Overall Route Rating
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4.26 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.26
26 Reviews

The Trace (Through the Land Between the Lakes)

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Nov 30, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Anyb0dy
2 McR Points
July 26, 2016
A Nice scenic road, the best and only route…
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bkellyusa
6 McR Points
November 10, 2013
I completely agree with the original review of…
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Written Directions

The Trace begins in Dover, TN on hwy. 79. From there, look for the signs for LBL (Land between the Lakes). If you follow those signs, they will direct you to take a road running to the north called "The Trace." Simply take this road north all the way up to the end in Grand Rivers, KY.

Scenery

Starting at the southern end of beautiful Land Between the Lakes, this ride offers lot's of scenery and places to stop including a bison range, 1850's settlement, lake views and more. Overall the ride offers equal parts of views of wooded stretches and open scenery vistas. Update from "bikesand beards" on 6/13/12: The ride from Clarksville to Dover Tennessee is ok. Nothing special. Once you get onto the Trace things change. The Trace is full of things to stop and see. There is Elk and Bison Ranges, Free Roaming American Bison, Springs, Lakes, A Western Furnace and so much more. Plys the long tracks of beautiful land. And of course not to far into the Trace is the Homeplace. This is a 4 dolalr tour that takes you through an old times living working farm. This farm has houses that you can walk through, and animals that are just walking around.

Drive Enjoyment

The road through the trace is a 2 lane, blacktop with nice curves and gently rolling hills. Overall it is a great motorcycle road to ride!

Fort Donaldson Civil War Battlefield Update from "bikesand beards" on 6/13/12: All the roads in this ride are maintained fairly well. I came across no potholes, but did see a few small grooves in the road.

Tourism Opportunities

At the start of the ride, there are some decent places to eat a quick lunch but during the ride, not many restrooms but plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs. Be sure to see Fort Donaldson Civil War battlefield in Dover before or after your ride and stop along the way to see the bison and ruins of the iron ore furnace during the ride. When you arrive there, be sure to look for Patty's a great place to eat lunch or dinner before your return ride! The address is 1801 Jh Obryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY or you can just ask anyone there and they can tell you where they are located. Update from "bikesand beards" on 6/13/12: The Trace is full of camping...to name a few there is Piney Campground, Ginger Bay, Colson Hollow and Brandon Springs. There is a Welsome station on both ends. And there is an OHV area for all you off road riders! This route is full of historical sites, camping, animals and so much more. Enjoy the ride, ride slow. Enjoy the corners and don't miss anything. You could spend the entire day easily on this 48 miles stretch. Patti's Settlement is a great restaraunt at the end of the Trace on the right. Here there is so much to look at and eat! There is also some T-Shirt places and such...And not to far from there is the Kentucky Damn and Kenlake.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Dia Wolf
April 22, 2019
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Took The Trace last Saturday and it was the first weekend in weeks whereas no storms were hitting, meaning the ride was fairly smooth with dry roads. My only issue was that seven years after "bikesand beards" posted their review, the wear and tear from these last few years are showing. Decent route but plenty of rips and potholes closer to the southern portion of the ride. Due to my career, I was looking forward to a more adventurous ride since there were moments of straight a ways that felt like it took forever to pass. Mind the bypass since cars regularly take it, I hate slowing down and took me by surprise since it's a national park and didn't expect a highway. Beautiful route all the way through.

Also if you conceal carry, make sure you pay attention to the signs at the welcome centers.
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jstephens9664
September 3, 2018
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Beautiful ride, lots of scenery, food, and friendly people. The homeplace is a must stop for a quiet stroll. The people that work there love to share stories and talk about their work.
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Guest
February 27, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
My wife and I took this ride and it is a great run,just be sure to gas up,this is not a great long trip but as was said when you hit the trace there are no amenities
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