Trail Map (Download PDF)

Trailheads

1. Fenton Campground | Compacted stone & moderate

2. English Hill | Compacted stone & moderate

3. Golden Pond Visitor Center | Compacted stone & moderate

4. Meredith | Compacted stone & moderate

5. Sunset | Asphalt & easy

6. Devil’s Elbow | Asphalt & easy

7. Cumberland | Asphalt & easy

Trailhead Information

Fenton – (located at Fenton Campground) Begin your hike at one of the first recreation areas established in Land Between the Lakes.

English Hill – (located on FS RD US68/KY80-B) This rise is known locally as English Hill, named for Mary and M. E. English, the family that once lived there.

Golden Pond – (located at Golden Pond Visitor Center) Learn more about Land Between the Lakes here. Exhibits, an observatory, and planetarium also add to your experience.

Meredith – (located on FS RD US68/KY80-C) Named for nearby Meredith Cemetery. The Meredith family used a jenny (female donkey) instead of horses. They used them to plow, ride, and hitch them to wagons or buggies.

Sunset – (located on FS RD 160 & US68/KY80) Just home from WWII in 1947, two local brothers, Conley and Lew Wallace, built the Sunset Inn (which was located here). Both served in the Pacific during WWII. Conley named it the Sunset Inn for the “setting sun” shoulder patch insignia on his 41st Infantry Division uniform.

Devil’s Elbow – (located on FS RD 159 & US68/KY80) In the days of steamboats, the community of Golden Pond was served by a landing on the Cumberland River known as Devil’s Elbow, so called because of the large bend in the Cumberland River here.

Cumberland – (located on FS RD 134 & US68/KY80) The area, named for the river and the community which had been located on the western shore of the river just north of the bridge, is now covered by Lake Barkley.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

Additional Lake Energy Rules

Overnight camping is only permitted at Energy Lake Campground.

Backpack camping is not allowed along the trail.

All Back Country Camping campsites must be at least 50 feet from the marked trail.

If camping as a Back Country camper, each person 18 and over must purchase a Back Country Camping Permit.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

Artillery Trail | 17, 18, 20, 4 | 4.6 mi

Follows historic wagon road used by Ulysses Grant and his troops heading to Fort Donelson. Begins at Telegraph Trail and gradually rises in elevation. Flattens out along ridgeline then drops to meet Peytona Trail.

Devils Backbone Trail | 5, 19, 18 | 1.6 mi

Follows along a ridge overlooking opposing hollows. In places, the knife-edge ridge is barely wider than the trail itself. Look for mountain laurel on the bluffs.

Peytona Trail | 11, 15-17 | 3.9 mi

Pass along old home sites and beaver dams. You may notice remnants of the 1800’s iron industry.

Pickett Loop | 23, 24, 26 | 2.2 mi

Pass along old home sites and offers views of Kentucky Lake. It can be easily accessed at the Fort Henry Trailhead or Boswell Landing Campground.

Piney Trail | 20-22 | 2.3 mi

Access from Piney Campground. Starts in bottomland and ascends to a ridge top to meet the Volunteer Trail, as well as General Grant’s historic route, the Artillery Trail.

Telegraph Trail | 1-14 | 7.5 mi

Longest trail in Fort Henry Trail System and connects with other system trails. Follows along stream sides and creeks, climbs ridges, then heads back down along the streams. Old home sites, cemeteries, springs (seasonal), and beaver dams.

Tennessee Ridge Trail | 9, 16 | 1.8 mi

Easy trail traces the physical divide between the Cumberland and Tennessee River watersheds. Lays farthest interior, providing the best opportunities for solitude.

Volunteer Trail | 2, 21 | 2.2 mi

Travel through bottomland hardwoods. Connects Telegraph and Piney Trails.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

Bohanon Loop |  2 mi | Easy

This is the longest of the trails in this system. This main loop trail provides access to Brown Spring Loop, James Nickell Loop, and Vogle Loop via connector trails. This trail takes you up and over ridgelines and offers users an excellent opportunity to view wildlife.

Brown Spring Loop | 0.66 mi | Easy

Winding its way through mature hardwood stands and meanders up and down ridgelines. This trail can be used for a short hike or can be linked up with the James Nickell Loop or Bohanon Loop to add to the length of your hike. This trail can be accessed via Bohanon Loop or the Trailhead near the boat ramp in Area A.

