If You Take One Trail In Kentucky, Let It Be This One
By Andrea Limke|Published May 08, 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.
It’s a pretty bold statement to recommend just a single trail to take in Kentucky if you are ever forced to choose just one. Our state is known for its incredible hiking, biking, and walking trails and they cover a diverse range of terrain and scenery. However, in eastern Kentucky, efforts have been made to create an impressively long trail with a number of different activities that everyone can enjoy. The Dawkins Line Rail Trail offers 18 miles of cycling, hiking, and horseback riding fun, so if you have to pick just one trail to take in Kentucky, definitely consider this one.
There are so many trails for outdoor lovers in Kentucky, but many of them are either difficult to reach or perhaps too physically demanding for the general public.
While these trails definitely have their place in our adventurous state, if you had to pick just one to recommend to anyone, Dawkins Line Rail Trail tops the list.
The multi-use trail can be found stretching across several counties in eastern Kentucky.
Right now, the trail is 18 miles long, but another 18 miles are in the works, which will make this outdoor destination even more appealing. There are currently a few different trailheads where you can begin your trek. The map above shows where these trailheads can be found and you can tell just how interesting this unique trail is by looking at the route it travels.
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The trail follows the former Dawkins Line Railroad bed that runs from Hagerhill to Evanston and breathes new life into this once productive route.
It first opened in 2013 to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, and is the largest rail-to-trail in Kentucky. The trail provides a wide variety of scenic landscapes and is accessible to all, no matter your ability or level of hiking expertise.
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The terrain of the trail varies greatly and passes through open fields, woods, gorges, and rolling hills, all in a matter of a few miles.
By bike, you can ride along and experience the trail, without having to deal with roads and traffic. If you prefer to walk, you can easily park at a trailhead and begin your adventure.
Lace up your walking shoes, hop on a bike, or saddle up your horse and hit the trail! There's enough scenery, natural beauty, and intrigue along this lengthy route that you could happily make it the only trail you ever take in Kentucky.
The Dawkins Line Rail Trail has turned unused land into a haven for experiencing Kentucky’s natural beauty. For more information on the Dawkins Line Rail Trail, visit its website here.
Have you biked, hiked, or ridden this unique trail? If you had to pick just one top trail in Kentucky, which would you choose? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to share photos from your outdoor adventures on our Kentucky Nature Lovers Facebook group – you might just see them featured!
Luckily, most of us never have to pick just one trail, so check out our list of 11 more excellent trails to explore in Kentucky!
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