Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Kentucky

Kentucky has some unique geographic interests that can make for some awesome bike riding. First of all, this state is home to the world's largest and longest cave system. It also has the longest navigable streams and waterways in 48 states. On top of all that you will find the two largest manmade lakes east of the Mississippi here. Spectacular scenery is just an added bonus to your ride.

There's a great bike trail in Corbin suitable for riders of all experience levels. It starts out nice and easy, headed predominantly downhill to Laurel Lake. Then it travels around the lake incorporating a few minor climbs and some switchbacks before entering an 8-mile run to the Holly Bay Marina. The final 4-mile stretch will bring you to the Corbin City Dam. A second trail in Corbin-the Cane Creek Trail-offers fresh scenic views with a bit more technical difficulty for riders who want more of a challenge.

Another trail with lots of variety is located not far from Frankfort. The Capital View Trails are well kept and lots of fun with some great challenges like rock gardens, drops, ramps, sharp inclines and descents, and sinkholes. As a result, these trails are also well used by local residents, so be prepared to have some company on your ride. There is also a deer trail that runs down to a creek that is perfect for beginning riders.

Close to Paducah you can try out a great 11-mile route called the Canal Loop. Most of this trail is dusty and dry rolling hills, but there are also offshoots you can check out to add some interest to your ride. If you like to ride fast, this is a great trail to try. It's also ideal for beginners because it is well kept and easy to navigate.

For a more challenging ride, more advanced riders will love the Jenny Ridge Trail. This 31-mile trail not far from Murray runs between the Canal Loop and Golden Pond and is far less congested than the former trail mentioned since this one is pretty steep and technical. In addition to the other challenges, you'll appreciate great views of Kentucky Lake and some stream crossings for added interest.

Seasoned riders will also relish the challenge of the Iron Furnace Cave Run Lake Trail not far from Morehead. With 9 miles of sharp inclines, it's an uphill battle combined with switchbacks, that will test your endurance. But once you get to the top, the view of Cave Run Lake is fantastic! Be sure you have a good bike, though, because the ride down could get a little rough without good brakes.

The Cherokee/Seneca trail near Louisville is the perfect escape from the city. This 12 mile loop has many sections, so you can ride it in lots of different ways for variety. There are lots of roots and muddy stream crossings, very tight trails with some pretty fierce drops and fast descents. Watch out for pedestrians though.

Kentucky has beautiful rolling hills just waiting for you to experience for yourself. Hopefully these trails will give you a starting point at exploring all that this state has to offer. Happy trails!