Buffalo Lake Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Mud on the trail is that thick stuff that has a hard time coming off unless you bang your shoes on the pavement. The trail along the causeway/dam is mostly a mowed lane and not a real defined path. The east side of lake is the technical side, and the main hazards are tree roots, trail washouts, and occasional areas with slick rock. the area can look trashy in winter and early spring due to seasonal flooding of the Buffalo Creek that spills into Buffalo Lake (which is actually a reservoir).

Access to this trail is gained via Commerce Drive or Sutton Lane. The trail is periodically groomed by the local Greenspace group of the Boys Scouts. Bridges exists at all water crossing points. There are no facilities or water points available anywhere on the route. The start point is fairly easy to spot and the trail is flat. Be aware that the trail can be muddy in the spring and winter as well as after heavy rains.

Your path meanders southwest for 2/10th of a mile, and then crosses Buffalo Creek. The trail then weaves back and forth with the main trail leading to an elevated causeway/dam that runs between Buffalo Lake and the Louisville & Nashville railroad line for about 3/4 of a mile. Lots of nice breezes are available here!

Once across the dam you enter the technical and fun side of the trail which is about 1/2 in length. There are many rooted and rocky areas with a few ups and downs that are moderately difficult yet very, very short. This trail is very quiet in terms of people on the trail, but the close proximity to Interstate 65 provides plenty of ambient vehicle noise (mainly in the winter months).

This route is not recommended for strollers. Easy access is provided by the hotels in the immediate area and would be a good location for a traveller to get in a nice jaunt while staying in Elizabethtown.

Redbud, Dogwood, Daffodils, and tons of other interesting fauna can bee seen on the trail. Fall colors are very nice against the lake.