Trail Biking and Hiking Opportunities at Cordell Hull Lake

The water and land along the Cumberland River has historically been a major transportation route for the Native Americans and early pioneers.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been given an opportunity to develop these water and land resources at Cordell Hull Lake.

In addition to navigation and power production, recreation is a major consideration in the operation of the lake.  These trails are some of the many diverse outdoor recreation opportunities offered at Cordell Hull Lake.  As you hike, walk, or ride horseback on our trails; enjoy what man and nature have provided, but take nothing so others may also enjoy what you have seen.  The following is a list of USACE managed trails and tracks found around Cordell Hull Lake.  

Bearwaller Gap Trail:

The 6 mile long Bearwaller Gap trail is located between the Scenic Overlook (Tater Knobb) and the parking lot at the Picnic Shelter at Defeated Creek Campground. To view a copy of the map click here.

Directions:
Take I-40 to the Carthage exit.  Go approximately 7 miles north to highway 263.  Take highway 263 to the Scenic Overlook (Tater Knob) trailhead.   -OR-  Take I-40 to the Carthage exit.  Go approximately 7 miles north to highway 263.  Take highway 263 to highway 85.  Go right approximately 2 miles on highway 85 to Defeated Creek Park.  Trailhead is at Defeated Creek Campground Parking Lot.

Cordell Hull Lake Horseback Riding Trails:

The Horse Trails are located near the small community of Granville.  Directions: Take I-40 to the Carthage exit, then Highway 53 to Granville.  The trail entrance is beside the road, just past Granville.

Turkey Creek Nature Trail:

The ½ mile ADA accessible Mocking Bird Loop to the Turkey Creek Nature Trail is located between the Visitor’s Center and the Dam.  Directions:  Take I-40 to the Carthage exit.  Go north approximately 7 miles to Highway 263.  Take Highway 263 to the entrance to Cordell Hull Dam and Lake.  Go approximately ½ mile trail head is on the left.

Bear Wheels Mountain Bike Trail:

Bear Den: .68 miles (Yellow)

Black Bear: 3 miles (Black)

Grizzly Bear: 3 miles (Red)

Directions:  Take I-40 to the Carthage exit.  Go approximately 7 miles north to highway 263.  Take highway 263 to the Scenic Overlook (Tater Knob) trailhead.   -OR-  Take I-40 to the Carthage exit.  Go approximately 7 miles north to highway 263.  Take highway 263 to highway 85.  Go right approximately 2 miles on highway 85 to Defeated Creek Park.  Trailhead is at Defeated Creek Campground Parking Lot.

Walking Tracks of Cordell Hull Lake