An update on the NKY Regional Trails Plan with CORA

Over the past year, Tri-State Trails and the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA) have been working with communities across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties to imagine what the future of trails in Northern Kentucky could look like. This effort builds on the momentum of the Covington + Newport Bicycle Transportation Plan that TST completed in 2024, which helped spark broader conversations about creating a regional approach to active transportation and outdoor recreation in Northern Kentucky.

This regional vision builds on existing trail systems like Riverfront Commons, the Licking River Greenway, and the CVG Loop Trail, along with natural surface trail destinations such as Devou Park, Tower Park, and England-Idlewild Park. Together, these existing assets create the starting point for a larger and more connected NKY trail experience.

The NKY Regional Trails Plan is shaping a long-term, visionary blueprint for a braided trail network that connects parks, neighborhoods, schools, and outdoor destinations across the region. A braided network is a trail system with multiple “strands” of trail types that weave together, including paved shared-use paths, natural surface mountain bike and hiking trails, and on-road bikeways that fill in critical gaps.

The Vision

The plan aims to create a connected regional network of paved multi-use paths, natural surface trails, and on-road bikeways that work together as one system. It focuses on building a shared regional strategy so cities, county agencies, and KYTC can coordinate on trail projects rather than work in isolation.

Another major goal is to lift up outdoor recreation and active transportation as a key asset for Northern Kentucky. Communities like Bentonville and Knoxville have embraced trails in a big way, and we believe NKY is ready for that same type of momentum.

The plan will outline clear implementation steps that can move trail ideas from the planning stage to construction. This is a long-term effort that will continue to evolve, but it sets the stage for a healthier and more connected region.

What We Have Accomplished So Far

A lot has already happened, and each step has helped shape a stronger regional vision.

• We kicked off the planning effort with CORA and brought over 40 local governments, county agencies, and community partners into the conversation.
• We mapped existing parks, schools, business districts, and other community assets to understand where people want to go and where key gaps exist.
• We created a draft vision for paved trail corridors, natural surface opportunities, and on-road connections throughout all three counties.
• We launched a project website, an interactive StoryMap, and an online survey that gathered input from more than 420 respondents on priorities and potential routes.
• We formed county working groups in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton to dig deeper into local opportunities, and we met with city staff, parks teams, planners, and trail advocates to refine the network and identify early projects that could build momentum.

A major focus of this work has been identifying where future trails can have the greatest regional impact. Our project team identified 13 high priority paved arterial trail corridors that link dense population centers, connect key destinations, and expand access to world-class recreation experiences.

We also outlined eight natural surface focus areas around major parks and public lands where there is strong potential to grow the mountain biking and hiking network. These priority areas give the plan a clear structure and help guide where early investment can make the biggest difference.

Together, this work has shaped the idea of a braided trail network that blends paved routes with singletrack, gravel trails, and other trail types to serve a wide range of users.

Recent Successes

Some of our partners are already taking important steps to implement key segments of the trail network. In Covington and Newport, new protected bike lanes were recently added to the Licking River Girl Scout Bridge, and a new bike lane opened on Fourth Street in Covington. KYTC will soon begin construction to rebuild the Fourth Street bridge with shared use paths that strengthen this connection even further.

Other recent successes include:

• Newport partnered with Tri-State Trails on a feasibility study for a protected bike lane on Saratoga Street, connecting the iconic Purple People Bridge, our region’s most-used trail, to Eleventh Street.
• Riverfront Commons celebrated groundbreakings for new trail segments in both Ludlow and Dayton.
• Boone County recently completed construction on Phase 2 of the KY 237 trail, which includes a 0.8-mile connection from KY 20 to Medical Arts Drive in Hebron.
• Wayfinding signage for the NKY urban core is now in development in partnership with CORA, OneNKY, and Dewhaus Design.
• CORA collaborated with the City of Dayton to build new natural surface trails in Sargeant Park.
• The City of Erlanger is preparing to break ground on Eons Adventure Park in 2026. This 1,000-acre site will include miles of natural surface trails for hiking and mountain biking.
• Several communities, including Boone County, Dayton, and Fort Mitchell, recently received OKI funding to improve trails and sidewalks along key corridors identified in the plan.

These early wins show that momentum is already building across Northern Kentucky as communities work together to bring this regional trail vision to life.

What Comes Next

We are now entering the stage of the planning process that looks at the key implementation steps for how these future trail corridors can be built. Corridor working groups are meeting to talk through the details for each proposed route. This includes right-of-way considerations, connections to nearby destinations, early phasing opportunities, and funding strategies that can help move projects forward.

The final plan will include these implementation steps so local governments and community partners have a clear roadmap for building out a connected regional trails network in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties.

Northern Kentucky has an incredible opportunity to create something special. We are excited to keep this work moving and to continue growing a trail system that inspires people to walk, bike, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.