Livingston: Nature, Trails and History

Livingston appeals to travelers who want to get to know the landscape and history through specific places and experiences. In the natural areas of Livingston County, mature oak forests, cypress swamps and steep, wooded cliffs shape the scenery. A distinctive natural landmark is the natural sandstone bridge in Mantle Rock Nature Preserve: it is 30 feet high and spans 188 feet. These varied landscapes each bring their own character to your trip.

Experience nature and history on the trails

At Mantle Rock Preserve, you can walk more than a mile of the historic road on the Retracement Trail. Cherokee travelers used this road in 1838 and camped along it. The trail makes the history of the journey tangible at a specific place; the preserve’s name also evokes a landscape where the natural sandstone bridge is a striking feature.

Hiking in the natural areas of Livingston County is permitted on foot only. ATVs, off-road vehicles and mountain bikes are not allowed. Plan these nature experiences as hikes. A colony of great blue herons (Ardea herodias) can also be found along Bissell Creek in the Livingston County Natural Areas.

Grand Rivers and Kentucky Lake

Grand Rivers is the northern entrance to Land Between the Lakes and offers access to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The Grand Rivers Walking Trail runs along Kentucky Lake and starts at the Grand Rivers Jetty Pavilion. The lake was created by the construction of Kentucky Dam. For your trip planning, Grand Rivers offers a clear focus on lakes and trails, distinct from the on-foot hiking experiences in the natural areas.

Culture and recreational activities are also part of Grand Rivers’ character: Badgett Playhouse is a nonprofit performing arts theater in the center of town. Patti’s 1880’s Settlement has mini golf at “The 19th Hole.” Patti’s Settlement also serves a two-inch-thick pork chop; check its availability before your trip.

Historic sites in Livingston County

Carrsville History Museum is housed in a former Methodist church building constructed in 1875. At the museum of the Livingston County Historical and Genealogical Society, you can see a historic classroom with memorabilia, including a cast-iron stove and old wooden desks. Both places offer a different focus from the natural areas: here, buildings and memorabilia take center stage.

A brochure about the historic Smithland Cemetery offers a self-guided tour on foot and by car. This is a different way to explore than in the natural areas, where hiking is permitted on foot only. This gives you the choice of landscape, local history and different ways to explore, without having to fit every experience into a single outing.

Choose the right focus for your stay

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Livingston, first consider what you want your trip to revolve around: hikes and natural features, lakeside activities and trails in Grand Rivers, or cultural and historical visits in Carrsville and Smithland. Choose a rental based on the places you want to visit, and check its location against your own travel plans. The different options help you shape your stay around your interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Christian County, Simpson County, McCracken County, Nelson, Hart County, Knox County, Harlan.

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