Hematite Lake Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Kuttawa, Kentucky that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Nice quiet hike with a pretty lake view. Great for bird lovers or those wanting a post-hike picnic at the nearby tables.
Easy hike, pretty views of the lake, pretty standard, low traffic right now, saw some people with kids and dogs. Good wildlife, saw new plants, a woodpecker, a lot of waterfowl, and traces of other critters that had been through there.
This is a beautiful loop trail that features two long sections of lakeside trail and a 0.4-mile-long boardwalk through the creek network that feeds into Hematite Lake. The forest along the lakeside areas is absolutely gorgeous. With big layoffs, little elevation gain and straightforward wayfinding, this is a favorite hike for senior-age tourists, dog walkers and families. Note: If you plan on completing the entire loop, there is a short section of stone pavers that will need to be crossed to pass by the water above the dam. Directions and landmarks (counterclockwise route): At mile 0.7, turn right to head up the hill for the new trail area. (The old trail is closed for restoration.) At mile 0.8, you reach a brand new boardwalk. At my 1.0, at the far end of the loop, you reach the creek delta. At mile 1.1, your reach the other side of the boardwalk. At mile 2.3, you close the loop. The southern side of the loop includes several muddy areas; you may need to balance across short sections of makeshift log bridges. You will also have to walk across the stepping stones to cross above the dam/levee area. Other than these issues, this hike would have been a fantastic trail for those with moderate accessibility concerns.
Rained for two days and was real muddy. The last part over the waterfall had an inch to two incomes of water running over it. Prepare to have wet shoes.
We loved this trail! It was a cold winter day and we were the only humans in sight. There are interesting plants in the water, a fun water stepping stone portion, a nice extended wooden boardwalk / bridge for a portion of the hike, and due to the minerals, the water is very interesting in parts! Some inclines and declines but nothing super intense. Mostly smooth sailing.
Clear and open trail. Well marked. Nice new wooden trail built up over the boggy area
So pretty. Can’t wait to see it when the water lilies are blooming!
Hematite is my local go-to trail when I want to get outside. Great trail for all skill levels, kids, and pets. Lots of opportunities to see wildlife. There's several picnic tables and fire pits, but no pavilion or other shelter. One outdoor restroom is available. The lake is great for kayaking, too. Lots of slag (small blue rocks) in the area from the old iron ore furnaces.
Great walk on a cold day in November. Look out for tree roots hiding under the leaves. The concrete lilies were neat and the long boardwalk halfway through the hike is were lovely. Will go back. Easy walk for families and dogs. Take a bottled water, the hike seems long at 2.3 miles.
Short and a little crowded, but good family friendly afternoon trail. Very pretty around the lake.
Very nice! Rocks on one side, trees on the other. Hilly but overly strenuous. The new boardwalk is fabulous!
Unique walkways. Mostly easy but a couple of hills to get the heart rate up. Picnicking at the trail head Clean outhouse
We thought the boardwalk was ABSOLUTELY beautiful, and we're sad to see so many mature downed trees, we assume from the ice storm of '09. The trail could possibly be more beautiful if they scooted those off the trail a little bit. We did enjoy chilling on a few giant log segments however.