Park City is rich in history! Park City is located just outside Mammoth Cave National Park and has been known throughout history as Bell's Station, Three Forks and Glasgow Junction. Park City has historically been a stagecoach and railway stop for travelers, the historic entrance to Diamond Cavern and Mammoth Cave. Bell's Tavern was originally constructed as a stop for weary travelers headed to Mammoth Cave since the cave was opened up for tourists and additional exploration in 1812.
Long before the establishment of Mammoth Cave National Park, the town of Glasgow Junction (Park City) cooperated with the private owners of Mammoth Cave, Diamond and other caves in the area to share the cave region with travelers. They were connected by mutual financial interest, family relationships, community, and in 1886 a spur line, the Mammoth Cave Railroad. The nine mile Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail was created to celebrate that legacy of cooperation and hospitality.
In addition to the Railroad Trail, Mammoth Cave National Park offers several opportunities for bicyclists to get out into the outdoors. Street bicycles are permitted on all paved Park roads that are open to the public, mountain bikes are permitted on the unpaved administrative roads. In addition, certain trails have been specifically designated for off-road bicycle use, and more are now under development.
Several years ago, the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet’s Office for Adventure Tourism created the Cross Kentucky Master Trail Plan for non-motorized trails. The idea is to be able to travel across the entire state of Kentucky on foot, by bicycle, or by horseback. In the Master Trail Plan, Park City was designated a part of the "Kentucky Caves Trail". A 70-mile trail was designed, beginning at Barren River Lake State Resort Park, through Park City, Mammoth Cave National Park, to Nolin River Lake and ending at Rough River Dam State Resort Park.
Thousands of miles of trails and waterways criss-cross the beautiful state of Kentucky. We offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, staycations, and roadtrips. Along these trails, numerous communities have been designated as Official Kentucky Trail Towns. Park City submitted their application and is awaiting the official announcement. We will keep you updated on our official KY Trail Town status. Visit Park City, we are the hub for travelers and cave visitors from all over the world!
