North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes)
~5 days · 56 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes) is known for
Point-to-point trail running the length of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, from the north entrance in Kentucky to the south welcome station in Tennessee. About 58 miles of rolling hardwood forest with frequent lake views; typically 4-6 days, with backcountry camping permitted along the route.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 1,184 ft to 2,077 ft over 56 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 15.9 mi · 29%
- Downhill 15.1 mi · 28%
- Flat 24.0 mi · 44%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes) scores 16/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes) take?
Most backpackers hike the North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 56 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes)?
The North/South Trail (Land Between the Lakes) climbs roughly 4,052 ft total — about 72 ft per mile, topping out near 650 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.