Discover Your Nature

The Path Less Pedaled: A Guide to Bicycling in Henderson

Whether you’re an all-in adventure bicyclist or just looking to hit the pavement for a leisurely Sunday ride, one of our five favorite bike routes is sure to inspire a little adventure and a lot of fun this season. Get out and explore! Tag your photos with #hendersonky so we can share the beauty of this wonderful time of year. Don’t have a bicycle of our own? Rent a bike from the Upgrade Bike Share Station at The Depot Welcome Center at 101 North Water Street!

 

1. Wide Streets in Downtown Henderson

Looking to enjoy our downtown bike lanes and indulge in our local history? Our self-guided Historic Henderson tour is perfect for exploring for an hour or two on a pretty day. Start your trip at Second and Main in the heart of our historic downtown district. Wide streets with dedicated bike lanes and plenty of places to rest along the way make this the perfect ride for families, newbies, and those looking to rediscover their love for life on two wheels! Download our tour map, decide which way down Main Street you’d like to begin, and stop in awe of the rich history at each stop along the way. End your trip with a pop-in at 2nd Street Treats or Sidewalk Cafe and enjoy at The Perch.

 

2. Historical Adventure: Underground Railroad Bike Route

Ok, so we don’t recommend renting a bike for this 2,007-mile trek, but did you know that the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route runs through Henderson? This corridor traces the Underground Railroad route from the Deep South to Canada, passing points of interest and historic sites. Beginning in Mobile, Alabama, a busy port for slavery during the pre-civil war era, the route goes north following rivers through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky— specifically across Highway 60. This route is popular with bicyclers from around the country, many of whom stop in at the Geneva Store for a snack and supplies. Here is a backroads bike route map that intersects the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. If a cross-country adventure isn’t quite in your wheelhouse, enjoy an afternoon biking the backroads through the Henderson County portion of the trail.

 

3. Out in the County: Sandy Lee Watkins Park

“You’re out in the county now!” Just outside of Hebbardsville, this park boasts 500+ acres and around three miles of bike-friendly trails. Checking out the historic bridge that was relocated to the park last year is a must-see, and while you’re in the Hebbardsville neck of the woods, you’ll want to try the Breakfast Special at Bryant’s Grocery just down the road.
Address: 16040 Highway 351

 

4. Bike the Birds: Self-Guided Audubon Sculpture Tour

Another option for enjoying a casual ride around downtown Henderson, this public art project features 14 life-sizes sculptures based on sculptor Raymond Graf’s interpretations of John James Audubon’s paintings. While most sculptures are within the Central Business District, those looking for a longer ride can venture down Water Street to find the American Crow and Belted Kingfisher along the Riverwalk. For a little extra fun, see if you can spot the hidden critters on the statues. Download our self-guided Audubon Sculpture Tour guide and grab the family for a weekend ride— staying inside when the weather is this nice is for the birds!

 

5. Canoe Creek Nature Trail at Newman Park

This approximately 2.1-mile main trail (with a full network of accessory trails) along the creek is surrounded by nature, marked with signage so you can learn about local wildlife and fauna, and perfect for enjoying scenic views of Canoe Creek, all within the city limits! Only a little over a mile ride from the Audubon Kids Zone Upgrade Bike Share station at 1325 Powell Street, once you wind up your ride through the park, you won’t want to pass on the opportunity to swing by Metzger’s Tavern on Powell Street for an award-winning burger— one of the top three in the state!
Address: 1020 Sand Lane