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Trend Toward Adventure in Morehead-Rowan County

It’s a great time to start thinking about your next outdoor trip. If you’re looking forward to serene views and peace of mind, look no further than Morehead and Rowan County Kentucky.

Hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding are perfect activities for small groups or solo adventurers looking to take in the great outdoors. Whatever your preference, there’s always an incredible journey waiting up the road.

Dust off your helmet and tread toward adventure on one of our many biking trails. With more than 30 trails for cycling, the gateway to Eastern Kentucky is an unrivaled getaway for bikers of all skill levels. Pedal through your choice of scenery, from secluded, wooded paths to beautiful vistas. Challenge yourself on our steep, narrow trails. Own the road on our less-traveled routes.

Bikers from near and far enjoy the variety in terrain and landscape year-round. Take it from a lifelong biker, Jess, who biked through Kentucky during her trek across the United States.  “The reason why Morehead is unique is the access to country roads that have very minimal traffic, and the beauty of bicycling past barns, barn quilts and farms,” Jess said.

New to the sport? Pick up your set of wheels at Switchback Cycling and Outdoor Shop, a local bike shop with a mountain bike rental program. Bike rentals are $35 for the day or $60 for a whole weekend.

Morehead, an official Kentucky Trail Town, is an ideal destination for outdoor lovers of all kinds. Nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, with Cave Run Lake nearby, outdoor adventures can be found on and off the water. Morehead-Rowan County is home to more than 100 miles of multi-use trails, making it the perfect place to experience the beauty of northeastern Kentucky on foot, bike or horseback. The Sheltowee Trace NRT runs right down Main Street!

If a walking stick is your preferred companion, warm up with a hike to Lockegee Rock. This uphill trek is a refreshing climb with a gorgeous view of the forest at the top. Grab your pack and head to the Sheltowee Trace northern terminus for a day-hike with Mother Nature. Head out to Cave Run or stroll along the Eagle Lake Loop Trail and enjoy where land meets the waves.

Fishing, water sports and days at the lake are part of the Morehead and Rowan County experience as well. The largest in northeastern Kentucky, Cave Run Lake offers more than 8,000 acres of open water, 200 miles of shoreline and more than 150 species of fish to catch.

This fisherman’s paradise boasts a few challenging fish like the notorious musky, but it is also home to the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, black crappie and white crappie. Chances are you’ll reel in something you want to take home after a day on the water.

Cave Run Lake and the adjoining Licking River provide paddle boating and kayaking opportunities year-round. Daily pontoon or houseboat rentals make it easy for friends and families to set out for adventures of all kinds. Whether you’re interested in fast-paced fun like boating and jet-skiing or simply soaking up the sun, there’s always a good time waiting for you beyond the shoreline.

Here, you can wake up, hop on your bike and pedal to your heart’s content. Follow the sound of the waves to the lake. Imagine a day or two completely immersed in the beautiful mountains and lakes here in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the gateway to Eastern Kentucky.

Tread toward your next adventure in Morehead and Rowan County.