If you've never done a loop around both lakes in a single day, you're missing one of the best drives in this part of Kentucky — and the best part is you can do the whole thing on one tank of gas.
Start right here at the Inn, since we're about as good a jumping-off point as you'll find at the north end of Kentucky Lake. Head south and pick up The Trace — officially the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway — a 43-mile stretch of two-lane road that runs straight through the heart of Land Between the Lakes, with Kentucky Lake on one side and Lake Barkley on the other the whole way down.
Give yourself time to stop along The Trace, because this isn't a drive to rush. Pull into the Elk & Bison Prairie for a slow crawl through open grassland where the animals genuinely do not care that you're there. A little further down, The Homeplace 1850s Farm has interpreters in period dress doing daily farm chores like it's still the 1850s (it's more interesting than it sounds on paper). And if you've got kids with you (or you just like a good planetarium show), swing by the Golden Pond Visitor Center for a look at the area's history or a show under the dome.
Once you come out the south end of The Trace and cross over into the Lake Barkley side, head toward Cadiz. Downtown is lined with antique shops, so if that's your thing, budget more time than you think you'll need. From there, it's a short drive out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park, where you can walk the lodge for those big lake views even if you're not staying the night, grab lunch at Windows on the Water, or just wander down to the beach and put your feet in the water.
Heading back north along the Barkley side, Eddyville and Kuttawa have their own charm, and if you want a stop with a view, Echo Charlie's at Eddy Creek Marina & Resort serves up steak, seafood, and burgers right on the water. Check their Facebook page for current hours.
By the time you loop back up toward Kentucky Dam and cross back over to our side of things, you'll have circled both lakes, hit two state parks, walked through a working 1850s farm, and probably still made it home before dark — all without a second stop for gas.
Come back to the Lakehouse Inn at Sledd Creek, put your feet up, and start planning which part of the loop you want to slow down and explore more next time.
See y'all at the lake!
Cindi
The Lakehouse Inn at Sledd Creek 270-362-4254 | www.LakehouseInn.com
Updated 7-31-26