The New Kentucky Trail That Turns Southern History Into a Treasure Hunt

Featured Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourist Commission

Georgetown, Kentucky, sits at the center of horse country, so it’s no surprise the town is riddled with classic Kentucky trails for horses and humans alike. But this spring, the city added a new reason to visit: a geocaching trail built around one of the more overlooked chapters in Southern history.

Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt, and in this one, the treasure comes in the form of history lessons and a commemorative coin upon completion.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new trail, and others you should check out while you’re in town. 

Historic Sadieville Geotrail: Legacy of the Mules

The Historic Sadieville Geotrail launches April 11 at Veterans Park in Sadieville, covering ground that most people drive right past. But those that do miss out on some interesting Southern history that’s now being put at the forefront. 

Sadieville was incorporated in 1880 as a railroading town on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad line — it was originally called “The Big Eagle” due to its location on Eagle Creek. The route

became the country’s largest market for shipping yearling mules and colts. The town itself is named for Mrs. Sarah “Sadie” Emison Pack Burgess, a livestock dealer who helped shape the community and supported railroad construction crews during the heyday.

Today’s geotrail hits nine historic sites that include the Sadieville Rosenwald schoolhouse built between 1917 and 1920, two cemeteries, a puzzle tied to the town’s railroading and mule-shipping origins, and the site of a 30-year-old unsolved mystery. The route also takes you past a restored Norfolk Southern caboose and the Historic Train Depot, where you’ll come across a colorful mural that covers more of Sadieville’s history. When you complete the trail successfully, you’ll receive a free commemorative coin (while supplies last).

To participate, download the free geocaching.com app to your phone, then hit the trail. Check-in at Veterans Park begins at 9 a.m. on April 11, with geocaches going live at 9:30.

But beyond geocaching, Georgetown and the surrounding county have enough trail options to fill a full weekend and beyond.

| Planning your trip? Here’s everywhere to eat, stay, and play.

Skullbuster Trails

Built for mountain bikers and hikers looking for a workout beyond getting steps in, Skullbuster is a wooded, technical network that earns its name. This course is more challenging than leisurely, bringing adventurers past limestone rocks, hidden meadows, and agility challenges like climbs, descents, and more. You’ll want to bring extra water for this one. 

Whispering Woods Riding Stables

Obviously, horse country is best experienced on horseback. Whispering Woods is, unsurprisingly, wooded, offering guided trail rides through tucked-away Kentucky landscape. If you want to participate in a ride, it’s best to book ahead. 

Toyota Biodiversity Trail

A collaboration between Toyota’s Georgetown manufacturing plant and local conservation efforts, the Toyota Biodiversity Trail winds through native plantings and natural habitat. It’s much more mellow than Skullbuster, and is a good option for families or anyone who wants to spend time outside while looking at beautiful things. 

Old Friends

A retirement farm for thoroughbred racehorses, Old Friends runs guided tours that bring you up close and personal to horses who ran at Churchill Downs, Saratoga, and beyond. The grounds are steeped in tranquility, giving these hard-working legends the second act they deserve. Tours start at $30 per person and go up to $150 if you want to see all the horses on the farm.

Bluegrass Country Driving Tour

The rolling farms and white fences along Georgetown’s back roads are reason enough to recharge in Scott County. The Bluegrass Country Driving Tour maps the best of the backroads, winding past horses, rolling hills, and more, perfect for experiencing Georgetown and Scott County trails in the comfort of your car.

Lavender in Bloom

Georgetown’s Lavender in Bloom farm draws visitors from across the region during peak season (summer) thanks to their beautiful blooms and delightful fragrance. It has u-pick options, art classes, photography options, and a year-round online shop. Bloom timing varies, so check schedules before you plan a whole trip around this one. 

Yuko-En on the Elkhorn

This Japanese friendship garden on the banks of the Elkhorn Creek was built to honor Georgetown’s sister city, Takamatsu, Japan. Yuko-En is a five-and-a-half-acre garden with something for every season, constructed as a Japanese-style stroll. It’s perfect for meandering or meditating in a setting you wouldn’t expect in central Kentucky. 

This article is presented in partnership with Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission, a Modern South Founding Partner.