The South End of the North/South Trail needs a map and a current detour check before it needs a mileage goal. It runs about 27 miles through the Tennessee end of LBL, with old roadbeds, wooded ridges and shorter single-track pieces. A closure near the South Welcome Station changes the way a through-hike must be planned.
South end: about 27 miles, point to point before detour choices
Use: hiking and backpacking; horses share a designated portion
No mountain biking: bikes are not permitted on the South End
Mapped trailheads: Golden Pond Visitor Center, Homeplace and South Welcome Station
The detour is part of the plan
The Forest Service trail directory reports a closure affecting roughly 7.9 miles of North/South Trail and 0.8 mile of the Fort Henry connector between the South Welcome Station area and FS Roads 221, 222 and 230. A marked detour uses portions of Woodlands Trace and FS Road 221. Its length and road exposure are reasons to check the current alert and posted signs before setting a schedule. Do not step around barricades or trust an older trail line over an on-site notice.
Plan a section, not a guess
The official PDF marks the main trail with white diamonds, connectors with yellow diamonds, and shared equestrian sections separately. Choose two labeled points for a shuttle hike or turn around at a known point for an out-and-back. The map also identifies shelters, but their presence is not a promise of availability. Bring water; the Forest Service says springs are unreliable and lists potable water at South Welcome Station and Piney Campground.
For a long route without this southern detour, compare the North End. For a short family walk, begin with Long Creek.
Download the official South End map (PDF) · Check the current detour and closures · Browse all LBL maps