Proposed Trail from Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave Can Effect Edmonson Residents

 

 

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Managing Editor

 

Recently BRADD, Barren River Area District Development, received a grant to explore the feasibility of a 25-mile bike trail connecting Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave National Park. The Federal Lands Access fund grant awarded to BRADD allows for the exploration of a paved multi model path. This will be used primarily by people walking or biking and it will be ADA accessible trail.

BRADD held a public meeting on June 4, 2025, to collect input from area residents and business owners and to take suggestions about the trail. The bike trail has been in discussion for about 2 years, but this is the first actions taken to see how it would work. BRADD does not want the trail to travel along 31W but to be more of a nature trail for folks to use. Sadly, not many residents of Edmonson County showed up to the meeting. There were perhaps a handful who got involved and listed points of interest on the maps presented.

 

 

Katie Rowe, from Gresham Smith operating from Louisville, is heading the project. Right now, it is referred to as the Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave feasibility study. Late last year the plans began. The project schedule will continue through the summer and look at information and start to create where the path will travel. Some of the things considered are farmlands, danger areas with motor vehicle traffic, restaurants and shops, areas with heavy wildlife, public buildings and area attractions.

BRADD has been in contact with Edmonson County Judge Exec. Scott Lindsey and asked him to inform the community. You can go online at: bgmctrail.mysocialpinpoint.com and take the short survey to include your own views of the project and to learn where it could be going in the county. There is an interactive map where you can list things you could be interested in and comment activity so you can have your views or suggestions listed.