Lake
Cumberland Trail Foundation
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The Lake Cumberland Trail Foundation
(LCTF) is currently working
with the Daniel Boone National Forest Service to convert an Abandoned
railroad to a recreational trail. The trail begins in the
Sloans Valley Area just off South Highway 27. It will go south for
7.5 miles through the National Forest into McCreary County and includes
three tunnels. Lake
Cumberland Trail Foundation has opened 2 miles of the 7.5 mile
trail. The trail was dedicated on 8/8/2000 as the Cathy
Crockett Memorial Trail. Follow this link to dedication
and trail pictures. The Lake Cumberland Trail
Foundation's goal is to complete the trail by the end of 2000. This
project received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
DETAILS~ The
trail is part of the old Cincinnati-Southern railbed that was
relocated in the 1950's when Lake Cumberland was formed. On the trails
southern end, you will find three tunnels-all built in late 1800's
and in very good shape. Six miles of the trail are within the Daniel Boone
National Forest.
LOCATION~ Just
off Highway 27, south of Somerset and Burnside. The trail begins in
Pulaski Co. Sloans Valley area and ends in McCreary Co.
SURFACE~ Some
gravel, most is subsurface of old railbed. Suitable for walking,
running, and bicycles.
Railroad
History
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How
You Can Help
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The railroad was built in the
late 1800's by the Cincinnati-Southern Railroad. This line opened
up the Somerset area to commerce from Cincinnati to Atlanta. The
railroad includes three tunnels which were also constructed in the same
era. The Cincinnati-Southern railroad was relocated in the 1950's when Lake Cumberland was
formed. The railtrail is a part of this old railbed.
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The Foundation along with the
Forest Service is acquiring the right-of-way from the railroad
company. We will need money for trail construction around two
gorges where trestles were removed. We will also need money for
future maintenance, signage, etc.
We intend to have engineers
evaluate the tunnels for safety and have rehabilitation done where
needed. This will may add additional cost to the project. We
are and will continue to pursue grant opportunities. Details
on some of our funding can be found in the Trails and Projects section, Cathy
Crockett Memorial Trail formerly the Burnside
to Alpine Recreation Project., We need groups to assist with
the project.
A
membership
application is available here for your convenience.
Please Join Us!
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Rick
Bates, President
2292 S. Highway 27
Somerset, Ky. 42501
606-677-6000
Fax: (606)677-6010
Email: rbates@ca.uky.edu
Chad
Bennett, Secretary/Treasurer
C/O Bennetts Cycle Sports
5454 S. Highway 27
Somerset, Ky 42501
Al
Cook
509 Zion Road
Bronston, Ky 42518
John
Harmon
125 Todd Blvd.
Somerset, Ky. 42503
William
Jones
3608 Laurel Ave.
Natchez, Ms. 39120-4106
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Alex Godsey, Vice President
45 Maple Street
Burnside, Ky. 42519
Charles Bennett
C/O Bennetts Cycle Sports
5454 S. Highway 27
Somerset, Ky 42501Mark Eubank
7295 Highway 328 E
Eubank Ky. 42567
Sara Melton
P.O. Box 3649
Midway, Ky. 40347
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For more information on KRTC
projects, programs and membership email
or write
Kentucky Rails to
Trails Council
Post Office Box 597
Lexington, KY 40588-0597
©Copyright 2002, Kentucky Rails to
Trails, Inc.
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