One thing I’ve learned from helping people buy waterfront property is that not everyone is looking for the same kind of lake view.
Some people want to sit on the dock with a cup of coffee and watch the sun come up over the water while others picture ending the day on the deck with a sunset view.
The interesting thing is that where you buy on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley can make a big difference in what you see every day.
If sunrise and sunset views are important to you, here’s what you should know.
Kentucky Lake Is Known for Sunrise Views
Because Kentucky Lake sits west of Land Between the Lakes, many of the privately owned waterfront properties on Kentucky Lake face east toward LBL. That creates some incredible sunrise opportunities.
There is something special about watching the first light of the day come up over the wooded ridges of Land Between the Lakes while the lake is still calm. If you’ve spent much time on Kentucky Lake, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Some areas where you’ll often find great sunrise views include areas in Marshall County such as:
- Cambridge Shores
- Jonathan Creek
- Big Bear Bay
And areas in Calloway County including:
- Blood River
- Cypress Bay
Of course, every lot is different. Two homes in the same bay can have completely different views depending on how the shoreline curves and where the house sits.
Lake Barkley Often Has the Advantage for Sunsets
If you’re a sunset person, Lake Barkley deserves a close look.
Since the entire western shoreline of Lake Barkley is part of Land Between the Lakes, many of the privately owned waterfront homes on the eastern side of the lake face west across open water. That’s often a recipe for some pretty spectacular sunsets.
I’ve seen evenings on Barkley where the entire sky turns orange and pink and the water looks like glass. Those are the moments that remind people why they wanted a lake home in the first place.
Areas that often offer strong sunset potential include:
- Waterfront areas near Cadiz
- Eastern shorelines throughout Trigg County
- Communities near Eddyville
Some Exceptions
As with all things, there are some exceptions. Grand Rivers is in a unique situation as it is located at the northern point of both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Communities such as Marina Village are located on the western shore of Lake Barkley and may have homes with wonderful sunrise views.
Homes in the newly developed Eagle Landing subdivision are located on the eastern shore of Kentucky Lake and may have amazing sunset views.
Don't Assume Every Waterfront Lot Has the Same View
This is one of the biggest misconceptions I see from buyers.
People will sometimes assume that because a property is waterfront, it automatically has great sunrise or sunset views. That’s not always the case.
Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley have thousands of miles of shoreline. Bays twist and turn. Points face different directions. Tree cover changes throughout the year.
I’ve seen protected bay lots with beautiful water views but very little sunrise or sunset visibility. I’ve also seen point lots where you can watch both.
That’s one reason I always encourage buyers to think beyond the listing photos and pay attention to the orientation of the property itself.
Some of the Best Sunrise and Sunset Views Aren't From Private Property at All
One of my favorite things about living in this area is that you don’t have to own waterfront property to enjoy incredible views.
Land Between the Lakes offers countless places to watch both the sunrise and sunset. Whether you’re driving The Trace, camping, hiking, or launching a boat, there are opportunities all over LBL to experience some truly beautiful scenery.
One thing that’s important to understand is that Land Between the Lakes is a federally managed recreation area. There are no privately owned homes, subdivisions, or commercial developments within LBL. The eastern shoreline of Kentucky Lake and the western shoreline of Lake Barkley are entirely public land managed for recreation and conservation.
That’s part of what makes the area so special. Those shorelines remain largely undeveloped, preserving the natural views that so many people come here to enjoy.
Looking for a Home With a Particular View?
If sunrise or sunset views are high on your wish list, let us know. We spend a lot of time on both lakes and can help you identify areas that fit the type of waterfront experience you’re looking for.
Sometimes the perfect lake property isn’t just about the house or the dock. It’s about what you see when you step outside at the beginning and end of the day.
