Kentucky has some unique geographic interests that can make for some awesome bike riding. First of all, this state is home to the world’s largest and longest cave system. It also has the longest navigable streams and waterways in 48 states. On top of all that you will find the two largest manmade lakes east of the Mississippi here. Spectacular scenery is just an added bonus to your ride.

There’s a great bike trail in Corbin suitable for riders of all experience levels. It starts out nice and easy, headed predominantly downhill to Laurel Lake. Then it travels around the lake incorporating a few minor climbs and some switchbacks before entering an 8-mile run to the Holly Bay Marina. The final 4-mile stretch will bring you to the Corbin City Dam. A second trail in Corbin-the Cane Creek Trail-offers fresh scenic views with a bit more technical difficulty for riders who want more of a challenge.

Capital View Trails near Frankfort have something for every rider. The trails are well-maintained and quite popular with locals. So be prepared for some heavy bike traffic. Beginners can use the first section that runs along a deer trail down to the creek. From there on out, the trail becomes more challenging with large sinkholes, steep hills, fast descents, rock gardens, ramps and drops.

If dry, dusty terrain amid small hills without the steep grade is more your style, the Canal Loop not far from Paducah is the trail to try. This trail creates a loop incorporating 11 miles of trails including branches you can follow to add variety and distance to your excursion. For speed lovers and beginners, this is a very attractive trail!

Jenny Ridge near Murray is a fairly technical and steep trail that will challenge intermediate to experienced bikers. It’s about a 31-mile loop from Golden Pond to Canal Loop. Since it’s not well-traveled, you don’t have to worry about crowding on the trails. Be prepared to cross a few streams and enjoy some outstanding views of Kentucky Lake.

Seasoned riders will also relish the challenge of the Iron Furnace Cave Run Lake Trail not far from Morehead. With 9 miles of sharp inclines, it’s an uphill battle combined with switchbacks, that will test your endurance. But once you get to the top, the view of Cave Run Lake is fantastic! Be sure you have a good bike, though, because the ride down could get a little rough without good brakes.

Not far from Louisville, the Cherokee/Seneca Trail packs 12 miles of fun variety into a loop for riders of all levels. Some sections are more suited to beginners than others, with other sections featuring lots of stream crossings and mud, roots to navigate, and big drops and rapid descents more suited to experienced riders. People also like to hike and walk this route, so keep your eyes open for trail users on foot while you’re riding.

If biking Kentucky’s hill country sounds like your idea of fun and relaxation, you’ll really enjoy the state’s biking trails. And all of the variety the Bluegrass State has to offer is a fantastic bonus. Ride safe and plan to have a blast!

PJ has been riding her own bike for years and more recently, she has been riding as a family. Finding a quality, durable beginners bike wasn’t easy and the experience