Hiking at Lakeshore

We are surrounded by woods with ridges, hills, valleys, creeks, and beautiful river views. On a nice day, it would be a shame not to get out, get the blood flowing, and take in some of these sites. Lakeshore has several trails of varying length and difficulty and we are next door to Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park which has over 30 miles of trails.

Lakeshore Trails

Lowe Trail: approximately 1.25 miles one way, moderate difficulty, elevation change of about 300ft. This is the scenic route from the Tabernacle to our Wilderness Camp. It climbs to the top of some of Lakeshore's highest ridges with beautiful views of the river and forest below. It snakes into the valley below the Wilderness camp hill and crosses the creek before wrapping back up the hillside to Wilderness Camp.

Oxley Trail: approximately .75 miles, easy-moderate difficulty, elevation change of about 50ft. This trail connects the Main Camp at Lakeshore to the Oxley Cabin, running parallel to the River through short ridges and floodplains. A great variety of plant life grace this trail, with large beech, red oak, and muscadine vines. It's a nice short walk to one of the more remote cabins at Lakeshore.

Wilderness Trail: approximately .5 miles, moderate difficulty, elevation change of about 200 ft. This trail connects the Tent and Trailer Area of camp to our Wilderness Camp. Starting behind the Tent and Trailer Bathhouse, this trail winds through the floor of a valley, crossing the creek several times. Owls have been known to be spotted, even in the daytime in this solitary area. The trail runs through our Beginner Orienteering Course and by Dyer's Landing, the starting point of the Advanced Orienteering Course. Towards the end of the trail, the terrain gets very steep, and you have a straight path ending at Wilderness Camp. Catch your breath and rub those throbbing calf muscles. It's a nice view at the top.

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Trails
The State Park is our next door neighbor, and there is hiking for all ability levels there. The “hike to the Knob,” has been a Lakeshore tradition as long as there has been a Lakeshore. Just follow the Highway north from our Administration Building. The road (Pilot Knob Rd., Hwy 191) is a 1.5 mile stretch, straight to the top of Pilot's Knob, the highest point in West Tennessee. NBF State Park also has a 3,5,10, and 20 mile trail with several primitive shelters. Trail maps are available at the Welcome Center at the park entrance and Interpretive Center on top of Pilot's Knob.

Click here for the NBF website.