Are dogs allowed on Living Stairway Trail?

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

Do I need a permit to hike Living Stairway Trail?

No, Living Stairway 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 Living Stairway Trail?

Living Stairway Trail is rated moderate. It is 0.5 miles long with 187 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.

Is Living Stairway Trail suitable for kids?

Yes, Living Stairway Trail is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

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

ModerateLoop

Kentucky

Living Stairway Trail

Pineville, Kentucky

0.5 mi

Distance

187 ft

Elev. Gain

14m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

A large tulip popular in the 1930's was felled by a storm and was found against a sandstone bluff. The trail building crew cut the steps into the side of the tree and used them as a stairway. The tree's root system was intact despite it being a "living stairway." The metal stairway currently in use was installed alongside the old stairway, which was discontinued in the 1980's. The tree died in 2002. The Living Stairway is a trail that leads back to the point of orgin. There are two entrances to the Fern Garden Trail, one along the trail and one on a side spur.

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:509 ft

Max:557 ft

57 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
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.