News Summary
Plans are being developed for a new nature trail linking Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave, aiming to boost tourism and enhance outdoor activities in the area. The proposed trail will highlight local attractions and create a safer environment for outdoor enthusiasts. Community involvement is key to the project’s planning phase, encouraging residents to provide input through surveys and public events. Although funding is not yet secured, there’s optimism about future grants to support the trail’s construction.
Bowling Green, KY – Plans are underway to develop a new nature trail connecting Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave, according to leaders from both Barren and Edmonson counties. The proposed trail, spearheaded by Ethan Bates, the regional transportation planner for the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD), aims to enhance tourism and recreational opportunities in the region.
The nature trail is set to begin at Fountain Square in Bowling Green, meander past the Barren River Area Development District and the National Corvette Museum, and extend towards the scenic Mammoth Cave National Park. The trail is projected to span approximately 30 to 32 miles, creating a direct link between Bowling Green and Park City, and making use of an existing trail that currently leads to Mammoth Cave.
Tourism growth is one of the principal objectives of this project, as officials believe increased foot traffic will significantly benefit the nearby Mammoth Cave park. This initiative is anticipated to create a safer, family-friendly environment for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, encouraging more visits to the natural attraction.
As part of the planning process, the study is taking into account critical factors such as right-of-way impacts and strategies for the maintenance of the trail. Currently, there is no funding allocated for the construction of the trail, but Bates is optimistic about the possibility of obtaining grants to finance the project in the future.
Community involvement is deemed vital to the success of the trail’s planning phase. Residents are encouraged to share their input through an online survey designed to gather opinions and suggestions, including an interactive map that allows individuals to propose potential routes and highlight points of interest along the trail.
To further engage the public, BRADD has organized a series of events aimed at collecting community feedback. The first public event is scheduled for June 4, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the BRADD office. A subsequent event will take place on June 5 during Uncle Duncan’s Summer Stroll & Roll Parade, alongside a Community Ice Cream Social. These events provide an opportunity for residents to voice their thoughts and contribute to the planning of the trail.
Although the project is still in its initial stages and lacks a definitive timeline for construction or completion, input from community members will be instrumental in shaping the trail to meet local needs. While the development may span several years, officials from BRADD emphasize the significance of public participation to ensure that the trail aligns with community expectations and desires.
For individuals seeking further information or wishing to present questions or suggestions regarding the trail initiative, they can reach out to Ethan Bates or Katie Rowe, the project manager from Gresham Smith. Community engagement is a priority, and the planning team is dedicated to listening to residents to create a successful outdoor corridor connecting Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave Trail Study Underway
- Wikipedia: Mammoth Cave National Park
- Spectrum News: BRADD Trail Leading to Park City
- Google Search: Bowling Green Mammoth Cave Trail
- WBKO: Public Input Sought for Trail Linking Bowling Green & Mammoth Cave
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nature Trail
- BG Daily News: Mammoth Cave Trail Development
- Google News: Barren River Area Development District
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
