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Canal Loop Trailhead at Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive
4.6 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Running trail in Grand Rivers, Kentucky · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Canal Loop Trailhead at Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
National forest area offering an 11-mi. loop trail popular for mountain biking, with lake views.
What runners say about Canal Loop Trailhead at Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive
“It can be extremely eerie if you're by yourself but it's a beautiful place to hike and enjoy nature.”
“We saw a couple of Eagles, herd of Deer and many squirrels as we wandered the well marked trail.”
“But I wanted a quiet peaceful and private weekend and only was able to feel about 80% there.”
This loop has two sides. The Barkley and kentucky. Barkley is more rolly and dirt. Kentucky, hilly and rocky. There are three connecter trails that take you to either side or to the main road to get out. I used to mtn bike this trail, but hiked this time for miles and elevation gains for a upcoming hiking trip.
Really nice hike. I did the 10.5 mile loop. I cut some corners so I was right under 10 miles. The best part of the hike is all the shade. I did it in 93 degree heat but it was much cooler on the trail. I would suggest going clockwise and finish coming up the west side. The west side has a breeze.
The trail is a wonderful trail to hike and bike but if they keep removing roots crossing the trail, which hold in the dirt, it will start to wash out badly and ruin the trail. All that aside, it is a great place to spend a few hours in the lush forest.
Great hike that can be made long/short depending on if you want to go all the way around the top of the peninsula. Walking trail maintained and not much traffic.
Trail conditions & character
“It can be extremely eerie if you're by yourself but it's a beautiful place to hike and enjoy nature.”
“Love that the trails are a gradual incline/decline.”
“But I wanted a quiet peaceful and private weekend and only was able to feel about 80% there.”
“The trail is a wonderful trail to hike and bike but if they keep removing roots crossing the trail, which hold in the dirt, it will start to wash out badly and ruin the trail.”
Plan your run at Canal Loop Trailhead at Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(270) 924-2000
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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