Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley is a large reservoir in western Kentucky and Tennessee, formed by the impoundment of the Cumberland River by Barkley Dam. It is one of the largest artificial lakes in the United States.

Geography and Formation:

Lake Barkley stretches approximately 134 miles (216 km) from Barkley Dam upstream to near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. It encompasses parts of Lyon, Livingston, Trigg, and Caldwell counties in Kentucky, and Stewart County in Tennessee. The lake was created in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a flood control project. The project included the construction of Barkley Dam, located near Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of Lake Barkley is flood control within the Cumberland River watershed and the lower Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. It also serves for navigation, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and fish and wildlife management.

Recreation:

Lake Barkley is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and camping. The lake is known for its abundant populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and other game fish, making it a popular spot for anglers. The surrounding area offers numerous campgrounds, resorts, and other recreational facilities.

Environmental Considerations:

The creation of Lake Barkley resulted in the displacement of communities and alteration of the natural environment. While the lake has provided benefits such as flood control and recreation, it has also impacted local ecosystems and water quality. Efforts are ongoing to manage the lake and surrounding watershed to minimize environmental impacts.

Relation to Kentucky Lake:

Lake Barkley runs parallel to Kentucky Lake, another large reservoir formed by the impoundment of the Tennessee River. The two lakes are connected by a canal, known as the Barkley Canal, which allows boat traffic to move between the two bodies of water. The area between the lakes is known as Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a large protected area offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.