Near Dawkins Line Rail Trail
Near Dobson on the Dawkins Line
Near Dawkins Line Rail Trail
At Collista along the Dawkins Line Rail Trail
Near Dawkins Line Rail Trail
Restored trestle along the Dawkins Line

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Hike Trail

Dawkins Line Rail Trail

4.0 (1 Rating)
Kentucky's longest Rail Trail.
17
mi
Distance
596
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
16.99mi
Distance
596ft
Elevation Gain
359ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
1,097ft
High Point
607ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Dawkins Line is Kentucky's longest rail trail to date. It currently runs from Hager Hill to Royalton and when finished, it will be 34 miles in length. At Royalton, there are some services including bike rentals through Pro-Fitness Multisport of Prestonsburg. There is also a trailhead at Swamp Branch. The east end of the trail at Hager Hill has a convenience store, but no public parking. The trail surface is fine crushed limestone that has been compacted. This is a true multi-use trail and does get a fair bit of horse traffic which can rough up the surface. To date, there have been a number of trail events on the Dawkins line including a half marathon and a bike race. For a long day, you could hit the trails at Jenny Wiley State Park and then hike the Dawkins for a while to rack up some miles.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Chris Chaney