Somewhere between a bike ride and a train ride, there is a railbike. And one of the best places to try one sits about three hours south of Indianapolis on a historic stretch of track in Versailles, Kentucky.
Rail Explorers Bluegrass runs pedal-powered railbikes along a route that passes thoroughbred horse farms, deep limestone cuts and wide-open Bluegrass countryside before reaching a turnaround point high above the Kentucky River. The bikes have electric pedal assist, so the ride feels active without leaving anyone gassed halfway through. It is one of those outings that works for a surprising range of ages and energy levels.
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The route through Kentucky horse country
The Bluegrass Division operates out of the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum in Versailles, about 15 minutes west of Lexington. Tours run on a historic section of the Louisville Southern Railroad, and the route covers roughly 10 miles round trip over about two hours.
From the depot, riders roll past green pastures and horse farms before the scenery shifts to towering limestone walls on either side of the track. At the turnaround, the view opens up to the Kentucky River gorge, the decommissioned Young’s High Bridge and the Wild Turkey Distillery in the distance. It is the kind of landscape that looks like it was staged for a bourbon commercial, except you are pedaling through it.
What to expect on the ride
All railbikes depart together with a guide in front and a guide at the back. Groups naturally spread out along the track with up to about 100 feet between them, so you get a relaxed pace and enough breathing room to feel like your own little expedition. Passing is not part of the experience, which honestly takes the pressure off.
Rail Explorers currently lists three Bluegrass experiences. The Kentucky River Rambler is the standard daytime tour. The Kentucky River Lantern Tour covers the same route after dark with personal lanterns. The Kentucky River Fireside adds fire pits and a lantern-lit turnaround during fall.
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Bluegrass pricing
- Tandem Explorer: from $105 for 2 riders
- Quad Explorer: from $199 for up to 4 riders
Weekend tours, specialty tours and events may be priced differently, so check the booking page for the specific tour you want before making plans.
Riding with kids
Children are welcome, but at least one rider age 16 or older must be on each railbike to operate the brakes. Kids can ride on their own railbike as long as it is coupled to an adult’s.
Every rider needs their own seat. Infants may ride free when secured to an adult in a front-facing chest harness, which families need to bring along. Toddler harnesses are also available for extra security. Lap riding is not allowed.
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What to bring and weather tips
Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Each railbike has a basket for bags, cameras, phones and water bottles, plus space under the seats for small coolers or extra layers. Umbrellas are provided on every bike, and a blanket is worth tossing in during cooler months.
Tours generally run rain or shine. Light rain is usually fine, but departures may be delayed or canceled if conditions turn threatening.
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Know before you go
Location: 175 Beasley Rd, Versailles, KY 40383
Reservations: Advance booking is strongly recommended.
