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Opened in August 2020, Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail represents more than just a recreation facility. As a worthy recipient of an Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot Program grant, the trail stands as a part of enhancing tourism. The trail occupies a former CSX railroad bed, beginning in Prestonsburg and winding southwest through the Middle Creek National Battlefield, and terminating in the former coal town of David.
About the Route
The trail meanders a smooth asphalt path through the beautiful landscape. For most of its length, it is shrouded by a canopy of trees and numerous areas where the sky opens to expose the surrounding countryside. The path crosses underneath State Route 114/Mountain Parkway with caution gates at several crossings providing easy access. The trail features six restored bridges along its route, including a unique former school bus with its roof and sides providing a wonderful photo spot. While the path starts about a quarter mile easterly in West Prestonsburg, a convenient starting point is Archer Park, where bikers, walkers, and even strollers can find ample space to park and unload.
The trail is flat and provides an immersive trip through nature & history for visitors of all ages. Only non-motorized uses are allowed.
The Prestonburg Passage Rail Trail runs between Hawkins Ave. (West Prestonburg) and KY Hwy 404 (David).
Parking is available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
We rode almost 18 miles out-and-back -- starting at Archer Park, down to David, back up to Hawkins Ave, then returned to Archer. (The trail connector access at Archer Park is behind the veteran memorial with all the flags and adjacent to the dog park.) Trail was in excellent shape, extremely well-built and well-drained, with lots of shade. Be sure to stop at EKY Fair Bar just before David and get a cold drink or ice cream. The trail is very community-oriented, which we also appreciated. Dinner at Lizzie B's afterwards hit on all cylinders!
One of the best trail ride experiences I’ve ever had! The people were exceptionally friendly. We unknowingly went on golf cart Saturday & were a little confused as to why golf carts were allowed on the trail. The Mayor stopped us to introduce himself and inquire about us and our trikes. They allow golf carts every 3rd Saturday from 10 a - 3 p to make the trail available to everyone! The Dairy Bar was awesome, and we even got a little history lesson from the owner! Will definitely be back because it became an instant favorite! What a gem!
Smooth asphalt with plenty of restrooms. Starting at Archer Park in Prestonsburg, to the end at David Kentucky. From the start of the trail, a right turn is a mile to the end in Prestonsburg. A left takes you 8 miles to the end at David Kentucky.
My wife and I rode the trail out and back. Beautiful surface and scenery. The coordinator at Archer Park was very helpful - put my wife’s mind at ease after reading the “Bear” warning sign. However we nearly had to walk bikes through several vehicle barriers. There’s enough room to go through but the effects of misjudgment by only several inches would cause severe injuries. That took some of the enjoyment away.
Our first trail riding bikes and it was perfect. Trial was smooth and had beautiful scenery.
We are locals and ride this trail almost daily. It’s well maintained, easy 18 mile round trip . Flat , smooth asphalt. With picnic tables and port-a potties . We feel very fortunate to live close and use it daily . It’s a must if you in our area .
My wife and I broke down in October to ride this trail it was a beautiful trail was definitely go back it was very much worth the drive from Hamlin West Virginia
This is a must visit trail and we will ride it again the next time we are in the area. Prestonsburg did a great job setting up this trail. They included picnic tables and benches along the trail and several bike repair stations. The best rest stop along the way was the covered bridge crossing Caney Creek at mile marker 6. Someone was very creative in placing the upper section of a school bus as the cover for the covered bridge. At the end of the asphalt, the old rail bed continues into David, KY. A store owner downtown told us they hope to continue the formal trail to David - can't wait.
I’ve been on just about all of the “Rail to Trails” in Ky. and this is head and shoulders above the rest. Cleanest trail, cleanest restrooms, well maintained, just an absolute gem. Thank you Prestonsburg and Floyd Co..
This trail is 8.5 miles asphalt. Beautiful area. Several wooden bridges and school bus cover . In the summer there is lots of shade. There are several sheds, picnic tables , bike racks, and port-a potties. Also water access in 3 locations. The trail is flat no hills or incline … we very much enjoy this trail and ride it often - we live near by.
Very Nice Trail – The pavement is new. There is a lot of upgrading taking place. There are around 10 or poles that stretch across the path with a narrow passage for bikes. The track is 8.5 miles long. Most of the track is shaded. It is basically straight and easy to bike, remarkably close to level.
Great! It is a great experience and we recommend it. The track is around 8.5 miles from end to end. The pavement is new. Much of the work is complete. It is an easy ride. There is one very good place to park in Prestonsburg. Don't bother to park anywhere else. If there is a negative it would be the blocking method used to keep motorized vehicles off this trail. Picture a bar across the trail that leaves just enough room to ride your bike through. On the one side is the metal yellow pole about 4 inches in diameter. Most of the poles will be lower than your handlebar, but at least one maybe two the same level. You will enjoy the bridge with a school bus cab place over it. Take time to record your name on the remaining space inside the bridge. Most of the trail is shaded with trees, great for summer riding. It is a very family-friendly place.
Trail looks new, asphalt and no hills. Port-a-potty was clean and had toilet paper! It was a beautiful day and the trail is very pretty! Want to go back and ride bikes one day!!
This was such a beautiful trail! My husband and bonus son rode 13 miles round trip. It was flat and the asphalt was smooth. Couldn’t have asked for more beautiful scenery! We will be making this an every weekend trip!
Easy ride on new asphalt trail. Left from Archer Park and got to school bus trestle at 6.5 miles. Return for 13 mile round trip. Only comment is to watch the cross barriers that are tight to ride through if you are new to trail rides.
What a beautiful ride. This trail is very scenic and enjoyable. We loved the parking, which was at Archer Park where we felt safe leaving our vehicle. We will return (-:
Coolest school bus bridge ever! Has to be the flattest rail trail in Eastern Kentucky with a good asphalt cover which makes it a joy even for beginning riders! Foliage was just beginning to change when we were there. Going back in 2 weeks and I am sure it will be spectacular! AND there are portapotties along the trail for those that need them!
Such a wonderful trail to walk and also imagine the Union and Confederate troops that traversed this same area over 155 years ago. Great views of a great portion of the Middle Creek National Battlefield.
Beautiful scenery ... painted railroad mile markers... each one unique. School Bus Covered Bridge.... Iron Bridge ...6 bridges in all. Deer and wildlife all along the trail. A uniquely wonderful ride or hike!!! Recommend it highly!!!
I rode this pristine brand new trail this week and was blown away with the beauty, the quality of asphalt and the coolest bridge ever! Worth the drive
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