Murray, KY, Local Hiking Trails in and Around Land Between the Lakes

Living in Murray, Kentucky is great for several reasons, one being the abundance of local hiking trails that are available to us. Western Kentucky is home to Land between the Lakes or LBL for short, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Whether you are looking for a short day trip hike or a long grueling hike into the back woods, western Kentucky has a trail to suit everyone, from the beginners to the advanced hikers. This area is also great if you plan on bringing children along. Here at LBL there is a trail that will accommodate kids of all ages. Listed below is a short list of local hiking trails close to Murray, Kentucky and must have necessities to take on a hike.

Equipment needed
Map of the area (can be found at any Welcome station)
Back pack
Water
Binoculars
Small first aid kit
Light lunch or food to last the entire trip
Bug & Tick spray

Nature Station Trails
LBL's Nature station has the best trails for children and the physically disabled, there is a 0.2-mile paved trail for the physically disabled that loops around the Nature Station and a 1.5-mile guided trail that leads through a natural environment that is filled with wildlife where you and your family will be able to explore and play in Kentucky's natural habitat.

Wildlife Trails
Hiking in Western Kentucky is one of the best ways to catch a close up glimpse of the wonderful wildlife here. Some animal viewing tips: the best times to see the animals are when they are most active, in the early morning and early evening hours (dawn & dusk). You will want to bring binoculars and field guide and make sure you walk quietly as not to disturb what you are trying to view.

Land Between the Lakes has the largest and oldest herd of Fallow Deer, which are known for their palmate antlers and their number of white deer in this heard. These Fallow deer travel in large herds and stay relatively close to the Nature station, they are also sighted near Hematite and Honker Lake's along the Center Furnace Trail; this trail loops around and is an 8.8-mile moderate hike.

Main Trails at LBL
There are more than 200-miles of trails at LBL that weave through our grand back woods and peaceful shores. The North/South trail spans the entire length of LBL and has over 100 trails that branch off for shorter, less strenuous hikes. The North/South Trail is 65-miles long, rates moderate to strenuous hike with a 200-foot elevation gain.

Canal Loop Trail
Is located at the North end of LBL and is a series of several connecting trails that range from 1-mile to 14-miles and is one of the most visited group of trails at LBL, because of its amazing lake views and opportunity for shorter hikes. This trail runs 14-miles, is rated easy to moderate with an 80-foot elevation gain.

Historic trails at LBL
Fort Henry National Recreation Trail
This trail is located at the South end of LBL and is a trail system composed of 11 connecting trails that range from easy to strenuous with a total length of 26-miles. This particular trail follows the route that General Grant and his Troops took from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson during the Civil War giving us a glimpse at our past and what kind of terrain the soldiers had to contend with. There are several ruins on and around this trail that offer some insight as to what kind of conditions these soldiers lived in.

Center Furnace Trail
Western Kentucky's history as a whole was centered around this area, due to the high production of iron. Take the 2-mile hike and walk into the past while you view the huge furnace ruins, old farmhouses and the massive charcoal furnace. Along the way you will also find several old homesteads and family cemeteries.

Scenic Trails at LBL
Moss Creek to Hillman Ferry Campground trail
Is located North of the visitors station on HWY 68 and is a 7.1-mile moderate to strenuous hike with several steep up-hill climbs and is not for the weak. Moss Creek trail is the best trail for the photographer in your family to capture all the beauty this area at LBL has to offer, with all the steep landscapes, wildflowers, river views and dense forest there is a picture everywhere you turn.

Honker Trail at LBL
Is located just east of the Nature Station and winds around Honker Lake through a huge variety of wildlife habitats. You will enjoy this hike that will take you through the dense forests, meadows and leave your foot prints in the splendid shores at Honker Lake. The name "Honker Lake" comes from a large flock of Giant Canada Geese that nest and make this lake their home. Honker trail is 4.5-miles, rates easy to moderate with a 50-foot elevation gain.

Every spring I look forward to getting out on one of my favorite trail like Moss Creek to Hillman Ferry Campground 7.1-mile hike through Western Kentucky's beautiful forest. This article is based on my own personal experience hiking in and around Western Kentucky and LBL.

References for this article came from www.hikercentral.com and www.local.hikinglady.com