Hike the Boyhood Trail

Begin your walk at the Pioneer Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried. The existing headstone, erected in 1879, marks the burial spot of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, who died of milk sickness in 1818. Others who died of the disease are buried on the wooded knoll as well. In the late 19th century, the hilltop served as the Lincoln City cemetery and most of the marked graves date from that period.

The trail winds slowly down a hill through a secondary growth forest before entering the southwestern edge of the property once owned by Thomas Lincoln. As you enter the Thomas Lincoln farm, crop fields line the trail. Crops such as wheat, oats, tobacco, and cotton are often planted and can be seen growing in the fields. Rangers and volunteers in period dress might be seen working in the fields during the spring and summer months. The trail ends at the Lincoln Living Historical Farm. 
 

Details

Duration

10-15 Minutes

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

This is a .3 mile easy walk along a gravel path from a forest to a farm.
 

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets on a leash are allowed on park trails.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Boyhood Nature Trail

The Boyhood Nature Trail begins at the Pioneer Cemetery and ends at the Lincoln Living Historical Farm.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

The park trails are open from dawn til dusk.

Accessibility Information

The trail has a steep incline from the North Parking lot to the Pioneer Cemetery.

Trail surface is compacted creek rock. Average width is 8 feet with a typical grade of 10% (maximum grade is 13%). Cross slope is minimal.