Dale Hollow Lake
State Resort Park Trail System

Multi-Use Trails at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort

Many of the park’s trails have shared purposes. For the safety of all visitors and protection of the park’s resources, please honor the following park regulations.

The following basic trail etiquette guidelines will allow everyone to enjoy the trails. Here’s how you can help:

• Be courteous to other trail users. Always yield to equestrians.
• Allow other trail users to pass. Groups must avoid blocking the trail.
• Stay alert. Horses and slower moving individuals may be startled by faster moving trail users.
• Make your presence known to other trail users, particularly when approaching from behind.
• Stay on designated trails. Prevent injury to yourself and damage to natural resources by staying on designated trails.
• Off-trail use is strictly prohibited.
• Hikers: Be aware that you are sharing the trails with cyclists and equestrians.
• Cyclists: Yield to hikers and equestrians. Announce your presence with a greeting. Please use a helmet and gloves. Ride at a safe and controlled speed.
• Hikers & Cyclists: Move off the trail when yielding to equestrians.
• Cyclists & Equestrians: Respect trail closures. They are enforced to protect visitors and resources.
• Equestrians: Some visitors may be intimidated by horses. When you meet other trail users, inform them of the safest way to pass. You are responsible for maintaining control over your horse at all times.

Trail Regulations

Trails are managed as part of the natural environment. Visitors must be prepared to meet and accept nature on its terms. Preservation of these natural areas is essential to the quality and value of the park's natural resources.

The Following Activities Are Prohibited:

• Carving or damaging rock formations & trees.
• Collecting or digging for artifacts.
• Fire building & camping on trails.
• Unleashed pets.
• Motorized vehicles on trails.
• Rappelling & rock climbing.
• Hunting or disturbing wildlife.
• Picking flowers or harming any plant material.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Littering.

Trail Descriptions

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort offers 15-miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking (unless otherwise posted). Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails. Please obey all trail regulations and trail-sharing guidelines. The trails generally follow old logging roads along narrow ridge tops through the park. Most of the trails end at the tips of these ridges which form peninsulas into Dale Hollow Lake, requiring a return trip on the same trail. The hollows between the ridges are very steep and should be avoided. Descending these slopes can cause severe erosion and threaten your safety.

Trail Distances Listed Are One Way Mileage:

Boom Ridge Trail (8.3-Miles)

This extensive ridge spreads into Tennessee along the southern boundary of the park. Boom Ridge is the main artery of the trail and several spur trails branch from Boom Ridge Trail to smaller ridges that taper down to Dale Hollow Lake. Boom Ridge Trail extends 4.3-miles from the trailhead near the campground check-in station to the tip of Boom Ridge in Tennessee. The trails leading off Boom Ridge and their lengths are listed below:
- Hoots Branch 1.2 miles 
- Wolf Ridge 0.7 mile
- Short Ridge 0.5 mile   
- Groce Ridge 0.6 mile
- Brushy Ridge 0.8 mile
- Buck Ridge 0.2 mile

Ranger Loop Trail (3.5-Miles)

The trail begins across from Bathhouse #3 at Campsite P and spans the Fanny Creek and Jones Branch sections of Dale Hollow Lake. By combining the Boom Ridge and Eagle Point Trails, the connector forms a 7.1-mile loop that ends at Campsite Q.

Boles Hollow (0.2-Mile)

This trail descends to Boles Hollow from the picnic area. Foot-travel only.

Jones Branch Trail (0 .5-Mile)

This trail begins at the picnic shelter and ends near the Jones Branch area of the lake. A return trip on the same trail is required.

Eagle Point Trail (1.8-Miles)

Eagle Point is reputed to be the finest overlook on Dale Hollow Lake, offering vistas into Tennessee and views of the lake, islands and surrounding countryside.  The trail winds south from the campground check-in station. At 1-mile, the trail crosses the park road.  After parking off the road, it is a leisurely .8-mile hike to the overlook.

Boom Ridge Eagle Point Connector (0.4-Mile)

This trail connects the Boom Ridge and Eagle Point Trails. Trail users should use caution where the trail crosses the lodge road.

Campers Path ( 0.2-Mile)

This trail meanders through a small woodland area within the campground near the amphitheater.  Foot-travel only.

Directions and Maps

Facility and Trail  Maps.