Hike the Trail of Twelve Stones

The Trail of Twelve Stones is a unique way to review some of the major events in Abraham Lincoln's life. Beginning just east of the Cabin Site Memorial, twelve historic stones are arranged in chronological order at irregular intervals. Small bronze tablets located near each stone, briefly explain the events in Lincoln's life associated with each of the memorial stones. There are stones from twelve locations beginning with his birthplace in Kentucky and ending with a stone left over from the Lincoln Tomb in Illinois. 

The trail is 1/2 mile in length and was designed to start at the Living Historical Farm and end near the Pioneer Cemetery.

Details

Duration

10-20 Minutes

The trail is .5 miles with several stone benches allowing the hiker to rest along the way. A trail guide is available at the Memorial Visitor Center.

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

The Trail of Twelve Stones connects the homesite of Abraham Lincoln's youth with the pioneer cemetery where his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, lies buried.
The Trail of Twelve Stones is a unique way to review some of the major events in Abraham Lincoln's life. Beginning just east of the Cabin Site Memorial, twelve historic stones are arranged in chronological order at irregular intervals. A small bronze tablet is located near each stone to briefly explain the events in Lincoln's life associated with each of the memorial stones.

Age(s)

All Ages

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets on a leash are allowed on park trails.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Trail of Twelve Stones

The trail head begins near the Cabin Site Memorial and the Lincoln Living Historical Farm and ends near the Pioneer Cemetery.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Trail surface is compacted creek rock. Average width is 8 feet with a typical grade of 4% (maximum grade is 15%). Cross slope is minimal.

 

This boulder was brought from the Civil War Battlefield at Gettysburg. (Note: President Lincoln did not stand on this stone at Gettysburg. He spoke from a wooden platform especially constructed for the dedication.)

NPS/Alexander