• Type:
  • Loop

  • Difficulty:
  • Hard

  • Scenery Ranking:
  • 3/5

  • Accessibility:
  • Easily Accessible

  • Trail Maintenance:
  • Well Maintained

  • Facilities:
  • Camping
  • Restrooms
  • Picnic Area
  • Museum

Johnsonville State Historic Park

Intro:

Johnsonville State Historic Park is located along the banks of the Tennessee River in New Johnsonville, Tennessee. In 1864, a small Civil War battle happened at the garrison which was located here. This area was used by the Union Army to gather supplies via the river and ship them to Nashville, Tn. Confederate forces attacked the garrison, causing the Union Army to abandon it and to burn many of the supplies that were stored there.

Trail Head:

The trail heads for each trail can be easily accessed from the main road. It is best to pick up a map at the visitors center.

Difficulty:

I rated this trail as "hard" due to some incredibly steep climbs along the Civil War Forts Trail.

Hiking the Trail:

For my hike I actually hiked a few different trails. The main is the Civil War Forts trail. This is a very steep trail that will take you on a hike along the earth works that were built up to defend the garrison from attack by river. The loop is two miles. Once I finished this loop I hiked the remnance of the rail road track that used to cross the river. This will give you great views of the Tennessee River. I then took the Old Rail Road trail back to the African American Cemetery Loop. This cememtery is where some of the African American Union soldiers who died in battle were buried. The Johnsonville Historic Trail was closed at the time of my visit. This trail is excellent for history buffs and very educational.

Scenery:

You will get great views of the Tennesse River, get to see Civil War forts, and experience Civil War history.

Trail Maintenance:

The trails are well maintained

Facilities:

The park has spots for RV camping, picnic areas, and also has restrooms. The park also has a vistors center with a musuem and an educational video detailing what happened at the battle.