James Nickell Loop | 0.48 mi | Easy

Hikers can visit a scenic overlook of Kentucky Lake. The trail follows the ridge top along the edge of Kentucky Lake and then dips back into the bottoms. This trail is accessible via the connector trail from Brown Spring Loop.

Vogle Loop | .94 mi | Easy

Notice the heritage markers along the way that takes you to a primitive rock beach on Kentucky Lake. Vogle Loop is accessed via Bohanon Loop. Vogle Loop takes hikers past an old home site and limestone quarry associated with the Star Lime Works District. Stop along the way to learn about the history of the area.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

Center Furnace Trail | 0.3 mile, 30 minutes | Easy, mainly flat; some stairs

On this interpretive trail, you will see evidence of how this busy community thrived over 150 years ago and the impact the iron industry had on the land and its people.

Hematite Trail | 2.2 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes | Easy to Moderate: flat along woods, boardwalk, and lakeshore; some hills

Great trail for wildlife viewing including birds and plant life along the lakeshore and marshland. Trail includes a board walk and scenic overlook of the lake. Find picnic tables and toilet facilities at entrance to Hematite Lake.

Honker Trail | 4.6 miles, 3 hours | Easy to Moderate: moderate hills and ridges; flat lakeshore meadows

Named after Canada geese, this loop meanders near the shoreline and through forest and fields. Look for deer, osprey, bald eagles, beavers, and Canada geese. Check out the views from the dam.

Long Creek Trail | 0.26 miles, 20 minutes | Easy: flat, paved, and accessible

Boasting a rich variety of plant life, this trail provides paved access for visitors to view a bottomland hardwood forest along a creek. The area serves as a favorite feeding and resting spot for wildlife.

Woodland Walk Trail | 0.9 miles, 1 hour | Easy to Moderate: meanders around Nature Station and provides access to Honker Lake and trail

Beginning and ending at the Nature Station parking lot, this trail brings you through scenic woodlands and offers several scenic lookouts onto Honker Lake. Perfect for groups.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

Backpacking

Overnight camping is permitted along the North/South Trail.

All campsites must be at least 50 feet from the marked trail.

If camping in a designated Basic Campground, each person must purchase a Basic Camping Permit.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

Overnight camping is permitted along the North/South Trail. All campsites must be at least 50 feet from the marked trail.

If camping in a designated Basic Campground, each person must purchase a Basic Camping Permit.

A permit is required for each horse trailer entering Land Between the Lakes. Purchase permit online or at Wranglers Campground.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

80 Turkey Creek Road, Golden Pond, KY 42211
Information at Golden Pond Visitor Center
W 88° 4’ 17.57” | N 36° 45’ 2.40”
270-924-2233

Riding Rules and Regulations

1. All riders are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation approved motorcycle safety helmet while riding or operating a vehicle. Exceptions include vehicles with a fully enclosed metal cab or roll bar protection and with functioning seatbelts.

2. Operators and passengers of motorized vehicles must fasten their seatbelts while the vehicle is in use. Exceptions include motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

3. Riding passengers on vehicles not designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers is prohibited (36 CFR 261.55b). Passengers can only ride in vehicles built by the manufacturer to carry passengers; the vehicle must have an enclosed metal cab or roll bar protection and seatbelts. No aftermarket add-ons allowed (ex: bump seats).

4. Anyone under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature to ride.

5. We require direct parental or adult supervision for all persons under the age of 16 operating an OHV (KY Revised Statute 189.515).

6. A person under the age of sixteen (16) years, when operating or riding as a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle, shall wear approved headgear, in the manner prescribed by the Secretary of the Transportation Cabinet, at all times that the vehicle is in motion. (KY State Law 189.515 6c)

7. No person under age 16 may operate an ATV with an engine size exceeding 90cc displacement. No person under age 12 may operate an ATV with an engine size exceeding 70cc displacement (KY State Law 189.515).

8. Law Enforcement Officers and Turkey Bay staff reserve the right to revoke riding privileges of any rider if misuse or inappropriate behavior occurs.

9. All users must enter and exit Turkey Bay by way of Forest Service Road #167 off Woodlands Trace. All other accesses are prohibited.

10. Kentucky state law prohibits public consumption of alcohol.

11. Operate OHVs from sunrise to sunset only. We post legal riding hours at the gatehouse daily.

12. All OHVs must be registered with Land Between the Lakes before use in Turkey Bay OHV Area. The permit sticker must always be properly displayed on the registered vehicle. Permits are not transferable between vehicles. When the gatehouse is staffed, permits can be obtained there. When the gatehouse is not staffed, riders must obtain a permit from the Golden Pond Visitor Center- open all year, 9am-5pm.

