportunities to bike and hike different sections of the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail.”

The same press release also states: Visitors will enjoy a variety of seasonal and scenic diversity along the six foot wide Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail. Spring and summer showcase vibrant wildflowers, lush plants, and a canopy provided by the hardwood trees. Fall and winter give way to an array of colors, as well as deep woodland views from ridges and narrow valleys. Outdoor enthusiasts will also encounter  twelve bridges along the trail. Come outside and play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area!

I spoke with a trail worker while on a recent hike, and discovered some information little known to the public. When the new bridges over Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are completed, they will include a special side-lane which will extend the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail across both lakes. In fact, I was told that plans are in the makings to  extend the trail to Kenlake State Park to the west, and to Lake Barkley State Park to the east. This future expansion will add nearly ten more miles to the trail; not to mention, create a vacation haven for hikers and bikers!