1.
Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton
88.5km
04:19
950m
950m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The best road cycling routes around Frankfort
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried planning road cycling around Frankfort, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many roads winding through beautiful Kentucky, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. You want to hit the highlights without endless guesswork, right?
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless miles here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best road cycling routes in Frankfort. This guide cuts through the noise, promising to save you the hassle and point you directly to the rides that deliver.
Road cycling around Frankfort is defined by its charming mix of rolling hills, picturesque river valleys, and the iconic bluegrass meadows dotted with horse farms and distilleries. Expect moderate climbs and descents as routes wind through forested areas and open countryside. The terrain offers a good range, from challenging long-distance loops to more accessible rides, all set against the backdrop of the Kentucky River. While you can ride year-round, the spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions for exploring the region's diverse landscapes.
If you only do one ride, make it the Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton. At 55.0 miles (88.5 km) with significant elevation gain, it's a challenging route that truly showcases the region's varied landscape and is worth every pedal stroke. For a slightly less demanding but equally rewarding experience, the Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument, at 35.3 miles (56.8 km), offers a balanced ride through rolling hills and rural scenery. Ready to explore? We've got more than 19 road cyclists who've used komoot to find their perfect ride here, and you can too.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton | 88.5 km | 950 m | Hard |
| Roadbike loop from Colored Soldiers Monument | 40.9 km | 350 m | Moderate |
| Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument | 56.8 km | 530 m | Moderate |
| Roadbike loop from Western Hills High School | 57.3 km | 430 m | Moderate |
2.
Roadbike loop from Colored Soldiers Monument
40.9km
01:47
350m
350m
If you're seeking a road cycling experience that combines a solid workout with a journey through history, the Roadbike loop from Colored Soldiers Monument is a compelling option. This moderate route, spanning 25.4 miles (40.9 km) with 1150 feet (350 metres) of elevation gain, offers a unique blend of historical landmarks and the surrounding natural or urban landscapes. You'll encounter varied topography, including short, steep hills and longer grades, making for an engaging ride that typically takes around 1 hour and 47 minutes to complete.
To make the most of your visit, plan your ride during pleasant weather to fully appreciate the historical context and outdoor scenery. Routes around historical monuments often feature low traffic speeds, which contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable cycling experience. While specific parking information isn't detailed, historical sites generally provide visitor parking facilities, so arriving early can help secure a spot.
Cycling around historical monuments like the Colored Soldiers Monument provides a distinctive way to connect with the past, allowing you to experience the terrain and context that soldiers once traversed. This route stands out for its educational value, offering a physical connection to historical events and often featuring interpretive signs along the way. It's a great choice for those who appreciate a ride with both physical challenge and cultural depth.
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3.
Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument
56.8km
02:40
530m
530m
The Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument offers a solid road cycling experience, best suited for those who enjoy a consistent ride without needing specific scenic anchors. This moderate route covers 35.3 miles (56.8 km) with 1740 feet (530 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes. It's a good choice if you're looking for a substantial workout on paved surfaces, focusing on the rhythm of the ride through varied, but generally unspecific, landscapes.
To plan your ride, start near the Colored Soldiers Monument and ensure you've checked for local parking options. Since the route is designed for road cycling, you'll be on paved roads, so a road bike is essential. The moderate duration means you can comfortably complete it within a half-day, but always carry enough water and snacks, especially during warmer months. No special permits or seasonal restrictions are noted, allowing for year-round enjoyment.
This route stands out as a dedicated road cycling option in an area where many other "Poplar Hill" trails are geared towards mountain biking or hiking. While it doesn't feature specific named landmarks, its appeal lies in providing a reliable, moderate-difficulty loop for cyclists. It's a great way to explore the region by bike, offering a good balance of distance and elevation for an engaging ride.
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4.
Roadbike loop from Western Hills High School
57.3km
02:44
430m
430m
The "Roadbike loop from Western Hills High School" offers a rewarding road cycling experience near Frankfort, Kentucky. You'll navigate a paved route that presents a mix of river views, open prairie, and shaded forest sections, characteristic of the Fox River Valley region. Expect a moderately challenging ride with noticeable climbs and descents, making it a good choice if you're seeking a solid workout.
Starting conveniently from Western Hills High School, this route is easily accessible. While specific parking details aren't provided, the general area is known for its well-maintained cycling infrastructure. Always carry sufficient water, especially on longer rides, and plan your trip during daylight hours for safety.
This loop is a popular choice for local road cyclists, highlighting the area's appeal for the sport. Its presence on platforms like Ride with GPS suggests it's a well-regarded route within the community. The region's extensive network of paved trails makes it an attractive destination for cyclists of varying fitness levels, though this particular loop requires good fitness due to its length and elevation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Frankfort?
Road cycling around Frankfort is characterized by rolling hills and picturesque river valleys, particularly those shaped by the Kentucky River. You'll encounter a mix of moderate climbs and descents, with roads winding through forested areas and open countryside, providing varied and scenic backdrops for your rides.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Frankfort?
While the terrain around Frankfort generally features rolling hills and moderate climbs, making many routes suitable for intermediate riders, routes like the Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument (25.7 miles) offer a balanced ride that can be manageable for those newer to road cycling, provided they are comfortable with some elevation changes.
Where can I find more challenging or long-distance road cycling routes in the Frankfort area?
For a more challenging experience, consider the Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton. This difficult 55.0-mile route features significant elevation gain and extensive mileage, navigating through the region's varied landscape and offering a substantial workout.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Frankfort?
The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Frankfort, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter rides are possible but require appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potentially icy conditions on shaded roads.
Are there any loop routes for road cycling around Frankfort?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Frankfort are designed as loops. Examples include the Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton, the Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument, and the Buttimer Hill loop from Juniper Hills, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Frankfort?
The road cycling routes in Frankfort are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 19 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic rural roads and the challenge provided by the rolling hills.
Are there any road cycling routes that offer particularly scenic viewpoints?
The routes around Frankfort, especially those that follow the Kentucky River or traverse the higher points of the rolling hills, offer numerous scenic viewpoints. The Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton, for instance, provides extensive views of the river and surrounding forested areas.
Can I find road cycling routes that are less frequented or considered 'hidden gems'?
While specific 'hidden gems' are often discovered through local exploration, routes like the Roadbike loop from Western Hills High School offer a moderate 35.6-mile ride through less-trafficked rural roads, providing a quieter experience away from the more popular routes.
What is the typical duration for a road cycling tour in Frankfort?
The duration of road cycling tours in Frankfort varies depending on the route and your pace. Moderate routes like the Buttimer Hill loop from Juniper Hills (37.0 miles) can take around 2 hours 47 minutes, while longer, more difficult routes such as the Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton (55.0 miles) typically require about 4 hours 19 minutes.
Are there options for shorter road cycling routes in Frankfort?
Yes, for those looking for a shorter ride, the Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument (a different variation from the longer one) is a moderate 19.3-mile route that can be completed in approximately 1 hour 28 minutes, offering a good option for a quicker outing.
What are the elevation gains like on Frankfort's road cycling routes?
Frankfort's road cycling routes feature varied elevation gains due to the rolling hills. For example, the Poplar Hill loop from Colored Soldiers Monument has an elevation gain of about 352 meters, while the more challenging Kentucky River Crossing loop from Clifton involves a significant climb of approximately 950 meters.
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