Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN LOUISVILLE
Louisville, Kentucky might not be the first city that comes to mind for a cycling vacation — but it absolutely should be. With its lush parks, expansive bike trails, riverfront greenways, and a bike-friendly vibe, it’s a hidden treasure for touring cyclists. Whether you're packing your panniers for a weeklong trip or just looking to explore the city on two wheels during a long weekend, Louisville has miles of adventure waiting. This guide covers the best cycling and bike touring routes in Louisville, tailored for travelers who want a laid-back but scenic riding experience.
Best urban trails and riverfront rides
Ride the Louisville Loop and beyond
Let’s kick things off with the Louisville Loop, the city’s crown jewel of bike infrastructure. This 100-mile trail system encircles the city and connects riders to urban neighborhoods, the Ohio River, and surrounding parks. It’s paved, well-marked, and full of opportunities to stop for food, coffee, or even a quick museum visit.
The most popular stretch for visitors is the Ohio River Levee Trail, which takes you from downtown all the way to the far eastern edges of the city, hugging the Ohio River most of the way. It’s scenic, flat, and perfect for a relaxing ride.
If you prefer city vibes, roll along the Riverwalk Trail, which connects to Waterfront Park and offers amazing skyline views, river breezes, and occasional pop-up events. It’s ideal for sunset rides and casual cruising.
Louisville Loop: 100-mile paved network linking neighborhoods and parks.
Ohio River Levee Trail: Scenic 20+ mile stretch ideal for distance or chill touring.
Riverwalk Trail: Perfect for beginners or sightseeing riders.
Big Four Bridge: Ride across the river into Indiana with epic views.
Beargrass Creek Greenway: Connects to parks and local eateries.
Pro tip: grab breakfast at Please & Thank You (a coffee spot with killer cookies) before hopping on the trail — it’s a local favorite and right near the access point to multiple routes.
Parks and nature-focused routes
Green escapes within city limits
Louisville doesn’t just shine with urban rides — it’s packed with massive parks and natural escapes where you can really stretch your legs. These spots are perfect for travelers who want to combine scenic riding with moments of peace and nature immersion.
Cherokee Park is a go-to for locals and tourists alike. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same genius behind NYC’s Central Park), it has a 2.4-mile Scenic Loop and additional paths that make for a perfect medium-length ride. Expect gentle hills, wildflowers in spring, and shaded rest areas.
Head a bit farther out and you’ll find Jefferson Memorial Forest — the largest municipal urban forest in the country. While it’s more rugged and geared toward mountain biking, the area is also surrounded by lightly trafficked rural roads ideal for road touring and adventure cycling.
Cherokee Park Scenic Loop: Short but beautiful ride in an Olmsted-designed park.
Seneca Park Connector: Smooth trail linking parks with suburban areas.
Jefferson Memorial Forest: Challenging MTB trails + country roads.
Iroquois Park: Hill climbs with a view and quiet roads.
Beckley Creek Park: Paved trails through rolling hills and gardens.
You’ll also love Beckley Creek Park, part of the Parklands of Floyds Fork. It’s popular with gravel and hybrid riders, featuring well-maintained paths, water access, and plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. Great for day-long exploration rides.
With so many park-based routes, you can tailor your ride to the mood — go hard, go chill, or go picnic-mode. Either way, you’re pedaling through green beauty.
Epic distance and mixed terrain routes
Go big with gravel, road, and river loops
Ready to rack up the miles? Louisville has a growing reputation among endurance riders for its long-distance loops, mixed-surface adventures, and scenic country rides just beyond the city grid. These routes are ideal for bike tourers, weekend warriors, or anyone training for a gran fondo-style challenge.
A must-try is the Louisville to Bardstown Loop — about 60-70 miles round trip. You'll pass through horse farms, distilleries, and rolling Kentucky hills. Pack snacks or plan a stop at a local diner halfway. It’s a real taste of the Bluegrass State.
For gravel riders, head southeast toward Turkey Run Park, where the trails get a little wild but are still accessible to most hybrid and touring bikes. From there, you can link into the Pope Lick Trail and explore the less-beaten paths along Floyds Fork.
Louisville to Bardstown: Full-day tour with Kentucky countryside charm.
Parklands Mega Loop: Combine all four Parklands sections for 45+ miles of flowy riding.
Turkey Run to Pope Lick: Gravel-friendly paths with forest cover and creek views.
Indiana Side Loop via Big Four Bridge: Cross state lines and tour New Albany trails.
Scotts Gap Ride: Challenging terrain and switchbacks for experienced riders.
You can also spice up your touring by crossing the Big Four Bridge into Indiana. Ride into New Albany or Jeffersonville and loop back — it's a fun way to cross state lines on two wheels. Expect quaint downtowns, good eats, and lots of riverfront eye candy.
No matter your style, there’s a long loop here that fits. Just make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a flask for a distillery stop — you’re in bourbon country, after all.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
