How many hiking trails are listed in Kentucky?

The directory currently includes 119 quality-checked routes in Kentucky, covering 1.5k km of mapped lines. These are routes with a traceable source, sufficient geometry and elevation data.

Which route ranks highest in Kentucky?

ADT - Ohio D - Seg 10 currently has the highest directory score in this set. Compare its distance, ascent and route type with Cumberland Trail and Great Eastern Trail - Pine Mountain Link before choosing.

When should you hike in Kentucky?

Varies by region is the season stored for this place in the directory. It is not a live conditions report: consult the route source, land manager and local forecast before travelling.

Are there routes rated easy in Kentucky?

24 routes are rated easy by the directory’s distance-and-elevation model. The rating does not rule out rough surface, exposure or temporary hazards, so verify the individual route.

🇺🇸 United States

Hiking trails in Kentucky

119 quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped in Kentucky, United States. Together their route lines cover 1.5k km. The average route is 12.4 km with 233 m (764 ft) of recorded ascent.

119
Trails: 1.5k
Kilometres: 0
Parks: 1.0k m
Highest point

The directory difficulty mix is 24 easy (20%), 78 moderate (66%) and 17 hard or expert (14%). 28 routes (24%) are recorded as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.

The most frequent route tags are mountain (13), river (11), lake (4), panoramic viewpoint (3). The highest recorded point in this set is 1,013 m (3,323 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. ADT - Ohio D - Seg 10, Cumberland Trail, Great Eastern Trail - Pine Mountain Link currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

15.1 km

Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 18 "Sturgeon Creek"

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

313 m

Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 18 "Sturgeon Creek"

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

0 recorded loops

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Comparison of the first 6 listed routes
Route	Distance	Ascent	Moving time	Shape
ADT - Ohio D - Seg 10	43.2 km	378 m	10 hr	Point to point
Cumberland Trail	389 km	4,143 m	98 hr	Point to point
Pine Mountain Trail	129 km	1,987 m	33 hr	Point to point
Great Eastern Trail - Pine Mountain Link	95.9 km	1,543 m	24 hr	Point to point
North/South Trail	91.1 km	585 m	22 hr	Point to point
Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 18 "Sturgeon Creek"	15.1 km	313 m	3 hr 38 min	Point to point

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.