The Brighton East Rail Trail was Fayette County's first, opening in 2007. The original 1-mile trail through recent residential development between Bryant Road and Pleasant Ridge Park proved overwhelmingly popular with locals, and another 1-mile stretch of trail was completed in 2013. The newer portion of trail continues east from Pleasant Ridge Park through the tree-lined corridor to Walnut Grove Lane. Completion of this section was made possible by a local landowner’s generous donation of a wide easement.
The most recent extension takes it west to Liberty Rd., where it meets the Liberty Park Trail via a pedestrian/cyclist bridge over the busy roadway, completed in 2021.
Eventually, city officials hope to extend the Brighton East Rail Trail east to the Fayette–Clark county line.
Parking for the Brighton East Rail Trail is available at Pleasant Ridge Park (1350 Pleasant Ridge Drive).