Let's Bark Loud in Land Between The Lakes, Kentucky
- Luie Boone
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
Luie Boone can’t stop daydreaming about peaceful hikes and lakeside naps. He’s found the perfect getaway to enjoy both: Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. Nestled between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, this 170,000-acre dog-friendly haven is a paradise for pups and their humans alike. Whether you’re hiking wooded trails, splashing in the water, camping under the stars, or cruising along scenic byways, it’s all better with your best friend by your side.
With over 500 miles of trails and plenty of natural shoreline for swimming, there’s no shortage of places for your dog to sniff, splash, and explore. Just pack a towel, bring the treats, and stay alert for wildlife!
Cute little towns like Grand Rivers, Cadiz, Aurora, Eddyville, and Golden Pond are just around the corner. These towns are full of charm and are the perfect starting point for your Land Between the Lakes getaway:
Grand Rivers offers lakeside paths and dog-friendly patios at local restaurants.
Cadiz has antique shops, walkable streets, and peaceful parks for a quiet break.
Aurora sits along Kentucky Lake and is perfect for laid-back lakeside lounging.
Eddyville gives easy access to Lake Barkley, casual dining, and pup-friendly lodging.
Golden Pond—which is located right in the heart of LBL is your gateway to trails and scenic byways.
Each of these towns offer a welcoming place to rest, refuel, and soak in some Southern charm with your dog happily by your side.
This is more than just a vacation. Luie Boone reckons that Land Between The Lakes is a pup-approved adventure filled with trails, sniffs, and memories to last a lifetime.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Land Between The Lakes, Kentucky. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Zoey's Place
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 7 beds and 2 baths.
Photos courtesy of VRBO
It features the following amenities:
Waterfront on Lake Barkley
2 private balconies with lake view (Luie Boone will have to test both out, in order to see which balcony has the better view of the lake!)
Barbecue grill on deck
Hot tub to help you relax
Private dock with 2 boat slips
Very family and pet friendly neighborhood
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I'm wagging my tail with excitement, thinking about a trip to Zoey’s Place on Lake Barkley, Kentucky. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, which is ideal for a good boy like me. We’ll be in a private, dog-friendly home with three bedrooms, two baths, a game room, and balconies perfect for squirrel patrol. The humans get a hot tub, so I get the porch. And the kitchen? There better be some bacon sizzling up for me! Best part? There's a private dock with two boat slips. Boat delivery is available, so I gotta be ready to supervise every launch. Evenings by the lake mean cozy fires. The whole place is peaceful, family-friendly, and full of good sniffs. Adventures, porch naps, and plenty of treats await!
Paws Venture Here
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Furry friends are welcome at this state resort park, which provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
This national recreation area occupies 17,000 acres of land. There are 500 miles of trails to explore with your canine companion!
Moss Creek Day Use Area
The pebble beach at Moss Creek Day Use Area is perfect for a playful sprint and a splash. It's ideal for dogs who love a running start before diving in!
Honker Lake
Honker Lake, aptly named after Canadian geese, is a shallow lake about 180 acres or so. There is a 4.5-mile trail that circles the lake, which is home to beaver, otters, Canadian geese, osprey, and many fish species. Luie Boone can't wait to try and befriend them all!
The Woodland Walk Trail
This is an easy, wooded trail, which winds through the forests and along the shoreline of Honker Lake. You can enjoy a picnic at the trail head's picnic shelter with your best buddy.
Hematite Lake
There is a two-mile trail that surrounds Hematite Lake. It includes a series of boardwalks and bridges that lead over the creeks that feed the lake. The Hematite Lake dam also has stepping stones to traverse the spillway. Many times water is spilling over, creating a great atmosphere for hikers and their dogs.
Elk & Bison Prairie
Visitors and their pups can explore this 700-acre wildlife enclosure, where elk and bison roam freely across open fields and woodlands. Just stay inside your vehicle as you cruise along the 3.5-mile paved loop. Luie Boone thinks it's like a safari, just Kentucky-style!
Cap’n Jim’s Bar & Grill
This laid-back lakeside restaurant is tucked inside Lake Barkley State Resort Park, right at the Lake Barkley Marina. With its relaxed, outdoor vibe and welcoming attitude toward furry family members, it’s a perfect spot for the whole crew. Paws included! Grab a seat on the spacious, dog-friendly floating deck right on the water’s edge, and soak up the view while you dine. Luie Boone’s dilemma? Choosing between sniffing out some tasty fiddles or making a splash with a cannonball off the dock!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Land Between The Lakes, Kentucky
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I’m a dog who lives for car rides. Window down, nose sniffing, wind in my ears, and the occasional snack tossed into the back seat. What could be better? Well… that all changed when I heard about the scenic drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. At first, I thought we’d just see squirrels and deer. The usual suspects, but then the stories started. Giant, hairy beasts roam there. Bigger than our car, with massive horns, shaggy coats, and snorts that could shake the ground. My humans call them bison. In my dreams, these massive creatures amble right up to the car, smelling like old dirt and danger. My dog brain is already gearing up. Am I going to panic? Maybe a little. Will I bark like I’m saving the world? Absolutely. Will I survive? Fingers crossed!
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