Are dogs allowed on Dawkins Line Rail Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Dawkins Line Rail Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Dawkins Line Rail Trail?

No, Dawkins Line Rail Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Dawkins Line Rail Trail?

Dawkins Line Rail Trail is rated expert. It is 17.5 miles long with 1,988 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Kentucky trail conditions

ExpertPoint to Point

Kentucky

Dawkins Line Rail Trail

Paintsville, Kentucky

17.5 mi

Distance

1,988 ft

Elev. Gain

6h 22m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The coal-hauling line was built by the R.J. Corman Equipment Company and was originally built by the Dawkins Lumber Company. The highest number of arthropods in Canada and the USA are found in eastern Kentucky's striking Appalachian region. The rail-trail goes through a tunnel and scenic trestles. It is a national forest and a state park. The fact that you can see the deer is one of the most unique features of this area. According to this quote: The rail-trail will serve as an adventure tourism attraction. The trail will go further west in the future.

From Wikipedia

The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is an 18-mile (29.0 km) rail trail in Johnson and Magoffin Counties in Kentucky. The multi-use trail, suitable for biking, walking, and horseback riding, occupies an abandoned rail corridor that was constructed in the early 20th century for the Dawkins Lumber Company. It is the longest rail trail in Kentucky.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:187 ft

Max:349 ft

606 ft

524 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.