United States · US

Hematite Lake

Hematite Lake is a quiet 83.6-acre body of water tucked into the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Trigg County, Kentucky. Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and named for the iron ore that once fueled the region's 19th-century furnaces, this serene lake offers a peaceful escape for anglers, hikers, and nature watchers who want to experience western Kentucky's wild heart. The lake sits within a designated wildlife refuge that closes to boating and fishing from November through mid-March, keeping its waters remarkably undisturbed for most of the year. During the open season, anglers find catfish, bluegill, bream, and largemouth bass, while paddlers and hikers can loop the perimeter on a scenic trail that crosses a beaver marsh by boardwalk.