13. No exhibition riding permitted.

14. Speed Limits: 15mph on entrance road; 10mph in camping and unloading areas

15. All vehicles and operators must follow all state and federal laws.

16. OHVs must have properly functioning spark arresters and mufflers. Noncompliance will result in removal of permit and riding privileges.

17. Respect all “closed to riding” restoration areas. Responsible riding ensures future riding.

18. Operating a vehicle in a manner that damages, mutilates, or removes any natural feature or other property is prohibited (36 CFR 261.9 a and b). This includes mudding, mud bogging, or creating new trail and travel is strictly prohibited.

19. Stay on designated trails. If a trail is not marked, it is not a legal trail, and travel is strictly prohibited.

20. Users must remain within the boundaries of Turkey Bay OHV Area. The water’s edge serves as the western boundary.

21. Operating any all-terrain vehicle on a Forest Development Road outside of Turkey Bay OHV Area is prohibited (Forest Order 60-11-17, 36 CFR 261.13). “All-terrain vehicle” is defined as any motor vehicle used for recreational off-road purposes. This includes but is not limited to: side-by-sides OHVs and 4 wheelers regardless if state licensed.

22. Golf carts are not permitted in Turkey Bay OHV Area.

23. Pack it in. Pack it out. Litter laws strictly enforced; Dispose of oil and hazardous chemicals properly. Trash bags available at gatehouse upon request.

Amphibious ATVs

1. There is only one legal point of entrance and exit for personal water craft and amphibious ATVs at Land Between the Lakes in Turkey Bay OHV Area. You will find this point depicted on the Turkey Bay OHV Area Map.

2. To enter or exit land and water, you must go back to the designated launch point.

3. All users of this landing are required to register their vehicle at the Turkey Bay Gatehouse via Road 167 immediately upon arrival.

4. Only ATVs made by the manufacturer to be operated as an amphibious ATV may enter the water. All Rules and Regulations apply to amphibious ATVs when operated in Turkey Bay OHV Area.

5. The lakeside boundary fluctuates with the summer and winter pool lake levels. The water’s edge serves as the western boundary to Turkey Bay.

Camping at Turkey Bay

During your stay with us, please help provide a safe, quality experience for all our visitors.

1. Fires allowed at campsites only. You must attend to your fire at all times. Extinguish campfires before you leave.

2. Please maintain a clean campsite.

3. Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. No generators during these hours, except in designated 24-hour generator areas.

4. Avoid excessive riding in or near campsites.

5. Campsites are available on a first-come, first?served basis. Saving camping spots and roping off areas is not permitted.

6. Regulations for Dispersed and Basic Camping Areas apply. Camping units may not be left unattended for more than a 24-hour period without permission (36 CFR 261.16).

7. All camping must be in a designated Turkey Bay OHV Camping Area.

8. An honor fee system is located next to the gatehouse for after-hours camping registration.

Camping: $12 per camping unit per night

Two-24 hour generator areas, chemical toilets, and drinking water are available. Ice is available for purchase at the gatehouse.

Camping registration is self-service at the information kiosk in front of the gatehouse.

Camping is not permitted outside of the designated camping area.

Showers available at Wranglers Campground for a fee. Wranglers also has a seasonal Outpost with limited supplies for purchase.

Annual OHV Permit: $100 — valid from date of purchase to December 31 of current year.

1- to 3- Day OHV Permit: $20 — valid for three consecutive days after date of purchase.

All permits are non-transferable.

Trail Map (Download PDF)

Trail 1
This 5.2-mile trail departs from “C” area. Riders follow the trail along the western edge of Fords Bay on Lake Barkley. This trail offers many scenic vistas and opportunities to view wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Binoculars recommended.

Trail 2

This short 2-mile loop trail provides beautiful late afternoon or early morning rides. It departs from “C” trail head. Watch for deer, turkey, and flowers.

Trail 3

This 2.6-mile loop trail departs from “E” trail head and returns to camp in the back of “D” overflow. It too provides a great early morning or evening ride.

Trail 4

This 3-mile trail begins in area “A” at the old tobacco barn. Horse enthusiasts enjoy this trail at night while riding under a full moon. Tobacco Barn | FS Rd #353 Evidence of tobacco’s importance can be seen at this abandoned farm and homestead, south of Wranglers off Forest Service Road 172. This old tobacco barn has been standing for decades. Its solid construction barely shows the passage of time. Other structures nearby — an old chicken coop, shed, and the homestead itself — wear their age with grace and dignity.

