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 rail trail 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’re 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.
Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail/Facebook
In fact, it’s here where you’ll find a path that was once a railway line.
Bobby W/Google Local
Today, the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail welcomes explorers to come and walk, hike, or bike along this former rail route.
Mike Amundsen/Google Local
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!
Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail/Facebook
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.
Mark Neenan/Google Local
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!
Mike Amundsen/Google Local
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.
Bobby W/Google Local
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.
David Kravetz/Google Local
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.
Mark Neenan/Google Local
Perfect for photo opps, you may want to take a break here and snap a picture of this unique bridge, break for lunch, and then either finish the remaining two miles, or turn back.
David Kravetz/Google Local This rail trail is definitely an afternoon adventure; but it’s easily one of the most unique adventures in Kentucky, and a bucket-list must!
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.
Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail/Facebook
Bobby W/Google Local
Mike Amundsen/Google Local
Mark Neenan/Google Local
David Kravetz/Google Local
This rail trail is definitely an afternoon adventure; but it’s easily one of the most unique adventures in Kentucky, and a bucket-list must!
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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Address: Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail, Archer Park, 66 Archer Park Rd, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA
