Community is invited to provide input on proposed Northern Kentucky Regional Trails Plan by Tri-State Trails and CORA (Council on Regional Transportation)
The Northern Kentucky region is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of the Northern Kentucky Regional Trails Plan. This ambitious project aims to link communities, expand active transportation options, create new recreation opportunities, and spur economic growth.
For the first time, Tri-State Trails and CORA have proactively planned paved and natural surface trail opportunities together. The result is a braided trail network, an interconnected system of multi-use pathways and natural surface trails, designed to provide continuous routes that connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, and job centers.
The plan, a collaborative study aimed at connecting Boone, Campbell, and Kentucky counties, has been supported by OneNKY Alliance member companies, as well as other community and business members. It demonstrates how regional trail connectivity can enhance access to Northern Kentucky's scenic natural areas.
The Northern Kentucky Regional Trails Plan introduces thirteen visionary multi-use trail corridors to link communities across the three Kentucky counties. These corridors are inspired by trail destinations like Bentonville, Boulder, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. CORA's trails have already made Northern Kentucky a mountain biking destination, and the plan aims to identify new places for multi-use natural surface trail development.
A steering committee of over 45 local governments, county agencies, and community partners has guided the planning process since March 2025. The proposed trail network offers flexible options for people walking, biking, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
To gather public feedback, three public input sessions will be held: one in-person at the Boone County Historic Courthouse on September 22, one in-person at the Campbell County Public Library, Newport Branch on September 29, and one virtual session on October 2. The virtual session will be held via Zoom, and registration is required at tristatetrails.org/nky-regional-trails-plan. An online survey is also available for the public to provide written feedback from September 22 through October 24.
The project team has created an online StoryMap to explain the vision for the plan and collect public feedback. If implemented, this trail network could elevate Northern Kentucky's status to the national and world stage. Learn more about the plan at tristatetrails.org.
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