Explore the best rated trails in Kentucky, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail and Legacy Trail (KY). With more than 28 trails covering 181 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I have a different perspective than most trail users. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My "daily driver" is a manual wheelchair. However, I also have a handcycle: basically a three-wheel bicycle that I pedal with my hands. The rear two wheels are just along for the ride. The front wheel does all of the steering, braking, and propelling. As my weight is all on the back wheels, it spins out on too steep of a hill. There is one hill on the west end of this trail (right next to Parrish Avenue) that I had to ride down the street to bypass. There's another hill about 1/4 mile from this one that I could just BARELY handle. Otherwise, this trail is fairly flat with a few small hills. A completely flat trail is kind of boring, but I just can't do a really steep one. The Greenbelt is, for me, the perfect blend of flat and steep.
Handcycle considerations aside, Owensboro has done a commendable job with this trail. It is very nicely constructed and maintained. There are several good places to park, with ample parking spaces. I have ridden it several times now. I suggest doing what I did - try parking at different lots and seeing which one you like best. My personal favorite is the one off of Higdon Road. It is somewhere in the middle of the trail and lets you go either direction. A 15 mile trail (so 30 miles if you do both directions) gives you a lot of options, especially if you're looking for a 5 or 10 mile ride.
As other reviewers have noted, they could have done a better job with signs. In town sections of the trail, it's sometimes a bit difficult to know if you're still on the trail. I'm from here, so I have been watching the trail being constructed for years, so it makes sense to me. If you're new to it, download and study a map of it and you should be good. A map will also show you the numerous parking lots.
There are a large number of road intersections. Owensboro drivers aren't known for paying attention, so be careful! There are good markings and flashing lights at all the intersections. Plus, it's fun to take little side quests down many of these roads that are wide enough for cars plus a wheelchair-width handcycle.
The trail provides a good mix of city streets, farm fields, and woods. There are a lot of spots without shade, so bring some sunscreen if the sun bothers you. The parks departments do a great job maintaining the trail, but there are quite a few tree root bumps in some of the sections. Watch your front wheel, slow down a bit, and you'll be fine. There are about half a dozen portable toilets along the trail, and tons of benches for a rest stop.
Like I said, I live within easy driving distance of the Greenbelt. The only thing more handy for me is to just leave my driveway and hit my local roads on my handcycle, which I do often. However, when I don't want to fight cars or when I have my daughter on her bike with me, the Greenbelt is my first choice. It is an asset to our community. Come check it out. I hope to see you out there!
I have a different perspective than most trail users. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My "daily driver" is a manual wheelchair. However, I also have a handcycle: basically a three-wheel bicycle that I pedal with my hands. The rear two wheels are just along for the ride. The front wheel does all of the steering, braking, and propelling. As my weight is all on the back wheels, it spins out on too steep of a hill. This trail, being built on an old railroad bed, is fairly flat, which makes sense considering that trains can only handle a very gradual grade. There are definitely very long, gentle uphills (and obviously downhills in the other direction) that provide a good challenge if you hit them fast enough. The only part I couldn't do was on the very end of the trail (the Central City end). There is a steep hill connecting the trail to the parking area. Thankfully, I parked at the Greenville end, where there is ample parking and a flat transition to the trail.
Handcycle considerations aside, Muhlenberg County has knocked it out of the park with this trail. It is very nicely constructed and maintained. As a railfan, I enjoyed seeing the old railroad structures and the P&L caboose that are beside the trail. It has a minimal number of road intersections, with only one of them a high-speed road requiring lots of rider attention. All of them are marked. There are plenty of benches for a rest. The first 1.5 miles or so of the Greenville end are through town. The rest of it is in a very natural setting with ample shade. I liked seeing the huge, old slough; the areas where the railroad had blasted through hills to make the railbed flat; and the numerous little creeks that run beside and under the trail. I live about an hour away, but I'll happily make that drive and hit this trail again.
We rode almost 18 miles out-and-back -- starting at Archer Park, down to David, back up to Hawkins Ave, then returned to Archer. (The trail connector access at Archer Park is behind the veteran memorial with all the flags and adjacent to the dog park.) Trail was in excellent shape, extremely well-built and well-drained, with lots of shade. Be sure to stop at EKY Fair Bar just before David and get a cold drink or ice cream. The trail is very community-oriented, which we also appreciated. Dinner at Lizzie B's afterwards hit on all cylinders!
We rode 45 miles, out-and-back from Jenny's Creek TH to Tip Top Tunnel. Loved the newly-paved surface. Dogs were well-behaved, scenery gorgeous, and Gun Creek Tunnel always a treat. Only wish that Griffith Family Farm was open on Sundays (but we get that!). Did stop at the old general store in Royalton for cold drinks and ice cream. Hope they open Tip Top or do a re-route one day and pave the rest of the trail.
Wife, special needs adult son & I rode about 2/3rds of the Legacy Trail on 7/25/2024. We had been in town this week visiting family, who had previously mentioned this bike trail, so I was looking forward to experiencing it. We started at the North end, noontime, with the July heat making itself known. The ride was overall pleasant, despite a considerable amount of time spent in close proximity to I64/I75. The only issue we experienced was losing our way (due to inadequate signage) near Coldstream Park. We ended up at an apparent dead end at Aristides Drive, near the Embassy Suites & Marriott & it took about 20 minutes of wrangling, looking at maps on our phones & asking locals how to get back on the main path to get on our way. I was looking forward to completing the entire trail, but the detour and last portion along Citation Drive in the afternoon July heat sapped the remaining commitment we had in finishing. We were able to get a tasty lunch at Jimmy John's and after this break, we were able to do the return trip with no issues. It appears that south to north is more downhill, making it easier. Will definitely ride again next time back in the area. Thanks for a good time!!
Very shaded non technical trail with lots of ups and downs and turns. Beautiful wood with lots of birds! Recommend suspension bikes/trikes due to some rough rocky areas. This is our favorite non Rails to Trails ride!
I recently rode the Dawkins Line Rail Trail, starting from the Jane Beshear trailhead to the Hager Hill section, and had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The gates along the trail are quite narrow, posing a challenge for cyclists maintaining any significant speed. However, they are now clearly visible, thanks to fresh coats of paint. Adding historical or informational markers along the trail would indeed enhance the overall experience. I had a wonderful time and look forward to returning soon to explore a different portion of the trail.
We had an extremely pleasant bike ride today from Swamp Branch to the Licking River (just past Jane Bashear parking area), and only saw one other being on the trail — a riderless horse! He seemed extremely trail savvy and just grunted and moved out of our way. The weather was perfect with on and off pop up showers. The pavement was nice. The Griffith Family farm at Swamp Branch supplied our picnic (and more!) and they had more kind of potato chips than I’ve ever seen.
Being a nearby resident I had heard of this trail and tressel plus had seen a sign pointing towards the direction to it. I recommend going to it via Ky 109 or US 60. Rely on the Trails map ‘cause it’s accurate. The trail is paved and flat except the floor of the tressel which is wood. Extremely well cared for. Shelters are on the south side. Only reason for not getting a 5 is due to no restrooms. Otherwise if you’re in the area don’t pass it up. You’ll not regret it.
Rode June 2024 on Tuesday, Wed. Saw very few people on trail. Did not see unrestrained dogs. Signage to call sheriff if see unrestrained dogs. The trail is paved and bridges are beautiful. Only 26 miles of trail are open because the second tunnel closed for repair. The only place on trail to purchase food and drink is Griffith Family Farm Store, but they are closed on Sunday. Jenny Wiley State Park is nearby and wonderful place to kayak, hike, and chill out at lodge, cabins, or camping.
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