Best first hike
Jim Bailey is the gentlest introduction: short enough to leave time for the lakes, history or lunch, but long enough to feel the change from developed park to woods.
Seven trails. One clear starting point.
Hiking Trails at Montgomery Bell State Park
Choose a short nature walk, a history-rich woodland loop or the park’s demanding long trail. Compare the routes before you commit, then open the complete guide for the trail you want.
Find your trail
Start with the kind of day you want.
Distance matters, but it is not the whole story. Natural surfaces, roots, wet ground, route-finding and seasonal conditions can make a short trail feel more demanding than its mileage suggests.
Under an hourShort walks
Three compact routes for families, first visits or a fuller park itinerary.
About an hourWoodland loopsChoose more trail time without turning the entire visit into a long hike.
Half or full dayThe long routeA serious commitment for prepared hikers who want the park’s deeper backcountry experience.
Side-by-side trail finder
Compare all seven trails.
Times are planning ranges, not promises. Pace, stops, weather and trail conditions will change the day.
Length
Difficulty
7 trails shown.
Montgomery Bell Trail
A full-day forest circuit or permitted overnight trip
Plan for: Navigation, water, creek crossings and a long commitmentOpen the trail guide →
Ore Pit Trail
Park history and a substantial woodland loop
Plan for: Roots, loose footing and historic features that must remain untouchedOpen the trail guide →Creech Hollow Trail
Lake, creek and forest scenery
Plan for: Intersections, seasonal vegetation and damp groundOpen the trail guide →
Wildcat Trail
A quieter natural-area forest walk
Plan for: Natural tread, changing grades and route connectionsOpen the trail guide →
Jim Bailey Nature Trail
Families, first-time visitors and spring wildflowers
Plan for: A short natural-surface walk, not a paved promenadeOpen the trail guide →
Spillway Trail
A compact walk near Lake Woodhaven
Plan for: Wet or slick footing and current lake-area accessOpen the trail guide →
Woodland Shelter Trail
A short connector to the shelter area
Plan for: This is a spur rather than a standalone destination loopOpen the trail guide →No trails match both choices. Reset the filters or broaden one part of the search.
Choose well
A better hike begins before the trailhead.
The official trail inventory is the baseline. Posted signs, temporary closures and conditions in front of you always take priority.
Best middle-distance choices
Ore Pit, Creech Hollow and Wildcat offer more trail without the commitment of the 10.24-mile Montgomery Bell Trail. Choose by scenery, history and current conditions.
Know when to turn around
Rain, heat, fading daylight and uncertain navigation can change a reasonable plan. Carry water, keep to marked routes and make the conservative call early.
Complete the day
Pair the trail with the rest of the park.
Distances follow Tennessee State Parks’ published trail inventory. Recorded GPS mileage may differ slightly. Confirm current closures, trail conditions and overnight requirements with the park before setting out.
Check the official Tennessee State Parks hiking page ↗