We decided to check out the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail in Eastern Kentucky on our way back home from southern Virginia, where we rode our e-bikes on “The Virginia Creeper Trail.“
I wanted to visit this rail-to-trail in Prestonsburg because I’d previously seen the trail’s school bus-covered bridge on social media, and I love a quirky roadside attraction.
This article is written in partnership with Buzz Bicycles and contains affiliate links.
How Long is the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail?
The Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail is 8.6 miles and 17.2 miles round trip if you’re traveling from Hawkins Ave. to KY Highway 404 (David), a former mining village.
Where Does the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail Start and End?
66 Archer Park Rd, Prestonsburg, KY
We started at the East KY Trails Dairy Bar and rode to Archer Park and back.
There’s parking at Archer Park, a shelter, and a port-o-let bathroom.
Who Can Use the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail?
The Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail is open to cyclists, walkers, wheelchairs, and horseback riders. No ATVs are allowed on the trail.
What’s the Terrain Like on the Prestonsburg Passage Rail Trail?
The terrain is relatively flat on the paved trail, making it a great bike trail for all ages.
Portions of the trail were shaded by the trees, and there were some sections of the trail in full sun.
There are mile markers along the way and several areas where you can stop for a picnic or sit on a bench.
There were several yellow safety bars on the trail before intersections. Riding your bike past the narrow opening will challenge your balancing skills, or you can walk your bike past it.
Where is the School Bus Covered Bridge on the Prestonburg Passage Rail Trail?
3990 State Hwy 404, Blue River, KY
(Only 1.2 miles from the East KY Trails Dairy Bar)
You’ll travel across 6 bridges on the Prestonburg Passage Rail Trail, but the highlight is definitely the school bus-covered bridge.
The top half of the covered bridge is made from a former school bus that was over 40 years old.
After riding through the bridge, I’d recommend walking back under it to take in all of the detail and reminisce about your school bus days.
Be on the lookout for the stop sign on the side of the bus, too.
Treat Yourself at East KY Trails Dairy Bar
76-Ky 850 David, KY
East KY Trails Dairy Bar is the perfect spot to treat yourself after a long bike ride or walk.
We enjoyed a soft serve ice cream with Reese’s Pieces and a milkshake from one of their enclosed gazebos.
Their menu also has pizza, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more.
There isn’t an inside option for dining, but there are several covered gazebos for patrons to enjoy their food or ice cream in the shade.
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Nearby Attractions – See a Replica of the Lincoln Memorial
Middle Creek National Battlefield – 2968 KY-114, Prestonsburg, KY
(Only 9 minutes from the East KY Trails Dairy Bar)
The world’s second-largest seated Abe Lincoln statue is in Prestonsburg, KY.
The statue is a replica of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, which is 99 feet tall.
Abe Lincoln is 6 feet tall, and the height of the statue is 19 feet, which includes the base.
More About Middle Creek National Battlefield
The battle took place on January 10, 1862.
James A. Garfield, who later became the 20th U.S. President, was the commander of the Union forces. Humphrey Marshall was the commander of the Confederates.
According to the historical marker, 1100 troops fought for the Union and 1967 fought for the Confederacy. Three soldiers died on the Union side and 18 were wounded. 12 soldiers were lost for the Confederacy, with 15 wounded.
Kentuckians fought on both sides of the war. For the Union, they were joined by Ohioans, and for the Confederacy, they were joined by Virginians.
The Union is credited with winning this battle when Garfield’s reserve troops advanced and Marshall’s troops retreated.
