Fort Henry Hiking Trail

Visit the Land Between the Lakes and hike on the Fort Henry Trail System with your pooch. This network of footpaths winds through the forest bottomlands and uplands along the eastern shore of Kentucky Lake. Out here, you'll be able to see a diverse array of wildflowers, trees, and ferns as you hike over the rolling hills. If you want to extend your outing, obtain an overnight backpacking permit to camp along the trail. The park service does not specify hours for the trail.

The trailhead for Fort Henry is on Forest Service Road 232. Make sure you check in at either the Golden Pond Visitor Center or the North or South Welcome Station before starting your trek. One furrific route out here is the Pickett Loop. After a 0.7-mile hike on a connector pathway, you'll have a 2.2-mile circle that takes you close to the lake and past some old homesteads. Catch some scenic views of the water as you hike. After completing your circuit, follow the original pathway back to your car for a 3.6-mile round trip. You can also follow a road that Ulysses S. Grant used on the Artillery Trail. For a longer outing, check out the Telegraph Trail. You'll climb ridges, follow streams, and see historical landmarks on this 7.5-mile road.

You and Fido can have a pawesome time exploring the trail systems here as long as they're on a leash. If you use water along the trails, make sure to treat it first. The best option is to bring your own refreshments. Leave a minimum impact by collecting and packing out all waste.

The Fort Henry Trail System offers a range of hiking options for you and your four-footed friend. Hike through a variety of forest including ash, maple, mature oak-hickory, and shortleaf pine. There are pathways that follow ridgelines or go along the streams. You can decide whether to take a short loop or travel the whole system.