Program designed to help connect communities to trail systems
ROYALTON, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2015) — The community of Royalton along the Dawkins Line Rail Trail became the 10th certified Kentucky Trail Town, Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear announced today.
“I’m especially proud of Royalton becoming a Trail Town since it played such an important role in the development of the Dawkins Line,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is a big step for this community and this area as they work to attract tourists.”
The Kentucky Trail Town Program is designed to help connect communities to trail systems and develop them as tourist destinations. It will guide travelers to trails, food, lodging, campgrounds, museums, entertainment and other services. The designation will help communities improve their tourism economy, add more jobs and create more tourism opportunities for the entire state.
“The Dawkins Line has been a truly collaborative effort among many state and local partners, and I’m thrilled that the hard work put in to this project is being recognized though this special Trail Town designation,” Jane Beshear said. “When complete, the Dawkins Line will stretch for 36 miles and Royalton will be at the center, serving many tourists who will come here for its natural beauty, hospitable people and incredible trails.”
More than 30 communities have started the application process to become a Kentucky Trail Town and are working with the Office of Adventure Tourism in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Royalton joins Dawson Springs, Livingston, Morehead, Olive Hill, London, Stearns, Elkhorn City, Jamestown and Manchester as official Kentucky Trail Towns.
Royalton’s other assets include being near the Licking River’s headwaters and a proposed multi-county off-road trail system.
Jane Beshear noted that Royalton, in Magoffin County, was already starting to see the benefits of the Dawkins Line with the opening of a bicycle shop and plans for a campground.
The Office of Adventure Tourism will provide guidance to interested communities on issues such as trail development and signage, information and resources from other state agencies and how other communities have been successful by linking trails and services.
Once a community receives the Trail Town certification, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Department of Travel and Tourism and Office of Adventure Tourism will help promote and market these communities and the services being offered. They will be highlighted on maps, websites, visitors’ guides and other state promotional material.
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