Tennessee · Hiking

Piney Trail

2.3 mi
round trip
1,310 ft
climb
636 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Piney Trail is a 4.6-mile out-and-back hike in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Tennessee, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of 384 feet to a high of 636 feet, with an elevation gain of 275 feet, and is rated moderate. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.1 miles in, where the grade reaches 8 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 71°F with lows near 48°F, and April highs around 70°F. That station sits about 160 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the higher ground run a little cooler. The trail sits close to several other routes. Artillery Trail is about 0.1 mile away and Devil's Backbone about 0.2 mile. Telegraph Trail and Volunteer Trail are both within 2 miles. For an overnight stay, Boswell Landing Campground is about 2.7 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Piney Trail

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 27°

      9 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      51° / 30°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    3. Mar

      60° / 38°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 47°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 57°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      84° / 65°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 69°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      88° / 68°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 60°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 48°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 38°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      50° / 31°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dover 1 W, TN, 7.4 mi away at 475 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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