Where are the best places to bike in Eastern Kentucky? Are you looking to hit the trails, but aren’t sure where to go? If so, we have you covered. Eastern KY has some of the most beautiful bike trails around for both beginners and experienced bikers. Check out these four popular trails below.
What says Kentucky more than bourbon and horse farms? On this route, you will get to experience both! The official starting point is at the Frazier Museum in Louisville. From there, enjoy riding past historic thoroughbred farms as you make your way to the 18 distilleries featured on the trail.
Kentucky is notorious for its rolling hills, and while climbs are not generally long, they are frequent. Most people typically bike the trail in one to three days, depending on the weather, how many distilleries they want to visit, and how many miles per day they want to travel. To find the route best suited for you, visit Kentucky Bourbon Trail RidewithGPS®. Don’t forget to pick up a free Kentucky Bourbon Trail® passport at your first stop, then get it stamped at each distillery you visit.
The Red River Gorge, located in the heart of Eastern KY, offers several options for bikers. If you are more comfortable with road riding, the Red River Gorge Classic is a 27-mile route that showcases the beauty of the Gorge right from the road. Ride through Nada Tunnel (no lights, so make sure you have your own), cross Steel Bridge, then make your way up Sky Bridge Hill. Remember, there are many curvy roads with blind spots, so travel at your own pace and stay safe! For the full route details, click here.
If mountain biking is more your style, try the Big Bend Ride. This trail is 11.7 miles that runs from the entrance of Hollerwood Park up to the entrance of Natural Bridge State Park. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mountains as you make your way to ride over White’s Branch Arch, a natural sandstone ridgetop arch. Click here for the complete trail directions.
While the Carter Caves Natural Bridge road trail is short at only a half a mile, it is still worth visiting. Enjoy the scenic view as you make your way over the only natural bridge in Kentucky that has a highway road running over it.
The trail is open year-round and is perfect for all level riders. Click here for more route details. Don’t forget to stop and tour the caves while you’re in the area!
Travel to Paintsville, Kentucky to bike this 17-mile trail. This rail trail was created for a former coal-hauling line owned by the R.J. Corman Equipment Company and is the largest rail-to-trail in the state.
Enjoy the mountainous views and wildlife as you make your way from Hagerhill in Johnson County to Evanston in Breathitt County. You will be traveling on mostly gravel or a railed wooden bridge.
Parking is available at Jenny’s Creek, Swamp Branch, Royalton, and Jane Beshear trailheads. You can find the full route details here.
