What would you like to search?
Explore Categories
Popular Destinations
No search results found.
What would you like to search?
No search results found.
Some trails are remembered for the scenery. Others are remembered for the stories they tell.
Fort Henry National Recreation Trail combines both. Located in the southern end of Land Between the Lakes, this network of trails follows the route taken by General Ulysses S. Grant’s troops as they marched from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson during the Civil War. Today, the forests have reclaimed the landscape, but the history remains an important part of every step along the trail.
You don’t have to be a Civil War enthusiast to appreciate this hike. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while walking through a landscape that helped shape American history.
Rather than one continuous path, Fort Henry National Recreation Trail is made up of ten interconnected trails totaling approximately 26 miles. That design gives visitors the flexibility to choose shorter hikes or combine multiple sections into a longer adventure.
While the trail system follows the historic route between Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, today’s hikers experience peaceful woodlands, rolling terrain, and quiet stretches that feel far removed from the events that unfolded here more than 160 years ago.
The moderate terrain makes the trail approachable for most hikers while offering plenty of opportunities to spend several hours exploring.
Every visitor approaches this trail a little differently. Some come for the history, while others simply enjoy exploring one of the quieter corners of Land Between the Lakes.
Walking the same general route traveled by General Grant’s troops adds a unique perspective to the Civil War story. It’s one thing to read about history and another to experience the landscape where it happened.
With ten connected trail sections, it’s easy to choose a hike that fits your schedule. You don’t have to explore all 26 miles to enjoy the trail, and many visitors return to experience different sections over multiple visits.
Although history gives the trail its identity, the scenery is just as rewarding. Forests, seasonal wildflowers, and peaceful woodland surroundings make it easy to appreciate the natural beauty of southern Land Between the Lakes.
If you’ve already explored the area’s most popular stops, Fort Henry National Recreation Trail offers a quieter experience where history and nature come together away from larger crowds.
Squirrel in LBL
Photo taken by Bugle Corps Volunteer Deborah Kimes
The trail passes through mature forests that have grown over landscapes once occupied by soldiers during the Civil War. While the forests now feel peaceful, it’s interesting to imagine the challenges troops faced moving through this same terrain more than a century and a half ago.
Depending on the season, you’ll encounter hardwood forests, native wildflowers, changing fall colors, and the wildlife commonly found throughout Land Between the Lakes. Deer, songbirds, squirrels, and other woodland animals are frequently seen along the trail.
One of the most rewarding parts of the experience is the contrast itself. The quiet surroundings make it easy to reflect on the area’s history while enjoying everything that makes Land Between the Lakes such a special place to explore today.
Because Fort Henry National Recreation Trail includes ten connected trail sections, it’s helpful to decide which portion you’d like to explore before arriving. A trail map can help you choose a route that matches the amount of time and distance you’re comfortable hiking.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, carry water, and allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy both the scenery and the history along the way. Spring and summer visitors may also want bug spray, while a camera is a great companion during every season.
As always, stay on the designated trails and help preserve both the natural environment and the historic landscape by leaving everything exactly as you found it.
The trail passes through mature forests that have grown over landscapes once occupied by soldiers during the Civil War. While the forests now feel peaceful, it’s interesting to imagine the challenges troops faced moving through this same terrain more than a century and a half ago.
Depending on the season, you’ll encounter hardwood forests, native wildflowers, changing fall colors, and the wildlife commonly found throughout Land Between the Lakes. Deer, songbirds, squirrels, and other woodland animals are frequently seen along the trail.
One of the most rewarding parts of the experience is the contrast itself. The quiet surroundings make it easy to reflect on the area’s history while enjoying everything that makes Land Between the Lakes such a special place to explore today.
The trail system includes ten connected trails totaling approximately 26 miles.
The trail is rated moderate. Visitors can choose shorter sections or combine multiple trails depending on the type of hike they're looking for.
The trail closely follows the route taken by General Ulysses S. Grant's troops as they marched from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson during the Civil War.
No. The trail system is divided into ten connected sections, allowing visitors to choose hikes that fit their schedule and experience level.
Comfortable hiking shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray during warmer months, and a trail map are all recommended for a safe and enjoyable hike.
