Hike the Fort Donelson Battlefield Loop Trail

On this relativity easy trail, you will travel along the hand made trenches dug by Confederate Soldiers that protected Fort Donelson and the lower Cumberland River. Then you will pass a monument for the veterans who fought a bloody battle here. Afterwards, the trail will head towards the shoreline and look out over the river standing next to 6 foot tall canons used to fire at Union Gunboats. Then head back up the hill to the original fort site where several Bald Eagles have built nests. Also in this area of the trail there are replica log huts on the original fort site. Then it is back into the hardwood forests and a couple of bridges across a few seasonal creeks as you make your way to the end of the loop.

The trail is marked with orange blazes. There are other trails here so make sure to pick up a map as you enter the park.

In the summer be sure to carry the ten essentials and extra bug repellent. 

This was the site of General Ulysses S. Grant's first major victory. More information on Fort Donelson National Battlefield can be found by visiting the National Park Service website.