Epic Rail Biking Trail In Kentucky: Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail

While we’re big proponents of lacing up our hiking shoes and hitting the trails, there are certain expeditions in the Bluegrass that are best-suited for two wheels (or three, or four — all kinds of bikes are welcome here!). The Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail is one of them. This unique adventure in Kentucky begins in Archer Park, and, at 8.6 miles long, it’s admittedly a bit of a haul for two legs. But on two wheels? Easy peasy! Let’s explore this one-of-a-kind rail biking trail in Kentucky, which leads to one of the most spectacular “roadside attractions” we’ve ever seen.

Deep in the heart of eastern Kentucky's Appalachian region, Prestonsburg is a small town where you'll still find many remnants of the past.

In fact, it's here where you'll find a path that was once a railway line.

Today, the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail welcomes explorers to come and walk, hike, or bike along this former rail route.

Thanks to a grant in 2020, 8.6 miles of this track were transformed into a rail trail in Kentucky, a move met with much enthusiasm among Kentuckians -- Bluegrass biking enthusiasts in particular!

Given its length, this is an easy and pleasant afternoon bike ride for folk from beginners to advanced. Once you're on the trail, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find a fully asphalt path that's accessible to all.

It's also nice and flat, which is not what you'd expect in this mountainous region of Kentucky. This even terrain makes for a wonderful adventure for bikers, runners, cyclists, strollers, and wheelchairs!

You'll also find handy "roadside assistance" stations along the route, with pumps, tools, and pretty much anything you might need for a quick repair on the road.

Accessibility *and* history aside (as if that weren't enough!), the most notable feature of the rail trail is this unique spot: a school bus that's been converted into a covered bridge, which, in our opinion, is one of the coolest things ever.

rail biking trail in Kentucky — You'll find this beauty six miles into the route, and it's actually one of several restored bridges along the route, but is definitely the most memorable. In this covered bridge-school bus hybrid, the top half of a classic yellow school bus has been turned into a covered bridge, acting as a makeshift roof for the wood footpath below.

Want to see what it’s like to go rail biking in Kentucky? Go along for a ride with outdoor adventurer Kentucky Cycling. It’s one of the best things to do in Prestonsburg.

Have you gone biking on this unique rail trail in Kentucky before? What an amazing adventure in the Bluegrass… and an A+ use of a big yellow school bus, we say.

Looking for more bus-themed fun in the Bluegrass? (Yes… it’s a thing!) Check out this amazing Airbnb located in… you guessed it: a retired bus!

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Melanie J. | January 11, 2024

What are the best hiking trails in Kentucky?

Whether you’re searching for waterfalls, rock formations, scenic mountain vistas, and more, these are the best hiking trails in Kentucky that belong on your bucket list:

Auxier Ridge Trailhead, Stanton
Double Arch Trailhead, Rosslyn
Rock Bridge Trail, Campton
Chimney Top Rock Trailhead, Pine Ridge
Princess Arch Trailhead, Pine Ridge
Echo River Spring Trail, Mammoth Cave
Balanced Rock Trail, Slade
Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail, Whitesburg
Rough Trail to Wildcat Trail, Stanton
Gobblers Arch Trail, Stearns

Read more in our previous article featuring the best hiking trails in Kentucky.

What are the best state parks in Kentucky?

The state parks in Kentucky are playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. While all the parks are worth visiting, these are the ones we like the best:

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Union
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Columbus Belmont State Park, Columbus

Discover more from our previous article featuring these state parks in Kentucky.

Besides the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail, what are some more unique things to do in Kentucky?

If you’re searching for unique things to do in Kentucky, then we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of the attractions in the Bluegrass State that belong on your bucket list:

Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson County
Kentucky's Stonehenge, Munfordville
Hidden River Cave, Horse Cave
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Horse Cave
Land of the Giants: Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont
Louisville Mega Cavern, Louisville
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Golden Pond
Dinosaur World, Cave City
Lost River Cave, Bowling Green
Red River Gorge Ziplines, Campton

Be sure to check out our website to discover more unique things to do in Kentucky.

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Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail, Archer Park, 66 Archer Park Rd, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA

This Unique Rail Biking Experience In Kentucky Belongs On Your Bucket List

Sarah McCosham

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