Kentucky’s Sister Lake
Comprising 58,000 acres, Lake Barkley runs parallel to Kentucky Lake for more than 50 miles, creating a Tennessee lake wonderland. Because of its endless recreational opportunities and convenient proximity to Nashville, the lake attracts millions of visitors annually.
Essentials
Less than two hours from Nashville, Lake Barkley 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.
A Powerhouse Lake
Named for Kentucky Vice President Alben Barkley, Lake Barkley was impounded by the Barkley Dam in 1966. One mile above the dam, a canal connects Lakes Barkley and Kentucky, creating one of the top freshwater recreational constructions in the nation. With a width of 400 feet and a length of 1.75 miles, the channel supports commerce and recreational traffic between the two lakes.
Lake Barkley’s primary purpose is to limit flooding and produce hydroelectric power. In 1966, the Barkley Power Plant opened, and today each one of its four generators can create 32,500 kilowatt hours. Additionally, the lake contains a gravity fill and empty system, which exchanges 37,5000,000 gallons of water per lockage.
Scenic Lake Life
Featuring rolling hills, open fields, dense foliage, and picturesque bluffs, Lake Barkley is the ultimate scenic getaway. It’s the perfect place to relax after experiencing the pulsating metropolitan vibe of nearby Nashville.
Lake Barkley boasts many recreational options for those who like to stay active during their lake visits. With eight commercial marinas at various locations, the lake offers plenty of entry points for boaters and anglers. A popular fishing destination, the lake yields sunfish, bass, bluegill, shell crackers, crappie, and catfish. In addition to boating and fishing, other popular pastimes include hiking, hunting, camping, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Lake Barkley shares its shores with golden and bald eagles, creating a rare opportunity to view these majestic creatures. Many nature photographers enjoy coming to the lake and finding much-needed inspiration from its idyllic views.
Residents and tourists can visit the beloved Civil War History Museum at Fort Donelson if they want to enjoy an off-lake activity. The museum features a famous Civil War battlefield that has been well-preserved, allowing guests to experience a piece of the past.
The Land Between the Lakes
A visit to Lake Barkley 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.
A Charming Respite
Close enough to Nashville but far enough from the hum of the interstate, Lake Barkley pairs excitement with relaxation. So, if you want to live close enough to metropolitan hotspots while also living the peaceful lake life, you can find your cozy cove at Lake Barkley.