New recreation trail at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park near completion

An official ground breaking ceremony was held on Saturday, January 21st at the new trail. Pictured (L-R) Ky. Dam State Resort Park Manager Scot Ratzlaff, John Tillson and Steve Beckett.
An official ground breaking ceremony was held on Saturday, January 21st at the new trail. Pictured (L-R) Ky. Dam State Resort Park Manager Scot Ratzlaff, John Tillson and Steve Beckett.

GILBERTSVILLE – A vision of many for a while now took a big step to becoming a reality last Saturday when the official ground breaking ceremony was held for a new recreational trail for hikers and mountain bikers at the Kentucky Dam State Resort Park Riding Stables area.

Work on the trail began in November 2016 by several volunteers from the Marshall County High School Mountain Bike Team, Wood-n-Wave, Chain Reaction Cycling Club and donations from local businesses and is approximately 8.5 miles long and connects to the Lake Shore Trail along the Convention Center and Lodge and to the path across Kentucky Dam.

The trail will be used by the community, visitors to the community and the high school mountain bike team and has been ribboned throughout the entire trail starting at the Kentucky Dam Horse Stables. Several small bridges have been built with work such as trimming and cutting still on-going as well as elevated walkways.

“Constructing it properly is key to year around use and sustainability”, said Steve Beckett, coach of the Marshall County Mountain Bike team and trail volunteer. Beckett went on to say that the trail is still in the development and approval stages.

The future plans are for mile markers to be placed, trail signage and rest and bench areas at several overlooks.

A large crowd of supporters and volunteers on the new trail were on hand for the ground breaking.
A large crowd of supporters and volunteers of the new trail were on hand for the ground breaking.
Team members from the Marshall County Mountain Bike Team and Paducah-McCracken Composite Team tested out the new trail.
Team members from the Marshall County Mountain Bike Team and Paducah-McCracken Composite Team tested out the new trail.
Marshall County High School team member Jaron Wood taking a ride on the new trail.
Marshall County High School team member Jaron Wood taking a ride on the new trail.
Marshall County team members Carson Denfip and Landon Utley (background) cruise through the half-pipe section of the trail.
Marshall County team members Carson Denfip and Landon Utley (background) cruise through the half-pipe section of the trail.