This Beautiful Hike In Kentucky Has A Mouthwatering Restaurant Right Along The Trail
By Andrea Limke|Published December 16, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, Hall’s on the River was damaged by a flood and is currently temporarily closed while undergoing renovations.
Kentucky is great for doing many things, but two of the best are hiking and eating. Our state has countless trails to experience and just as many delicious restaurants to try, and there is one spot in the Bluegrass where you can do both, and practically at the same time. Halls on the River is a well known restaurant in Winchester, which also happens to be home to the trailhead for the John Holder Trail. This beautiful hike is perfect for exploring anytime of year and you can even fuel back up at the mouthwatering restaurant right along the trail.
Both hiking scenic trails and enjoying amazing food are favorite activities in Kentucky, and at Hall's on the River in Winchester, you can do both. This well known eatery, right on the water, serves up mouthwatering food and also has the trailhead to the John Holder Trail right in its parking lot.
To the right of the restaurant is the start to a beautiful and diverse trail that's filled with lovely scenery and plenty of history all year long. It's about three miles in total length, out and back, and is picturesque in every season.
Before you begin the hike, be sure to read the history of the trail at the trailhead - it's very interesting! And then head down the path that will lead to an old ford along Howard's Creek.
The creek is a great spot in the heat of summer, but there are more waterfall sightings and small rapids in the winter. Definitely wear waterproof shoes and prepare to change them when you're finished.
You'll pass foundations of old ice houses and walk through the property of a former homestead. There are also three cemeteries nearby, including the 1798 gravesite of Colonel John Holder.
When you make your way back along the trail, be sure to work up an appetite. Since you'll come off the trail only steps from the front door of Hall's on the River, it seems only fair to head on in and enjoy a meal.
Hall's on the River is famous for its beer cheese, so be sure to have it in some form. They also serve up an amazing Hot Brown, among other Kentucky favorites.
Hall's on the River is a lovely dining destination in the summer, surrounded by the river and thick trees. But it's open year round and the perfect accompaniment to the hiking trail, so don't hesitate to enjoy this two-for-one destination in Kentucky.
Hall’s on the River and the John Holder Trail are both worthy of a visit on their own, so it’s just a bonus that they happen to be in the same location. Have you been to either of these Kentucky destinations? Or better yet, did you experience them at the same time? Let us know in the comments!
Hall’s on the River and the Trailhead are located at 1225 Athens Boonesboro Rd., Winchester, KY 40391. For more information on the restaurant, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.
And for more stops along the mouthwatering Beer Cheese Trail, check out our previous article here.
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