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Explore Columbus-Belmont State Park

Arlington, Kentucky

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

134 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Lucas Bremer

A historical and scenic destination along the Great River Road.

Columbus-Belmont State Park is a stop along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway that combines pivotal Civil War history with dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The park is also a stop along the Trail of Tears National Historical Trail and the Civil War Heritage Trail. 

The two mile self-guided trail within the park will take you along massive trenches and earth works that the Confederates hand dug for canons and rifles for what they believed was an imminent Union Forces attack. Also on display along the loop are one of the original canons from the site, and a behemoth of a anchor and portion of the mile long chain that was used to stretch across the river to deny access to the south for Union Boats. Columbus was the northern most Confederate fortification along the Mississippi River.

The museum along the trail was built in the 1850's and is the last surviving antebellum building within the park. Once a farmhouse, it also served as a confederate hospital. Today it holds exhibits and artifacts from the site. Learn more about the sites history here.

Other popular activities in the park are picnicking and miniature golf.

Campground Reservations can be made here.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Bike or Run the Greenway Trail

Visit Fort Massac State Park

Explore the Historic Paducah River Front

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Hike the Egret Slough Trail