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A great singletrack loop with views of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.


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Map Key

10.6

Miles

17.1

KM

Loop

563' 172 m

High

374' 114 m

Low

1,546' 471 m

Up

1,548' 472 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Description

Canal Loop Trail is an 11-mile singletrack loop trail with four connectors that consist of another three miles of trail. It offers a variety of loops ranging from a little over 1-mile to the full 11-mile outer loop. Canal Loop Trail can be accessed from the North Welcome Station and Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive. Canal Loop Trail receives a very high amount of use on weekends by mountain bikers and hikers, and offers many scenic overlooks of Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and the Canal.

From the visitor's center, head across the road to begin the trail. The first four to five miles travel easily along the lakeshore. The difficulty increases slightly after you pass under the canal bridge. There are a few rougher section and some steeper climbs on the western half of the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Ratliff

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 12 votes

#2

in North End

#11157

Overall
  3.8 from 12 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in North End

#114

in Kentucky

#11,157

Overall
8 Views Last Month
1,343 Since Aug 24, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
33%
56%
11%
0%
0%

Photos

An awesome view of Kentucky Lake from the trail.
Nov 26, 2018 near Calvert…, KY
A foggy morning resulted in lots of pretty sunbeams.
Nov 26, 2018 near Calvert…, KY
A really expansive view of Cumberland River on the northeast part of the loop.
May 30, 2018 near Calvert…, KY
Follow the Blue Blazes.
Jan 19, 2018 near Calvert…, KY
An interesting stop where where you can see Barkley Canal (connecting Kentucky Lake and Cumberland River), the bridge that runs over it, and some pretty cool graffiti.
May 30, 2018 near Calvert…, KY
Sometimes it happens.
Jan 19, 2018 near Calvert…, KY

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