We were traveling and found this trail here. It was a nice workout before dinner with good September weather. I wish the river were more in view, but still nice.

We rolled to the historic Bob Noble Park on a hot summer Saturday to enjoy Paducah. Riding around the park to warmup, we hit the top of the levee rest stop and decided to head west first. The West Side is a short, tree lined wide gravel path that runs slightly past Stuart Nelson Park. We rode through a disk golf fairway prior to arriving and ridding around this peaceful park and wondered if this used to be their old fairground. The remaining section from the park to the trailhead was a little rough with washed & soft gravel spots. Returning to the rest stop, we rode atop the levee on the East Side. The trail on this side is concrete and unshaded with mostly industrial sites on the south and the Ohio River to the north. The trail terminates at the new convention center, but we decided to explore downtown on bikes (take your time to read the historic markers). We relaxed at the river park behind the levee murals to watch the working tow boats. Once downtown, go explore bike friendly Paducah with its great restaurants, museums, train engine #1518, theatres, arts center, unique architecture and the old Market building. Upon returning to the park, spend a couple of dollars to cool down & swim at the park pool for a totally enjoyable day.

The trail starts in Fort Massac SP which would be a great place to basecamp for a weekend of rides at this trail, the spectacular Tunnel Hill trail (26 miles northwest) and/or Paducah’s magnificent Greenway & Downtown (9 miles southeast). Due to highwater, the road and bridge over Massac Creek was closed so we rode through the park and to the Superman statue which is located, where else but, in downtown Metropolis. Upon return, a ranger directed to the opposite side of the creek, Belgrade Rd. Trailhead (1st right east of I-24). It is a very nice trailhead with plenty of parking and clean restrooms. The trail is 10’ wide concrete in great condition and approx. 95% shaded. Mostly it straddles above swampy lowlands so you get to see plenty of wildlife; birds, deer, racoons and snakes (yup again) and a mixed variety of trees. We looped the trail from the County Rd 1150E Trailhead to the intersection of the gravel park road where the trail was again closed. Overall, it was a great, yet limited, biking experience where we were reminded of our country’s rich history and natural diversity.

Stopped and rode the trail on May 30. There are a couple of rough spots but was a good break on my road trip. Be sure and visit downtown Cadiz. You can access the trail by making a right hand turn at the sign directing you to the Post Office.

A friend and I rode the 2.7 mile rail trail portion of the bike path. It was wonderful. There are two great bridges that didn't scare me, and I am afraid of bridges. The cement trail is well maintained. There are wetlands flanking the trail. We rode it twice and had a terrific time. There is a well maintained outhouse facility at the Belgrade parking area. This parking area is in the middle of the trail so you go one direction then back the other way. There are four benches. When you head east toward Strawberry lane there is one bench at the parking area at the end of the cement path. This side has both bridges: one over Fourmile Creek (420 feet long) and one over Sevenmile Creek (211 feet long). The other three benches are on the path toward Fort Massac. The rail trail is the only portion of the ride that is automobile free. The ride was great. We will be back. The dogwoods and redbuds are in full bloom along the path. Happy trails, indeed!

A friend and I rode the 2.7 mile rail trail portion of the bike path. It was wonderful. There are two great bridges that didn't scare me, and I an afraid of bridges. The cement trail is well maintained. There are wet land flanking the trail. We rode it twice and had a terrific time. There is a well maintained out house facility at the Belgrade parking area. This parking area is in the middle of the trail so you go one direction then back the other way. There are four benches. When you head east toward Strawberry lane there is on bench at the parking area. The other three are on the path toward Fort Massac. The rail trail is the only portion of the ride that is automobile free. The ride was great. We with,, be back. The dogwoods and redbuds are in full bloom along the path. Happy trails, indeed!

The surface is smooth and the trail is hidden under forestation. Making it easy to ride even during the summer. It's not a long trail, so kids can join for family fun. There's a couple of wooden bridges along the way and you'll find people walking or jogging down the trail as well.

From Pittsburgh to Cairo, the Ohio River has a rich and storied past. It's about discovery.. this trail's name says that plain enough. It's about transportation.. barges you can see on the river and the railway now traversed by the trail's eastern section. It's about wildlife, forests and natural beauty.. that you observe from end to end on the trail. It's about military conquest and defense.. seen in the old Fort Massac recreation. It's about the water.. that floods the trail when there's too much rain upstream. This is a great trail to walk or ride.. and imagine.