Trail of the Month::
May 2004

Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail, Kentucky

Nestled in rural southwestern Kentucky, the Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail connects the community of Central City, Muhlenberg County's largest city, to Powderly and Greenville to the south. As Kentucky's most extensive rails-to-trails conversion, this six-mile trail is paved with asphalt and is relatively flat except at the north end where the trail leaves the old rail bed for an uphill climb to the former location of the Central City High School. Between Central City and the Western Kentucky Parkway, the trail meanders through wetland marsh populated with beavers and a large variety of fish. A viewing platform overlooking the wetlands was recently constructed and includes a birding guide produced by the local Boy Scouts troop. The southern section of the trail passes through the tiny, rugged town of Powderly before ending at the Greenville trailhead.

Officially opened on October 20, 2000, the development of the trail benefited immensely by the creation of a rail-trail committee in January 1999. Incorporated as Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails, the committee was led by local trails advocate Rebecca Keith who worked tirelessly to promote the trail to both residents and public officials. Early advocacy efforts included placing an article in the local newspaper inviting residents to walk the six-mile rail corridor. After some initial opposition, the rail-to-trail concept was favorably received.

Today, approximately 300 residents use the trail each day from spring through late fall. Walking clinics are held by the local health department to highlight the health benefits of trail use, and programs have been created to promote healthy lifestyles for children. The Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails committee hopes to continue their healthy lifestyle advocacy by securing funds to build a wellness center next to the Central City trailhead. The wellness center would include a running track and indoor pool.

The trail's railroad history dates back to the late 19th century when the Illinois Central Railroad Company operated on this corridor, hauling coal from nearby mines in addition to running passenger rail service. In the 1980s, the Paducah & Louisville Railway purchased the rail line. But as coal mines dwindled, so did the need for rail service, leading to the Paducah & Louisville Railway's eventual abandonment of this right-of-way. As a reminder of its past as a railroad line, the Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail has preserved many remnants of its history, including old signal towers, mile markers, trestles and whistle signs. The most prominent feature, though, is an antique caboose donated by Paducah & Louisville Railway. It is now used as a railroad museum, located just south of the Central City trailhead.

The Muhlenberg County Rail-Trail brings numerous health and recreational benefits to the county's 30,000 residents, illustrating the effectiveness of reusing old rail corridors as multi-use trails. That, coupled with the Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails commitment to organizing new events on the trail each year, will only add to the popularity of this community asset.