Best Road Biking in Kentucky

Trying to find the best road biking in Kentucky? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Kentucky, Boone County

02 :12 hrs
11.2 mi
14.880844 ft
Hard

This classic route begins in the parking lot of the Anderson Ferry. You will ride along the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. Views are excellent of the river and the surrounding farmland. It is mostly flat with a few rolling hills.

2

Ohio, Scioto County

02 :21 hrs
12 mi
149.85909 ft
Hard

This terrain is some of the most scenic in the state. The quick out-and-back takes you through Shawnee State Park where you will see a variety of trees, wildflowers, and butterflies.

3

Illinois, Saline County

03 :20 hrs
33.9 mi
127.72211 ft
Hard

This loop ride travels along the hilly terrain surrounding the Garden of the Gods recreation area providing riders with one of the most challenging rides in all of Illinois. The area of Garden of the Gods is known for its interesting rock formations and miles of scenic woodland and rolling hill landscape. There are some nice places along the route to stop, rest, and take in the scenery. There are some sections of very hilly and curvy roads as well as some busier roads that require lots of caution and paying extra attention to traffic. The starting and ending point for the ride is at Garden of the Gods which provides some nice hiking trails and lookout points that are worth a visit.

4

Illinois, Jackson County

02 :53 hrs
29.4 mi
117.57344 ft
Hard

Starting from Giant City State Park, this ride travels throughs scenic peaceful countryside passing multiple towns, vineyards, bed-and-breakfasts, and farm properties. The route is over some hilly countryside terrain providing some ups and downs but nothing too physically strenuous. The traffic is not terribly busy along the way but there are a few busier sections and some narrow, winding roads (and a few narrow bridges) that require a little extra caution. Giant City State Park also offers some additional opportunities for recreation including camping, picnicing, and hiking.

5

Illinois, Franklin County

02 :32 hrs
25.5 mi
26.5952 ft
Hard

This ride travels around Rend Lake through recreation areas and rural farmland that provides excellent scenery. The ride follows mostly paved trails and quiet rural roads. Part of the ride travels over the road that cuts right in the middle of the lake providing water views on both sides. The ride has minimal elevation change and is easy to follow making it a nice ride for bikers of all skill levels. There is also the option of adding some mileage by taking a side trip on the north side of the lake up to Wayne Fitzgerell State Park. There are multiple parking areas and access points for the trails close to the lake so shorter trips and just exploring the area right around the lake is an option for shorter rides.

6

Illinois, Brookport

04 :22 hrs
44 mi
80.159134 ft
Expert

Sections of this route follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway as it passes through multiple small towns, national forest, and rural farmland areas located along the Ohio River. The ride offers some nice ups and down along rolling terrain in the beginning mixed with flatter sections that follow alongside the Ohio River. The roads are mostly quiet with little traffic making for a peaceful ride. There are also some small ponds along the route as well as historic sites that make for an interesting and scenic ride.

7

Ohio, Scioto County

02 :40 hrs
26.9 mi
158.916 ft
Hard

This terrain is some of the most scenic in the state. It makes a loop through Shawnee State Forest. The route begin at Mackletree picnic area and first is narrow and edged by farms, some homes and woodland. It then heads along the Ohio River Scenic Byway where you will get peaks at the river.

8

Kentucky, Powell County

03 :25 hrs
34.9 mi
176.189 ft
Hard

This fun ride takes you on rolling, scenic views. You will have a few climbs and travel along ridge tops. One highlight is traveling through the 900 foot Nada Tunnel. This area has more than 80 natural arches and the largest concentration of rock shelters and arches east of the Rockies. You will ride past Raven Rock, Chimney Top Rock and Tower Rock.

9

Kentucky, Fayette County

02 :11 hrs
22.1 mi
29.894745 ft
Hard

This tour brings cyclists from all over the country. You will pass by the Keeneland Race Course and see some of the world’s most famous horse farms. Notice how the look of the farms has been kept the same over time. The views along this route are beautiful. There are two steep but short climbs along the way.

10

Tennessee, Clarksville

00 :55 hrs
4.7 mi
50.170082 ft
Easy

This is a popular rail-trail that follows an abandoned rail bed on the outskirts of Clarksville. It is beautiful and scenic as it wanders along a creek with a variety of plant and animals to see. There is a trailhead located in the middle for access.

See more adventures..

Explore complete list