Trail 5

This 9.3-mile trail departs from “A” trail head by the old Tobacco Barn. On this trail, you will find natural springs, gentle rolling hills, and open fields.

Trail 6

Departing from the day-use area, this 11.8-mile trail takes you to “Blue Hole.” Pack a lunch for a relaxing picnic by the creek — we provide picnic tables and tethering poles. You might want to also visit the block building, Laura Furnace, plus the historical marker and grave of The Little Drummer Boy. Home is where the habitat is… Take notice of small ponds. These small wetland ecosystems provide habitat for waterfowl nests, aquatic reptiles, and amphibians. Ponds provide food, water, and shelter for many species of wildlife you may seldom see. Riding in creeks and streams pollutes our watersheds. Avoid lengthy rides in creeks, streams, ponds, and lakes. Protect our wildlife.

Blue Hole

Laura Furnace Creek empties into Blue Hole, a deep spring rich in blue color for most of the year. Located on the south end of our horseback riding area, it’s a favorite spot for riders because of the peaceful scenery, cool water and close to many historic sites. Notice the abundance of shiny blue rocks on the ground? That’s slag, evidence of the Laura Iron Furnace. The furnace ceased operations more than 100 years ago and left a permanent mark on the landscape. Please leave “slag” or “blue rocks” behind for others to enjoy. These artifacts date from the late 1800’s Iron Industry and are a protected resource.

Laura Furnace

Iron ore production helped the area prosper during the mid-1800s. It also took its toll on the environment. On the eastern boundary of Wranglers, Laura Furnace Creek flows right by the site of the old Laura Furnace. Notice the blue slag covering the forest floor, a by-product of the smelting process. Up the hill, large stones are testament to the furnace structure, now long gone. Observe the uniform size of the meadow’s trees- all planted at the same time. Workers cut timber near iron furnaces for charcoal, the iron furnaces’ fuel supply. Laura Furnace ceased production in 1880, and the forest is still recovering from its overuse. To learn more about the iron industry at Land Between the Lakes, visit the Center Iron Furnace or Great Western Iron Furnace’s display boards or check out our Iron Industry Ruins’ webpage under our self guided tab.

Little Drummer Boy

Historians believe Nathan Futrell to be the youngest drummer boy in the Revolutionary War at seven years old. The childhood adventures of this little American patriot have become the stuff of legends. By 1820, the North Carolina-born Futrell had settled right here on Fords Creek where he planted the area’s first apple orchard. He and his wife, Charity, are buried up a hill a mile or two beyond Wranglers Campground. The Daughters of the American Revolution erected a plaque in honor of Futrell’s war contributions. Kindly tether your horses outside the cemetery when you pay your respects.

Trail 7

After going to the Blue Hole on Trail 6, you may want to continue on to Trail 7 to the tobacco barn. This 10.8-mile trail departs from area “C.” It follows along Forest Service Roads #174 and #353 before crossing Road #165.

Trail 8

The longest trail in the system, this 19.3-mile trail departs from area “C” and is shared with hikers along portions of the North/South Trail. Several roads serve as part of the trail. At the halfway point, you may join up with Trail 12 and ride around the South Bison Range to take in the sights. When utilizing multi-use trails, please be respectful of other user groups like hikers and bikers.

Trail 9

This 8-mile trail departs from the Day Use Area and crosses Forest Service Road #165. Watch for the old chimney and natural spring near Bacon Creek Road.

Trail 10

This 10.5-mile trail has become our riders favorite trail. It offers a wide variety of terrain. Ride along the edge of Lake Barkley and notice the homestead remnants.

Please do not disturb these remnants. Be careful and watch for old wells and cisterns.

Help us preserve our heritage.

Carvings and graffiti on trees and structures are unsightly and detrimental to timber and historical structures. Protect your public land.

Trail 11

This trail was closed due to the expansion of US68/KY80. In 2017 we opened this 16-mile re-route with help from the local chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of America, contractors, Forest Service staff, and other volunteers.

Trail 12

This 7.3-mile spur trail can take you around the South Bison Range, Great Western Furnace, and The Homeplace 1850s Farm Picnic Area. This spur requires back tracking to return to Wranglers Campground. Riders share the North/South Trail with hikers and bikers beginning at the southernmost point of Trail 8 near Kiosk E.

South Bison Range

Bison may look slow and docile, but can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. Do not taunt the bison. These bison can break through this fence. Use caution.