Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail

Kentucky

15 Reviews

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Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail Facts

States: Kentucky
Counties: Muhlenberg
Length: 6 miles
Trail end points: 3rd Street (Central City) and Green Dr. at Maple St. (Greenville)
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6015913

Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail Description

The Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail in rural southwestern Kentucky connects the community of Central City, Muhlenberg County's largest city, to Powderly and Greenville to the south. As Kentucky's most extensive rails-to-trails conversion, this 6-mile asphalt trail is relatively flat except at the north end where the trail leaves the old rail bed for an uphill climb to the former location of the Central City High School.

Between Central City and the Western Kentucky Parkway, the trail meanders through wetland marsh populated with beavers and a large variety of fish. A viewing platform overlooking the wetlands was recently constructed and includes a birding guide produced by a local Boy Scouts troop. The southern section of the trail passes through the tiny, rugged town of Powderly before ending at the Greenville trailhead.

The trail's railroad history dates back to the late 19th century when the Illinois Central Railroad Company operated on this corridor, hauling coal from nearby mines in addition to running passenger rail service. In the 1980s, the Paducah & Louisville Railway purchased the rail line. But as coal mines dwindled, so did the need for rail service, leading to the Paducah & Louisville Railway's eventual abandonment of this right-of-way.

As a reminder of its past as a railroad line, the Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail has preserved many remnants of its history, including old signal towers, mile markers, trestles and whistle signs. The most prominent feature, though, is an antique caboose donated by Paducah & Louisville Railway. It is now used as a railroad museum, located just south of the Central City trailhead.

Parking and Trail Access

The best place to park is at the trail's southern end in Greenville. The trail lies parallel to US 62 between Powderly and Greenville. The southern trailhead parking is on US 62 just north of Greenville's town center.

Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail Reviews

Southern TH on map is incorrect

I absolutely loved this trail. But the Southern trailhead actually starts north of the where trail link has it on the map — it’s on US 62 by the covered bridge. Hopefully this will get corrected soon. Otherwise a really fabulous trail.

Almost completely handcycle-friendly

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.

Nice trail for a fall trip.

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.

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

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

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