Walking, Running, and Hiking

HIKING CLUBS

Hiking clubs are certainly popular in Kentucky with the vast array of outdoor hiking experience. Clubs host weekend excursions, day trips and overnight backpacking experiences any time of year.  A great way to explore the clubs near you, do a quick Google search of Hiking Clubs in Kentucky.

Sheltowee Trace Association

The association is dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. This is a significant national resource for the enjoyment of hikers, bikers and equestrians and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all people.

Louisville Hiking Club

Hiking club that gathers friends, newbies, and acquaintances together to hike as a club enjoying the scenic views of Kentucky.

Pine Mountain Trail Conference

Ever had a chance to hike on the Pine Mountain Scenic State Trail?  The trail runs from the Breaks Interstate Park to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.  Check out the Pine Mountain Trail Conference for resource information before you take a hike. 

Northern Kentucky Sierra Club Group
Tri-State Hiking Guide

The Northern Kentucky Sierra Club Group offers an “outings” program of local nature hikes, trail service, bike hikes, paddling trips and more.

Hikers of the Bluegrass

This group was founded by a core group of hikers from the Lexington Hiking Meetup.  Hiking and exploring the woods near the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky.

WHERE TO HIKE

Kentucky Tourism

An excellent resource for all things adventure is the Kentucky Tourism – Outdoors section. Click here to find out where to hike, bike and explore in every inch of the state.

Kentucky State Parks

Kentucky is home to over 38 state parks that offer biking excursions, geocaching, hiking, just to name a few.  The parks typically feature a main lodge, cabins, campgrounds and some offer access to marinas.  Find more information here.

National Park Service

In Kentucky, the National Park Service offers nine scenic and historic parks, trails, monuments and battlefields with a wide array of hiking and walking opportunities.

Northern Kentucky Sierra Club Group Tri-State Hiking Guide

The Northern Kentucky Sierra Club Group offers a Tri-State Hiking Guide with trail recommendations, distances and maps, as well driving instructions and more.

Western Kentucky Trails

Western Kentucky offers many trails for walking and cycling.

Land Between The Lakes

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area has 300 miles of natural shoreline, lake access provides idyllic setting for hiking, cycling, and water sports.

Cave Run Lake

With picturesque views and over 100 miles of trails and scenic roads for biking, this 8,200-acre lake is just one of the awesome trail systems in Kentucky.

The Parklands

The Parklands at Floyds Fork is a donor-supported public park system totaling nearly 4,000 acres across four parks.  Located in Louisville, the park features 19 miles of loop trail, scenic park drive and more than 60 miles of hiking, mountain biking and paddling trails.

LexFun4Kids

Family fun in Lexington and Central Kentucky is great when you use Lex Fun 4 Kids! This is the go-to guide to family funding including reviews, directories, events, learning and so much more.

AllTrails

AllTrails is a website that promises to help you find your perfect hike, bike ride, or trail run. You can filter by length, rating, and difficulty level. Easily find dog or kid-friendly trails. This link features the most popular waterfall trails in Kentucky.

Only In Your State

Looking for reviews on a specific location? Get to know what the visitors and locals think of an adventure, place to eat and where to sleep. Only in Your State reviews and accepts nominations to even be listed on the site.

Sheltowee Trace

Often called ‘The Trace’, this 333 mile trail meanders through Kentucky from its Northern Terminus in Morehead-Rowan County to its Southern Terminus in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee. 

RUN CLUBS

You don’t have to be from Kentucky to join a run club.  There are a plethora of clubs from Pikeville to Paducah.  A great way to explore the clubs near you, do a quick Google search of Run Clubs in Kentucky.  

SAFE RUNNING AND WALKING

Follow the rules of the road, observe signs, and obey signals.  If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic as far from traffic as possible.

Maintenance and Gear
  • Hiking Boots or running shoes
  • Hydration, water, filtration system
  • Maps/compass or phone app
  • Food
  • Rain gear and extra clothing
  • Flashlights, reflectors, and blinkers
  • First Aid Kit
  • Firestarter and matches
  • Knife or multi-tool  
Safety on the Road

Following the rules of the road are the most critical when walking, running or hiking.  While often referenced when hiking, it continues to apply to road hiking and running, “Leave No Trace”.  

KY Laws and Regulations for Pedestrians

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

There are national level organizations that represent various interests including advocacy for education, funding, infrastructure, safer roads, equality, and access. These organizations represent all types of walking, running, and hiking interests. To learn more, click on the name of the organizations below.

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Contact Us

Mailing Address
Bike Walk Kentucky

838 East High Street Suite 143

Lexington, KY 40502-2107

Email
Contact@BikeWalk.Ky

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