The Radical Left Democrats shut down the government. This government website will be updated periodically during the funding lapse for mission critical functions. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people. For information on recreation site status on National Forest System lands, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit.

Backpacking

Land Between the Lakes offers an extensive network of trails for backpacking adventures through the rolling hills, scenic lakeshores, and forests of Western Kentucky and Tennessee. From a long portion of the North/South Trail to a historic loop in the Fort Henry Trails, there’s a perfect campsite for everyone.

Backpacking is the activity of traveling/hiking/walking from one place to another while carrying your clothes and other things you need in a backpack. A backpacker at Land Between the Lakes carries all their camping equipment and personal belongings in a backpack on their back while walking via a hiking trail in order to camp one or more nights. Backpackers generally travel along the trail to a different location by foot each day.

Water is not available on trails. There are a few seasonal springs. You must carry water and/or bring a filter to use when you find water. Water is available at Golden Pond Visitor Center and dump stations in Land Between the Lakes.

Please note that parking a vehicle and carrying supplies by hand to a campsite along a trail is not considered backpacking.

Trails where overnight backpacking is allowed:

  • Canal Loop Trail
  • North/South Trail-North End
  • North/South Trail-South End
  • Fort Henry Trails