Lake Barkley, Grand Rivers, Trigg County, Middle Tennessee, Kentucky
Lake Barkley, a vast reservoir in Kentucky and Tennessee, stands as a testament to modern engineering and a hub for outdoor recreation. This lake, named in honor of former Vice President Alben Barkley, a Kentucky native, is a key feature in the region’s landscape and recreational life.
Geographical Overview
Spanning across Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg Counties in Kentucky, and extending into Stewart and Houston Counties in Tennessee, Lake Barkley covers a striking 58,000 acres. Created in 1966 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Barkley Dam, it primarily serves as a flood control and recreational area.
The lake is fed and drained by the Cumberland River, situated near Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Its proximity, just 38 miles upstream from the confluence of the Cumberland and Ohio Rivers, positions it strategically within the region’s river systems. A notable feature is a canal linking Lake Barkley with Kentucky Lake, creating a vast freshwater recreational complex.
With a length of 134 miles and a shoreline spanning over 1,000 miles, Lake Barkley’s expanse is both impressive and functional. The water levels are strategically managed for flood control, with seasonal variations to accommodate different needs and activities.
Historical Significance
The creation of Lake Barkley in the 1960s led to the submergence of local communities, leading to the relocation and creation of new settlements. Areas like “Old Eddyville” and “Old Kuttawa” represent the remnants of the original towns that now sit along the lakefront, their old foundations visible during lower water levels. This transformation required significant infrastructural changes, including the relocation of major highways and railroad tracks.
Recreational Paradise
Lake Barkley is home to Lake Barkley State Resort Park, situated along its eastern shore, offering a plethora of recreational activities. Visitors and locals alike enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and hiking in the area. The lake holds the record for the largest yellow bass caught in Kentucky and is an angler’s paradise.
Environmental Efforts
In recent years, Lake Barkley has faced ecological challenges, notably the invasion of Asian carp. Efforts are underway to curb this issue, with methods like electro-shock fishing and sonic devices being employed to reduce the carp population significantly.