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Hike the Hidden Springs Trail

Lebanon, Tennessee

3.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

4.5 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Rachel O'Neil

Peer down sinkholes and explore a cave on this easy 5 mile loop through a beautiful tunnel of trees in a quiet Tennessee State Park.

This trail is a prime spot for anyone who wants to get a simple, but enjoyable walk in the woods. It's very well marked, flat, and can be enjoyed in any weather. Also, it is very dog friendly- Jolene loved it!

Starting at the Trailhead across from the parking lot you may go right or left and follow the white blazes. If you start to the right, you will begin to pass several smaller sinkholes to your left. There are some larger, pretty interesting sinkholes as you continue. In about 2.5 miles, you'll even pass a cave where the spring would be in a wet season.

In another half mile you'll see the legendary Hidden Spring. After crossing the creek (can be slippery!) you'll see a fenced in well. Make a wish! Enjoy the remaining 2 and half miles and keep your eyes peeled for some very interesting trees.

During the-off season be prepared to have the peaceful park to yourself. At Cedars of Lebanon you can find everything from hiking to cabins & tent camping, to playgrounds and picnic areas, and even a great frisbee golf park. Enjoy!

Directions:
From Interstate 40 - take exit 238 and go south 6 miles on Hwy 231. The Park is on the left (east). Turn off Hwy 231 onto Cedar Forest Rd.

From Hwy 840 - take exit 72 and head east on Central Pike, Hwy 265, to 231. Turn right (south) on Hwy 231. The Park is on the left (east) in .60 miles.

Once in the Park, follow Cedar Forest Rd through the Park past the Park Office, campgrounds, and the group lodge, to the intersection with a road that comes from the cabins and pool (2 miles from Hwy 231). For the Hidden Springs Trailhead, veer right and turn right again after a few hundred feet. A picnic ground and trailhead parking is a short distance on the right.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
River
Scenic

Hike the Hidden Springs Trail Reviews

Went in October. Beautiful fall weather and color change. To be clear this is a low elevation change trail, not so much of a hike. Flat, soft terrain with some roots and rocks. My gps clocked 4 miles even though the trail is labeled as 5. Follow the white markers on the trees for guidance as it intersects several other trails in the park. Great for my trail run.

I had nothing to do, but this place was very close by to where I live so I decided to hike it. This trail seems sooooooo long when you hike by yourself and also very creepy when the sun is about to go down. I would suggest bringing a dog or friend. It's a 5 mile loop btw. You will know when you're done when you see the ugly tree. ( it's in the pictures up top) but yeah. Be safe :)

Leave No Trace

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

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