THE Vision
The Kentucky Way will be a system of walking and cycling paths comprised of over 400 miles of new shared-use trail, and built to integrate the dozens of existing state trails and scenic routes that already criss-cross the Bluegrass.
We imagine a trail network running clear across the Commonwealth, featuring a wide spectrum of trail materials, partnering communities, and featured landmarks.
No two hikes of the Kentucky Way will be identical to one another.
A TRAIL UNLIKE ANY OTHER…
This is no Appalachian Trail.
For one thing, this trail actually runs through Kentucky.
For another, this trail is not intended for America’s most daring outdoorsmen.
We seek to develop a culture around the trail that encourages day-hikers, accommodates thru-hikers, and welcomes every type of walker in between.
TRAIL USERS
The Local Legend
These are the day-walkers, the folks who use our trail for their biking commute, their grocery run, their afternoon phone call. They’ll get the earliest use out of the trail, and the majority of it.
The Weekend Warrior
These are the out-of-towners, the college students, the folks who want to see what’s going on in the next town. In a long weekend, the Kentucky Way could take you far beyond your county line.
The Trail Hero
Johnny Cash wrote a song about these hikers. They’ve truly been everywhere, from one tip of the Bluegrass to the other. These are the trail’s most avid ambassadors, and the ones who will make the greatest use of its accommodations.