Cub Lake Trail

Cub Lake is the day-use heart of Natchez Trace State Park, and this loop stays close to the water the whole way around, crossing the lake's two upper arms on wooden footbridges at the south end before returning through oak, hickory, and planted loblolly pine. The grades are mild and the footing is mostly packed dirt, but roots and short muddy stretches near the shoreline linger after rain, and the bridge planks can be slick on frosty mornings. Summer brings heavy West Tennessee humidity, mosquitoes, and the occasional copperhead sunning at the trail edge, so long pants and bug spray earn their keep from May through September. The park is free to enter and allows leashed dogs; a half-mile connector from the campground joins the loop near the southwest corner if you are staying overnight, and the long Red Leaves backpacking loop ties into the Cub Lake trail system west of the lake if you want more miles.