Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area North Welcome Station to Energy Lake Backcountry Circuit

This 18-mile circuit cuts through the heart of Land Between The Lakes, following old TVA maintenance roads and wildlife management routes that date back to when 170,000 acres were flooded to create Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The route winds past the remnants of Between the Rivers communities—farmhouse foundations, overgrown cemeteries, and rusted machinery scattered through second-growth forest. Energy Lake serves as the turnaround point, where bison from the nearby prairie restoration often graze along the shoreline at dawn.

Easy to moderate difficulty with seasonal muddy sections and a few creek crossings that can wash out after heavy rains. Stock high-clearance vehicles handle it fine most of the year, though 4WD helps during wet seasons from November through March. No permits required but hunting seasons restrict access from October through January. Dispersed camping allowed at designated spots near Honker Lake. It’s a solid introduction to Tennessee’s backcountry without the gnarly technical stuff—perfect for testing gear and getting muddy.