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)

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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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Anyb0dy
July 26, 2016
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
A Nice scenic road, the best and only route through LBL that connects with all the camp grounds and attractions. I will say that this isn't a twisty road, so those seeking tight corners and steep lean angles may find it a bit tame. It is wide and flowy with good visibility and lots of sweeping corners that become much more fun at 70 MPH. However, beware of speeding because of the heavy seasonal traffic and presence of park rangers, as well as wildlife and other legitimate hazards.

I plan on bringing a dual sport next time because LBL has lots of OHV trails.
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bkellyusa
November 10, 2013
6 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I completely agree with the original review of this ride. The road is clean and curvy with beautiful scenery. At the top of the Trace is Mrs. Patti's Restaurant in Grand Rivers, KY which is an incredible place to stop for dinner. The specialty of the house is pork chops like you've never eaten before in life. The restaurants has won many awards including national food magazine awards. We try to make this trip from Dickson, TN as often as possible.
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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
A great ride through nature. Fairly flat, mostly meadows or pine forests. Some of the cross roads are worth a foray over to either lake shore. There is a bison preserve near the southern end, but motorcycles are NOT allowed!. You might be lucky and see them if they roam out by the fence along the main higway. Stop by either Barkely or Kentucky Dam for a tour (free). The rating I gave is more for the scenery and the peaceful quiet ride, than for twisties or sweepers or anything challenging.
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