Cordell Hull Lake

Explorers from all over the country flock to Cordell Hull Lake in Tennessee for its trails, which are geared towards horseback riders but are also open to hikers. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1981, this trail is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and is part of the National Trails System, so you know when you hike here you are going to be trekking through a well-maintained area.

The Cordell Hull Lake Trail extends for 22 miles along the Cumberland River. Hikers and equestrians can choose to camp along the way at one of the many primitive camping areas, but be aware that there is no fresh water source available, and there are no facilities designated for use along the way.

Hikers will share the trails and reservoir with other families and outdoor aficionados, so be sure to keep Fido on a leash. Visitors from all over come to this area to enjoy the opportunities that the lake and reservoir offer for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping along the 12,000 acres of the Cordell Hull Lake.

There are trails designed for horseback riding and others for hiking and bicycling. The most popular trails are the Bearwaller Gap Trail, which is six miles long and located between the Scenic Overlook and the Defeated Creek Campground parking lot, and the Turkey Creek Nature Trail. This trail is only half a mile long, so it is good for quick hikes. You can find it off of the Mockingbird Loop between the visitors center and the dam. The elevation of these trails is not known, but none of them are labeled as steep unless you take the challenging horseback riding areas.

This area has a lot of history behind it, since it was once a major route of transportation for early pioneers and Native Americans. The diverse land is now used for recreation and public use, but due to the historical value, it is strongly protected. When you and Fido visit, be sure to clean up after yourselves.

If you want to visit this amazing trail system, you can park off of Highway 53 north of Granville or on Holleman Bend Road, located two miles north of the entrance. The park is open 24 hours, but gates are only manned from 7:30 to 4:00 pm daily for assistance.