National Recreation Trails   Sign in Create Account
Skip Navigation

Bearwaller Gap Hiking Trail

Go to navigation
Go to footer
This information is a public record of the 1978 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Bearwaller Gap Hiking Trail

U.S. Corps of Engineers Backcountry Trail
  • Length
    5.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

/
The hiking trail traces the shoreline of Cordell Hull Lake and is blazed in blue dots. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
The hiking trail traces the shoreline of Cordell Hull Lake and is blazed in blue dots. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
East-end trail entrance at Defeated Creek Campground. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
East-end trail entrance at Defeated Creek Campground. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
Trail gently winds through a mossy forest. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
Trail gently winds through a mossy forest. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
Two Prong primitive camping site located along the trail. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
Two Prong primitive camping site located along the trail. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
West-end trail entrance at Tater Knob Scenic Overlook. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
West-end trail entrance at Tater Knob Scenic Overlook. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
  • The hiking trail traces the shoreline of Cordell Hull Lake and is blazed in blue dots. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
  • The hiking trail traces the shoreline of Cordell Hull Lake and is blazed in blue dots. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
  • East-end trail entrance at Defeated Creek Campground. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
  • Trail gently winds through a mossy forest. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
  • Two Prong primitive camping site located along the trail. Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh.
 Upload a Photo

Location: Near Carthage, on the north side of Cordell Hull Lake east of Tennessee 85.

  • States: Tennessee
  • Counties: Smith

This is one of the finest paths in Middle Tennessee. It extends along the wooded and rugged shoreline of Cordell Hull Lake for more than five miles, passing waterfalls, old homesites, and rocky overlooks. It will challenge hardy hikers as it climbs and descends numerous times.


Accessibility Information

No text provided.

Reviews

Patricia Ellis
Patricia Ellis
Oct 23, 2026
Nice trail, needs some clean-up though

Gave it five stars since it is well marked and a nice work-out. It does need some brushing and some clearing of blow-downs, though. Lots of ups and downs, with one extended climb straight up a giant hill. Peek-a-boo views of the lake. Tons of deer everywhere. Wear your blaze orange in the fall. Don’t know if hunting is allowed near this trail, but I heard close gunshots nonetheless.

 Add a Review

Allowed Uses:

Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking

Other Activities

  • Camping

Public Contact

US Army Corps of Engineers
Cordell Hull Lake
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1034

www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Locations/Lakes/Cordell-Hull-Lake

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 505
  • Elevation (high): 859
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Soil
  • Surfaces (additional): --
  • Tread Width (average): 0"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum):
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    May 31, 1978
Suggest an Edit  
Top