Note: The info I have on this trail is very limited. PM me if you have better/more detailed trail info and I'll give you write access to update it, or transfer the page to you, whichever you prefer.

The North/South Trail is a great point-to-point singletrack trail that contours along Kentucky Lake, in the Land Between the Lakes recreation area. The total trail is about 70 miles, but only the north portion, from the Golden Pond Visitor Center to the North Entrance Station, is open to mountain biking.

Trail Description

This trail description is very brief. Contact me if you have more detailed trail descriptions, mileage points, etc.

Starting from the Golden Pond Visitor Center:
Pick up the North/South trail at the north-west corner of The Trace and US Hwy 68 (the east-west road). Follow the trail north, passing Vickers Bay, Rhodes Bay and Higgins Bay along Kentucky Lake. The first road you'll cross is Forest Road 319, cross and continue a short distance to the Sugar Bay Lake Access Area.

From the Sugar Bay Lake Access Area (trail access point), cross FR 140 here and continue north-northeast on the trail. Next you'll come to FR 139, cross and continue on the trail. You'll pass the Nature Station Connector Trail after a few miles, continue on the North/South Trail. The next road you cross will be FR130. Pick the trail up on the other side and continue north. You'll then come to a paved road. This is Old Ferry Road.

Cross Old Ferry road and ride north, coming into Pisgah Point Lake Access Area. Cross FR 111 here and continue north, skirting Hillman Ferry Campground and crossing paved road FR110, which leads to Hillman Ferry Campground. You'll swing left at the junction with the paved bike trail and head west, passing through Moss Creek Day use area and crossing paved road FR107. Continue north, crossing FR104 at Twin Lakes Lake Access Area. Shortly after this road, you'll reach the junction with the Canal Loop. Take a right to return to the North Entrance Station. Going left here will add another 10 miles to the route via the Canal Loop.

Getting There

From Paducah, KY:
Head east on I-24 to the Grand Rivers exit (Exit 31). Head South on Hwy 453 through Grand River, over the Canal and onto the Trace. You'll soon reach the North Entrance Station visitor center (restrooms and water). This is the northern terminus of the North-South trail and the trailhead for the Canal Loop.

From Nashville, TN:
Take I-24 west into Kentucky. Continue on I-24 for about 60 miles, to the Grand Rivers exit (Exit 31). Head South on Hwy 453 through Grand River, over the Canal and onto the Trace. You'll soon reach the North Entrance Station visitor center (restrooms and water). This is the northern terminus of the North-South trail and the trailhead for the Canal Loop.

From the North Entrance Station to Golden Pond (the southern terminus of the trail):
Travel approx 25 miles south on The Trace to the Golden Pond Visitor Center. The trail picks up on the northwestern corner of The Trace and US Hwy 68.

When to Bike

The North/South Trail can be ridden year-round. Please help protect the trail and avoid riding during muddy trail conditions.