Oct 26-27, 2026. The Fort Henry Trail system (TN) is “a” National Recreation Trail and occupies the general area once belonging to Fort Henry. Part of it follows the route Grant used when bringing his army toward Fort Donelson. Fort Henry was the smaller of the two forts designed to deny the Union Army control of the Tennessee River. The Confederates retreated to nearby Fort Donelson when Grant attacked Fort Henry in Feb 1862.
I formed two loops to cover most of the trails. The eastern loop was a mix of ATV and hiker paths, with much of it overgrown and/or in rough shape. The western loop felt better maintained and seemed strictly for hikers. I was hoping for some views, but alas, it was all in the woods. The one trail described as a “knife-edge” was a trek through the trees with gently sloping ground to either side. Technically a ridge of sorts, but no views and certainly no danger whatsoever. Not a “knife-edge” by any stretch of the imagination. There are also no signs along the trails explaining the history and significance of the area. I enjoyed the hikes nevertheless since a day outside walking in nature is always a good day. About 18 miles hiked overall with maybe a thousand feet of elevation gain. The map says I did closer to 24, but actual on-the-ground miles were fewer according to my activity tracker. Knees are feeling much better now, thank goodness.
PS. Found an unopened energy gel on one of the trails. Looked to be in decent shape, so I ate it. The trail provides.
