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Starting at the visitor center, this is a short and easy 3/4 mile trail around the outside walls of the fort.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.7

KM

100%

Runnable

845' 257 m

High

823' 251 m

Low

17' 5 m

Up

22' 7 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views

Runner Notes

The paved walkway up to the fort entrance, then dirt path around the outside walls make for smooth, although potentially crowded, running.

Description

The trails are for day use only and are open from 8 am until sunset daily. Bicycles are not allowed on the trails and pets are to be leashed. Trail maps are available in the visitor’s center at no charge. There are connecting trails at the park. They may be taken separately or together. Combined they cover approximately 5 miles. These trails are not difficult at a reasonable pace, and they offer many opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Visitors will enjoy this short loop around the Fort Loudon State Historic Area. As one of the first British forts in the area, the 1,200 acre site has plenty of history for runners to enjoy, starting from its 1756 inception. Once placed on the western frontier of British territory, the fort was constructed near the settlements of the Cherokee Nation, including the namesake of Tennessee, Tenase, and the home of the Sequoyah, Tuskegee.

As you meander your way around the fort, you’ll be able to admire the blacksmith shop and powder magazine, the shore house, the guard house, and the barracks. Kids young and old will enjoy the chance to observe this well-preserved fort while imagining life on the wild frontier!

Flora & Fauna

Maples and oak trees, grasses and wildflowers in the summer.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Clopton with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#25781

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#506

in Tennessee

#25,781

Overall
3 Views Last Month
233 Since Nov 26, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Beautiful view of the fort through the autumn foliage while following the path up from the visitor center.
Nov 26, 2016 near Vonore, TN
A great view of the Little Tennessee River along the trail close to the Rivergate entrance to the fort.
Nov 26, 2016 near Vonore, TN
A view of the fort from the trail running along the river.
Nov 26, 2016 near Vonore, TN
View of the entrance to the interior of the fort.
Nov 26, 2016 near Vonore, TN
Great views of Fort Loudon can be enjoyed along the Rivergate Trail.
Oct 25, 2023 near Vonore, TN
The trail is dirt as it makes its way along the lake. In the fall, the leaves change into beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges.
Oct 25, 2023 near Vonore, TN

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