Trigg County: Lakes, Wilderness and History

Between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, expansive waters meet forests, wetlands and open landscapes. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area covers more than 170,000 acres on a peninsula between the two lakes in western Kentucky and Tennessee. Lake Barkley extends through Trigg County as well as Caldwell, Livingston and Lyon Counties in western Kentucky. At its summer pool level, it has 1,004 miles of shoreline and nearly 57,920 acres of water. You can discover the area through both its varied landscapes and the scale of the lake.

Wildlife and Nature Trails

At Elk & Bison Prairie, a 700-acre enclosure preserves native grassland where elk and bison roam freely. The prairie is also home to turkeys, various birds, small game, butterflies and prairie mammals. Frequently spotted birds include great egrets and various songbirds. Visitors can drive through the prairie in enclosed vehicles along a 3.5-mile paved loop.

The Long Creek Trail runs between Honker Lake and Hematite Lake. The paved trail is 0.25 miles long, follows level ground and passes through an area with good wildlife-watching opportunities.

The Woodlands Nature Station is located between the same lakes and serves as a gateway to the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area. Activities offered there include guided canoe tours, afternoon hikes and the Cool Critters Day event. These programs are seasonal; check the dates before your trip. Guided eagle excursions are offered in January and February; you should also confirm their specific dates in advance.

The Golden Pond Visitor Center is the information center for the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It offers maps and brochures, access to trails, clean restrooms, a gift shop and a planetarium.

Activities on and by the Water

You can kayak on the Little River. Calm water and scenic views offer opportunities to spot wildlife and explore hidden coves; water conditions may vary. For motorized off-road trips, Turkey Bay OHV Area covers 2,500 acres and has 100 miles of trails for ATVs, OHVs, Jeeps and dirt bikes. Trail conditions and possible closures may change, so check current notices before setting out.

Golf and hiking are also among the recreational activities described. The golf course at Lake Barkley State Resort Park has 18 holes and a par of 72; it measures 6,601 yards from the back tees. The Cedar Grove Trail in the park is a moderately difficult, two-mile, point-to-point trail. Its length and rating set it apart from the short, paved Long Creek Trail, for example, which is known for its level surface and wildlife-watching opportunities.

Cadiz: History and Events

Cadiz is home to several historic sites and cultural attractions. The Trigg County Historical & Transportation Museum building was built in 1854 and is the oldest commercial building in the city. The museum has a permanent exhibit on the Cadiz Railroad, as well as exhibits on local history and educational programs for the public and school groups. Downtown Cadiz and the historic residential district along Main Street are each listed as historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places. The Janice Mason Art Museum is located in Cadiz’s restored historic post office building.

West City Park in Cadiz has a disc golf course and an accessible playground; numerous special events are also held there throughout the year. The annual Trigg County Country Ham Festival takes place on the second weekend in October and celebrates the region’s country ham tradition. Food vendors, live music, arts and crafts, and a carnival are part of the festival; individual offerings may vary. Confirm the specific festival dates before your trip. The Cadiz Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April through October in 2026; check seasonal dates before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cadiz, Hancock County, Marion County, Thomas County, Bullitt County, Graves County, Calloway County, Laurel.

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