Hiking for Great Outdoors Month

Land Between the Lakes is located just south of I-24 about 90 miles northwest of Nashville, TN. Land Between the Lakes has over 170,000 acres of land set aside by the USDS Forest Service. It is recognized as the largest inland peninsula in the United States. It is bordered by Lake Barkley to the east and Kentucky Lake to the west, totaling over 300 miles of shoreline. According to LBL.org, there are over 420 miles of public roads with 90 bridges and 5 dams. There are also over 200 miles of hiking trails.

There are three named trails to choose from when coming to Land Between the Lakes to hike. The main trail is called the North South Trail. This trail is approximately 65 miles and runs the entire length of the park. The trail takes you along the edge of Kentucky Lake and through some very pretty pastures and woods full of blooming trees in the spring and summer. Winter hikes allow great views of the lake at higher elevations. There is only a 200 foot elevation change throughout the hike, but some of the hills are steep and rocky. It is well worth the hike when you get to the top of hill and can see all of the surrounding area.

The next shorter trail is Fort Henry National Recreation Trail. This trail is located on the south side of the park by Dover, TN. It is approximately 26 miles long. The hike will take you along the same route of General Grant's troops when they moved from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson during the civil war. I have hiked this part of the trail several times. It is very easy with only a few hill climbs. It can be done in a day for most people. I also have pictures of a Bald Eagle I spotted on this trail. I have heard that Bald Eagles use this area for nesting. Once you get into Fort Donelson, there is a trail with old cannons and information about the civil war battles that took place in this area. I suggest this hike for families with kids, they get a kick out of the old cannons.

The shortest trail in the park is the Canal Loop Trail. It is about 14 miles long but it has many in between trails that could make the hike shorter if needed. I run this part of the trail on the weekends. It is great for hikers and trail runners. It is located at the north end of the park. This trail also provides some great views of the lake on top of the many peaks the trail crosses. I suggest bringing a camera on this hike to take advantage of the views.

Hiking at Land Between the Lakes is a great time for the family. It can be done anytime of the year, not just for Great Outdoors Month. In my opinion, spring time is the best time to hike because the wildlife is really active at that time. There are deer, squirrels, turkey, coyote, foxes, and over 300 birds species in the park. Don't forget about the Bald Eagles. They are very shy of people, so make sure your camera is ready.

To learn more about Land Between the Lakes and the other attractions it offers, go to: www.lbl.org