Trail Races & Routes in Kentucky
Explore 47 trail running and hiking routes across Kentucky. 0 organized races and 47 training routes covering distances from 1.3 mi to 85.0 mi. Elevation gains range from 363 ft to 17,726 ft. Preview every trail in 3D flyover with segment breakdowns.
Key Takeaways
| Route Name | Location | Distance | Elevation Gain | Type | Race Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slade Natural Bridge | Powell County, Kentucky | 1.3 mi | 499 ft | route | — |
| Scotts Gap loops 24 hours (KY) | Jefferson County, Kentucky | 3.3 mi | 596 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 11 | Menifee County, Kentucky | 4.2 mi | 862 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 29 | McCreary County, Kentucky | 4.4 mi | 830 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 31 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 4.7 mi | 363 ft | route | — |
| Tanyard | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky | 4.8 mi | 662 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 38 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 4.9 mi | 769 ft | route | — |
| Auxier Ridge Lollipop | Powell County, Kentucky | 4.9 mi | 768 ft | route | — |
| Pat's Loop | Taylor County, Kentucky | 5.0 mi | 861 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 13 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 5.2 mi | 889 ft | route | — |
| Maywoods big loop | Rockcastle County, Kentucky | 5.6 mi | 894 ft | route | — |
| Swift Camp Creek Trail #219 | Wolfe County, Kentucky | 6.3 mi | 1,096 ft | route | — |
| Osborne Bend Trail #240 | Menifee County, Kentucky | 6.5 mi | 987 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 15 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 7.0 mi | 1,264 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 33 | Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky | 7.4 mi | 1,018 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 28 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 7.6 mi | 1,133 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 17 | Heidelberg, Kentucky | 8.7 mi | 1,201 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 20 "McKee" | Jackson County, Kentucky | 8.9 mi | 994 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 10 | Menifee County, Kentucky | 9.9 mi | 1,818 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 26 "Laurel Lake" | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 9.9 mi | 1,347 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 21 "Horse Lick" | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 10.4 mi | 804 ft | route | — |
| Canal Loop Trail (KY) | Lyon County, Kentucky | 10.4 mi | 856 ft | route | — |
| Rough Trail @221 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 10.7 mi | 1,740 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 9 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 10.7 mi | 1,197 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 36 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 10.9 mi | 1,424 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 24 "Hawk Creek" | Laurel County, Kentucky | 11.9 mi | 1,695 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 18 "Sturgeon Creek" | Lee County, Kentucky | 12.3 mi | 1,320 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 30 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 12.5 mi | 839 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 22 "Rockcastle" | Jackson County, Kentucky | 12.7 mi | 1,168 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 23 "Wildcat" | Laurel County, Kentucky | 12.7 mi | 1,874 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 12 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 12.9 mi | 1,334 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 16 | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 13.1 mi | 1,404 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 25 "Big Dog" | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 13.6 mi | 1,762 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 19 "Turkey Foot" | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 13.7 mi | 1,460 ft | route | — |
| Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail to Kingdom Come | Letcher County, Kentucky | 13.8 mi | — | route | — |
| Millennium Trail (KY) | Bullitt County, Kentucky | 13.9 mi | 2,448 ft | route | — |
| Rough Trail | Wolfe County, Kentucky | 15.2 mi | 3,885 ft | route | — |
| Siltstone & Scott's Gap Trails (KY) | Jefferson County, Kentucky | 15.7 mi | 3,538 ft | route | — |
| Sheltowee Trace NRT Section 27 "Moonbow" | Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky | 17.9 mi | 1,995 ft | route | — |
| The Parklands of Floyds Fork (KY) | Jefferson County, Kentucky | 19.2 mi | 684 ft | route | — |
| Swift-Koomer-Swift | Wolfe County, Kentucky | 23.1 mi | 4,537 ft | route | — |
| Central Hardwoods | Trigg County, Kentucky | 23.6 mi | 1,125 ft | route | — |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Backcountry Circuit (KY) | Edmonson County, Kentucky | 34.9 mi | 3,812 ft | route | — |
| Red River Gorge R2R2R2R2R (KY) | Menifee County, Kentucky | 34.9 mi | 5,207 ft | route | — |
| Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail (KY) | Edmonson County, Kentucky | 53.3 mi | 4,665 ft | route | — |
| North/South Trail (TN, KY) | Trigg County, Kentucky | 58.5 mi | 4,501 ft | route | — |
| Pine Mountain Trail (KY) | Letcher County, Kentucky | 85.0 mi | 17,726 ft | route | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trail races are in Kentucky?
There are 0 organized races and 47 self-supported routes available in Kentucky.
What is the average elevation gain in Kentucky?
The average elevation gain is 1,997 feet, with routes ranging from 363 to 17,726 feet.
What distances are available in Kentucky?
Available distances include: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, 50 Mile, 100K, 100 Mile.
Can these trail routes in Kentucky be used for hiking?
Yes. 100% of these routes are on trail surfaces, making them suitable for both trail running and hiking. The terrain analysis and elevation profiles help hikers plan their adventures just as effectively as runners.
What's the best time of year to run trails in Kentucky?
Trail running conditions in Kentucky vary by season and elevation. Check the race date column for organized events, which are typically scheduled during optimal weather windows. For year-round training routes, elevation profiles help you plan for seasonal conditions.
More Races in Kentucky
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