Tennessee’s Great Lake
Spanning 160,000 acres, Kentucky Lake is the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. It also is the 25th-largest lake in the nation and the seventh-largest in terms of man-made lakes.
Essentials
Less than two hours from Nashville, Kentucky Lake is close to all the necessities. Emergency health care is available on the Tennessee side of the lake at Ascension Saint Thomas in Waverly. Nashville International Airport is the closest option if you need to catch a flight.
Crown of the TVA System
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) created Kentucky Lake out of necessity. In 1937, an extreme flood rushed upon the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, destroying many communities and farms. As a result, many families were forced to relocate.
In the face of this crisis, the TVA chose to listen to the people, who had been lobbying for a dam since the 1920s. So, in 1944, the TVA completed the dam at Gilbertsville and created Kentucky Lake. Stretching 8,422 feet, the Kentucky Dam became the longest dam in the TVA system.
After the dam’s completion, the river began to flood the banks, and now, the lake stands 55 feet higher than the original river. However, the dam’s enormous size has proved to be its strength. Today, it has a flood storage capacity of 4,008,000 acres—more than 2.5 times the next largest lake in the TVA system.
Recreation Galore
With two state parks, many marinas, and 2,300 miles of shoreline, Kentucky Lake offers everything you need to have a spectacular day on the water. Popular lake activities include boating, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, water skiing, golfing, camping, and fishing. Many residents also enjoy sailing on the lake or experiencing the houseboat lifestyle.
Known as one of the best crappie fishing lakes in the country, Kentucky Lake is a haven for anglers. Additionally, the lake boasts stellar bass, bluegill, catfish, and sauger fishing opportunities.
The Land Between the Lakes
A visit to Kentucky Lake is not complete without seeing the Land Between the Lakes. Spanning 170,000 acres, this massive National Recreation Area lies between Lakes Kentucky and Barkley. Of these 170,000 acres, 60,000 are situated in Tennessee, granting residents plenty of space to enjoy outdoor activities. In fact, most of the Tennessee shore is contained in the Land Between the Lakes, resulting in numerous uninhabited forests and quiet coves.
Bringing in one million visitors annually, the Land Between the Lakes boasts many attractions such as The Nature Station, Elk & Bison Prairie, Golden Pond Planetarium, Homeplace 1850s, and Turkey Bay OHV area. Additionally, visitors can hike, bike, or ride horses on the 500 miles of trails in the park.
Relaxation and Recreation
At Kentucky Lake, you can enjoy unlimited water sports, outdoor adventures, and the amenities of nearby Nashville. So, if you want to do it all, there’s no better place to live than Kentucky Lake.