Explore the best rated trails in Madisonville, KY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Oak Hill Multi-Use Trail and Wabash & Erie Canal Trail (Evansville) . With more than 13 trails covering 56 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
2.5-mile paved hike/bike trail has been established on the former right-of-way from downtown Cadi, KY. A great place to spend a couple of hours hiking or for a quick bike trip down a 110-year-old rail corridor. Part of the trail was closed near the park as 10/27/24.
Mostly flat and partly shady. Concrete. One long bridge with steep grade at each end. Phases 1 and 2 complete. Lots of benches, security cameras/emergency alerts.
I have a different perspective than most trail users. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My "daily driver" is a manual wheelchair. However, I also have a handcycle: basically a three-wheel bicycle that I pedal with my hands. The rear two wheels are just along for the ride. The front wheel does all of the steering, braking, and propelling. As my weight is all on the back wheels, it spins out on too steep of a hill. This trail, being built on an old railroad bed, is fairly flat, which makes sense considering that trains can only handle a very gradual grade. There are definitely very long, gentle uphills (and obviously downhills in the other direction) that provide a good challenge if you hit them fast enough. The only part I couldn't do was on the very end of the trail (the Central City end). There is a steep hill connecting the trail to the parking area. Thankfully, I parked at the Greenville end, where there is ample parking and a flat transition to the trail.
Handcycle considerations aside, Muhlenberg County has knocked it out of the park with this trail. It is very nicely constructed and maintained. As a railfan, I enjoyed seeing the old railroad structures and the P&L caboose that are beside the trail. It has a minimal number of road intersections, with only one of them a high-speed road requiring lots of rider attention. All of them are marked. There are plenty of benches for a rest. The first 1.5 miles or so of the Greenville end are through town. The rest of it is in a very natural setting with ample shade. I liked seeing the huge, old slough; the areas where the railroad had blasted through hills to make the railbed flat; and the numerous little creeks that run beside and under the trail. I live about an hour away, but I'll happily make that drive and hit this trail again.
Very shaded non technical trail with lots of ups and downs and turns. Beautiful wood with lots of birds! Recommend suspension bikes/trikes due to some rough rocky areas. This is our favorite non Rails to Trails ride!
Being a nearby resident I had heard of this trail and tressel plus had seen a sign pointing towards the direction to it. I recommend going to it via Ky 109 or US 60. Rely on the Trails map ‘cause it’s accurate. The trail is paved and flat except the floor of the tressel which is wood. Extremely well cared for. Shelters are on the south side. Only reason for not getting a 5 is due to no restrooms. Otherwise if you’re in the area don’t pass it up. You’ll not regret it.
Trailhead in Greenville is across from Clark Tire Center and has nice picnic table nearby. The trail is in good condition, saw some birding along the way and a nice city park at Powderly. Bathrooms at the HS were closed for the season.
A diverse trail running alongside busy streets, fields of soybeans, wooded areas, and into small communities with lush greenery and small lakes. Not well marked.
Just an FYI that this trail is also called the Central Hardwood Scenic Trail. We tried riding from the Golden Pond Visitor Center but it quickly became rugged and too much for us. We went to the Sunset Trailhead and road East on the paved section. We totaled 16 miles but could’ve gone further. If you’re in the area, Calvert City also has a nice path thru the town and city parks.
Not sure why this trail is called Lake Barkley Multi-use Path as it actually begins at the Kentucky Lake portion of Land Between the Lakes (LBL). Regardless, we rode a total of 13 miles back & forth along this path taking in the beautiful lake scenery. After crossing the lake toward Fenton we considered riding over toward the LBL visitor center. However, being the Memorial Day weekend auto traffic was rather hectic so we opted to forego that portion of our ride and simply rode back across the bridge a few times. Tomorrow we’re heading toward Lake Barkley and plan to ride that area as it appears there’s a protected longer riding trail in that direction. Worth it !!!
Reminded me of Ohio trails I've ridden. Wish Bowling Green, Ky., had something that long. Only real suggestion is that an emergency call box or two would be nice. Saw five people total on perfect Thursday afternoon ride. You wanna be prepared
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
