Notice: As of February 2023, the trailhead on US 27 is closed. There are No Trespassing signs, which warn that cars parked there will be towed.
The Cathy Crocket Memorial Trail occupies the former railroad right-of-way of the Cincinnati–Southern Railway that was relocated in the 1950s when Lake Cumberland was formed. The trail begins along US Highway 27/State Route 90 just west of Sloans Valley and heads southeast to Alpine Recreation Area.
The trail features three tunnels built in the 1800s by Italian and Irish brick masons, in addition to the Alpine Coal Camp and Camp Greenwood, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Interpreted signs along the way discuss the area's history.
The Cathy Crocket Memorial Trail will eventually extend 6 more miles toward Greenwood into Daniel Boone National Forest.
At the eastern end of the trail, there is a trailhead with parking located just west of Sloans Valley off US Highway 27/KY-90. Take US 27 north from Whitley City for 11 miles. From Burnside, take US 27 south for seven miles. Look for signs for the Alpine Recreation Area.
The parking area was very hard to find! Because there is no sign by hwy. 27 informing you where the parking area for the Rails to Trails Cathy Crockett Memorial Trail or the trailhead is located. If you're looking for it, it's just south of Dixie Bend Rd. on the west side of hwy. 27. After looking at Google maps and finally locating it, it was a enjoyable walk with my mom and her 2 dogs. There was signs designating the trailhead. The first section of the trail was nicely maintained. But after we reached the gravel road there was no signs informing us that the trail is the gravel road until the gravel road makes a left curve, then the trail leaves the gravel road continues straight ahead. Once the trail leaves the gravel road at this point it hasn't been maintained much if any at all. We had to maneuver around briars and step over logs that was across the trail. We walked the trail until we reached the concrete abutment of the old tressel that used to span across Minton Hollow in Sloans Valley. This trail definitely needs some maintenance and signs placed to better inform people about the trail and ect.
Not for the Cycling Enthusiast! More of a walking trail if you want to call it that!
Seems this trail is in dire need of some work!! Don't waste your time!
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