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Canal Loop Trail

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area January 2015

The Canal Loop Trail is the premier mountain biking trail at Land Between 

The Lakes. Canal Loop Trail is an 11-mile single-track loop trail with 4 

connectors that consist of another 3 miles of trail. It offers a variety of loops 

ranging from a little over 1-mile to the full 11-mile outer loop. Canal Loop Trail can be accessed from the North Welcome 

Station and Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive. 

Canal Loop Trail receives a very high amount of use on weekends by mountain bikers and hikers, and offers many scenic 

overlooks of Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and the Canal.

Canal Loop Trail – Blue Diamonds ◊ – 11 miles

The Canal Loop Trail is a fast single track trail for 

mountain bikers with challenging hills on the Kentucky 

Lake portion of the trail. The trail crosses multiple creeks, 

old home sites, and forest roads. Canal Loop Trail offers 

opportunities to access both lakes’ shorelines. 

Canal Loop Trail A Connector – Yellow Diamonds ◊

The A Connector is a .5-mile trail, but when combined 

with a portion of the Canal Loop, forms a 1.4-mile loop 

that starts and finishes at Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive.

Canal Loop Trail B Connector – Yellow Diamonds ◊

The B Connector is a .5-mile trail that can have loops 

made from either the south or the north. The trail intersects 

Woodlands Trace.

Canal Loop Trail C Connector – Yellow Diamonds ◊

The C Connector is an interior .6-mile trail that takes users 

through stream sides and old home sites. The C Connector 

can only be accessed by traveling the Canal Loop Trail. 

Canal Loop Trail D Connector – Yellow Diamonds ◊

The D Connector is .8 miles long and is accessed from the 

North Welcome Station. This trail grants access to the 

Canal Loop Trail, North/South Trail, and the North End 

Paved Trail. 

Length: 11-mile loop with 3 miles of connectors

Trailheads: North Welcome Station

Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive 

(Seasonal Hunting Information available here.)

Surface Type: Dirt

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult 

Recommended Seasons: Spring, Fall 

Facilities: Parking, accessible restrooms, picnic area, grills

Trail Markings: Main Loop–Blue Diamonds ◊

 Connector Trails–Yellow Diamonds ◊

 N/S Trail–White Diamonds ◊

Trail Ethics: Pack it in. Pack it out! Share the trail with 

mountain bikers and hikers.

Backcountry/Trailside Camping: Overnight camping is 

permitted along the Canal Loop Trail. All campsites must 

be at least 50 feet from marked trail. Bury all human waste 

200 feet from marked trail. An overnight Backpacking

Permit is required; free permits may be obtained at North 

Welcome Station Trailhead.

Safety: You are responsible for your own safety. You 

may encounter a variety of unexpected and/or dangerous 

conditions. It is your responsibility to be informed and take 

precautions. Trail users need to look for overhead hazards 

such as snags, hanging limbs, and leaning or uprooted trees. 

During windy conditions, please take care to protect 

yourself. Trail Markers are placed to better orient hikers. 

Please refer to map for specific location. Protect yourself 

from Lone Star and American Dog Ticks which thrive in 

our area. Precautions need to be taken primarily from midMarch to through mid-October. Poison Ivy flourishes in 

many areas of LBL; please use caution. Properly treat all 

trailside water before consuming. Springs may not be 

flowing during July, Aug., & Sept. Plan to bring water with 

you. Potable water can be found at Hillman Ferry 

Campground and North Welcome Station.

Canal Loop Trail Rules

1. For your safety, all overnight backpackers are requested to register at North Welcome Station Trailhead.

2. Low impact camping/hiking/biking techniques should be followed at all times. Stay on the trail, even through wet areas, to 

help prevent soil erosion. All garbage must be packed out.

3. Mountain biking is discouraged during periods of wet trail conditions.

4. Campfires are permitted in previously used spots except during periods of high fire danger. Only dead or down materials 

may be used for fuel. The fire should be attended at all times and completely extinguished before departure.

5. Horses and mountain bikes allowed on designated trails only. Motor vehicles strictly prohibited except for approved 

organized events.

6. Respect the Resource–leave plants and flowers for others to enjoy, and do not harass the wildlife!

7. Firearms are strictly prohibited except during established LBL gun hunting seasons by legally licensed hunters with 

permits.

8. Pets must be on a leash of 6' or less and under physical control at all times. Respect other users. 

9. LBL strongly encourages users to “Call Before You Haul” to check current trail conditions at 270-924-2000 or visit us on 

the web at www.LandBetweenTheLakes.US under Alerts.

10. Help us eliminate garbage–take your trash to the Recycling Stations located at Hillman Ferry Campground or North 

Welcome Station.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area has been set aside for your recreation and education. As you explore

these trails, take time to enjoy the natural beauty and learn about the natural or cultural history of this special place.
Emergencies

Forest Service 

Law Enforcement 

911 or 877-861-2457

For More Information

USDA Forest Service

Land Between The Lakes

270-924-2000 or 800-LBL-7077

www.LandBetweenTheLakes.US

Volunteer Opportunities

Friends of Land Between The Lakes 

Volunteer Coordinator

270-924-2007

www.friendsoflbl.org

Canal Loop Trail