Discovery: The Tennessee Valley

A stone's throw from Piney Creek, the Tennessee-Kentucky border separates the states on the left bank of the river at mile 62.5 and runs downstream, following the main channel, to mile 49.4 on the right bank. There are dozens of small docks and fishing camps in this area; 114 on the entire lake.

A mile before Eggners Ferry Bridge (mile 41.8) is KENTUCKY LAKE STATE PARK. Like Paris Landing State Park, this is an extensive, modern recreation area. A considerable amount of rivalry exists between these neighboring state parks, based chiefly on their new hotels. The $600,000 KENLAKE HOTEL at Kentucky Lake State Park is much larger than The Inn at Paris Landing. In addition it has efficiency cabins ranging in rents from $72 to $96 weekly, which can handle many more guests during the season. It lacks the elegance of The Inn, however, bo h in appearance and service. Kenlake has good dock accommodations, a large tackle shop, 75 rental boats and overnight tie-ups which can handle boats of practically any size.

The FISHERMEN'S ONE STOP is at Eggners Bridge on the river's right bank. It is a first-class dock which provides everything for the fisherman from boats and motors to tackle, overnight cabins and a private landing strip for sportsmen who fly in for the weekend from Memphis and Nashville.

At the dam, KENTUCKY DAM VILLAGE is another state park which has a modern lodge, numerous one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages and extensive boating and swimming facilities on the lake. There are several public launching areas, miles of bridle paths along the water, numerous public beaches and a good 18-hole public golf course with its own clubhouse, lockers and pro shop.

The VILLAGE DOCKS, operated by J. W. Coakley, who is a master fisherman in his own right, have 15 feet of water at the fuel pumps, overnight tie-ups, fishing guides, rental boats and 24-hour watchman service.

In spite of all the fine bourbon made in Kentucky, this part of the state is as dry as most of Tennessee. The nearest watering place is Paducah, final destination on the Tennessee River cruise. Paducah is less than an hour away by car (there is an auto rental service at the dam), 22 miles by water. A fine marine railway at Kentucky Dam Village hauls out boats up to 30 tons and 50 feet. Many people making the cruise from Knoxville take advantage of this facility and pull out at the dam, to then ship or trail their boats home. But whether the cruise ends here or at Paducah, there seems to be a single point on which all travelers down the Tennessee agree: some day they'll return to run the river again.