Winding 43 miles through the heart of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Woodlands Trace offers an unforgettable journey between Kentucky and Tennessee. This National Scenic Byway stretches from SR 49 near Dover, Tennessee to KY 453 near Grand Rivers, Kentucky, passing through one of the largest inland peninsulas in the United States.

Dense hardwood forests canopy the roadway, creating a tunnel of green in summer and a spectacular display of crimson and gold each autumn. Wildlife sightings are common—keep watch for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the famous elk and bison that roam the area’s nature stations.

Stop at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm to experience frontier life, or visit the Elk & Bison Prairie for guaranteed big-game viewing. The Golden Pond Planetarium offers stargazing programs, while numerous lake access points invite fishing, kayaking, and photography.

Spring wildflowers and fall foliage make April-May and October the prime driving months. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely drive with stops, or a full day if exploring trails and attractions along the way.

This peaceful, largely undeveloped corridor delivers a rare escape into nature just minutes from major highways.

Explore Nearby

• Kenlake State Resort Park — State Park in Kentucky
• Land Between The Lakes National Forest — National Forest in Kentucky, Tennessee
• Lake Barkley State Resort Park — State Park in Kentucky
• Port Royal Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Tennessee
• Parks Bridge — Covered Bridge in Tennessee