Hiking The Hematite Lake Trail At Land Between The Lakes
The Hematite Lake Trail is a 2.4 mile loop trail located in Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky.
This easy trail is pet friendly and only has around 140 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead (36.89816, -88.04222) can be found near the Woodlands Nature Station.
There is a large picnic area that can be found on the road leading to the parking lot. Restrooms and trashcans are in the parking lot where the trail starts.
The trail follows the perimeter of Hematite Lake, which was named for the iron-ore that supplied nearby Center Iron Furnace in the late 1800’s.
The hike will take you through the woods and marshlands of the area. Keep your eyes open for the numerous species of birds that can frequently be spotted here.
If wildflowers are your thing the lakeshore is teeming with them.
We took a left at the start of the trail and crossed the dam first.
There are stepping stones to help you cross when the water is higher or just take them for fun when it’s not (like I did)
After traveling the lakeshore for a short period we entered the woods and followed the trail till it led to a boardwalk.
Hiking through the woods was a bit boring, but the boardwalk area was nice. For a quarter of a mile you will take the boardwalk through the wetlands located on the far end of the lake.
I don’t know what it is about boardwalks, but I just love them!
Most of the lake views are on the second half of the hike.
Nature has regained control of Hematite Lake and most of it is covered in lily pads. These are some of the largest and tallest lily pads I’ve ever seen though so they were pretty cool.
Fishing is allowed, but with the lily pads everywhere access from the shore is only available toward the front of the lake.
Kayaks and canoes are allowed on the lake.
This is a great trail for the whole family at a really pretty spot in Land Between the Lakes and should not be missed on your visit.
While pulling into the lake we were greeted by a small herd of adorable fallow deer and saw multiple squirrels during our hike so always be looking for that wildlife.
