Panorama of Lake Sequoyah from the new nature trail.
Photo by Caroline Bauman
Trail: Lake Sequoyah Trail
Duration: King Fisher Trail, 3.2 miles; New Nature Trail, 2.8 miles
Activities: Hiking, Fishing
Map: Download PDF
While named after the same great Cherokee leader, the Mt. Sequoyah Woods Trail and Lake Sequoyah Trail could not be more different.
Spanning the eastern side of the lake, the two trails of Lake Sequoyah offer a vastly different scenery and feel than those of Mt. Sequoyah Woods. The King Fisher Trail spans north from the boat dock parking lot, with beautiful views of the lake to the west. The newly constructed (and currently unnamed, though “Rookery Trail” has been suggested) nature trail begins at an informational kiosk, south of the parking lot. Both trails are well marked with blue flags, and have very little foot traffic.
The King Fisher Trail offers the best views of Lake Sequoyah.
Caroline Bauman
Whereas Mt. Sequoyah Woods feels like a forest in the middle of the city, Lake Sequoyah trails are a little less secluded, often bordering backyards and cow pastures. What they lack in seclusion, the trails make up for in gorgeous views of the lake, with plenty of spur trails for fishing access. The older King Fisher Trail is much more developed and has the better view of the lake, though it lacks in spur trails down to the lakefront for the fishing and hiking hybrids. A single track with several steep changes in elevation, King Fisher is also the more technical trail of the two. The trail follows the bank for 1.6 miles north, before looping back to the start.
Flatter and wider, the new nature trail is the better option for children or leisure hikers. Clinging tightly to the lake’s southern coves, this trail offers easy access for fishing throughout the first half-mile. The trail is 2.8 miles in total, but be warned, you will have to cross through a cattle gate, and later on a cow pasture, to continue on to the second half of the trail. It’s hit or miss whether or not there will actually be bulls or cows in the pasture. When I hiked the trail there was only one bull amongst the cows, and while I probably could have outrun him, I decided to cut the hike a mile short and head over to the King Fisher Trail.
For those who love hiking with a lake view, but perhaps want a trail a little quieter than Lake Fayetteville, Lake Sequoyah is absolutely for you. Just 15 minutes from the center of town, these trails offer a practical option for those wanting to get outside and hike or fish on a whim.
More photos
Spanning 3.2 miles in total, King Fisher Trail follows the eastern bank of the lake.
Photos by Caroline Bauman
Both trails are clearly marked with blue flags.
An information kiosk marks the start of the new nature trail.
The new nature trail features several spur trails to the lake, perfect for fishing.
Part of the new nature trail leads through a cow pasture, complete with a bull.
