Hiking

Hiking Along Hematite Lake Trail
Shawn Dunnaway

Hiking in Land Between The Lakes

There are hundreds of miles of trails to explore when visiting Land Between The Lakes. Many trails are multi-use, allowing hikers and biking enthusiasts. Some trails are for hiking only, however. The trails zigzag through forests, fields and across old roads.  Some trails have beautiful views of the lakes.

When planning a hike in Land Between The Lakes, don't forget tick repellent spray and pack enough water or supplies, depending on how long you are planning to hike.

Hematite Lake Trail

Length:  2.2 miles
Type:  Hiking only
Rating:  Easy - Map

This 2.2-mile long trail circles the beautiful 80-acre Hematite Lake near Woodlands Nature Station. You'll cross a spillway (Hematite Lake Dam) and travel along the shores of the lake, seeing artifacts of the iron ore industry, gigantic oak trees, and an awesome network of bridges and boardwalks toward the back of the trail.  It's an easy hike and is one of the most popular trails in LBL.

Long Creek Trail

Length:  0.3 miles
Type:  Hiking only
Rating:  Easy/Handicap Accessible - Map

This short paved path is handicap-accessible and takes you to Long Creek. At just 1/4 of a mile long, this trail is perfect for those looking for the easiest of hikes while experiencing wildlife in Land Between The Lakes.  It is located near Woodlands Nature Station and Hematite Lake.

Honker Lake Trail

Length:  4.5 miles
Type:  Hiking only
Rating:  Moderate - Map

This trail is 4.5 miles long and goes around Honker Lake, an embayment of Lake Barkley.  You'll likely experience beaver, osprey, Canadian geese, otters and other wildlife on your adventure.  Canoes and kayaks are available for rent on Honker Lake at Woodlands Nature Station.

North/South Trail - South

Length:  28 miles
Type:  Hiking only
Rating:  Various - Map

The southern leg of the North/South Trail in Land Between The Lakes is exclusively for hikers.  At 28 miles in length, this trail offers varying degrees of difficultly and is great for those looking to hike several days.  The northern leg at 31 miles is also available for mountain biking.  Get maps here:  North/South Trail - North | North/South Trail - South

Other Trails

These trails mentioned above are exclusive to hikers. If you don't mind sharing the trails with a potential mountain biker or two, check out these other options:

Details of these four trails can be found on our Biking section.