General Butler State Resort Park Trail System

General Butler State Resort Park has over six miles of trails. All trails are designated for hiking. The trails inter-connect and offer a variety of terrain. Some trails are more strenuous and challenging than others. Be aware that trails become very slippery after rain. Please be cautious of all trail conditions.

Woodland Trail (1.5 miles)

This trail can be accessed by and connects with many of the park’s facilities including the lodge, conference and recreation centers and the campground. It makes a loop near the campground through a mature woodland forest of large tulip trees, beech and hickory. Spicebush is an abundant shrub which can be found along the trail. Some popular wildflowers which can be viewed include; dutchman’s breeches, spotted jewelweed (touch-me-not), may-apple, ironweed, goldenrod and a variety of ferns. Once you have completed the loop, you can return to the lodge and other park facilities on the same trail.

Boy Scout Trail (.25 miles)

The Boy Scout Trail connects the Butler-Turpin State Historic House to the Fossil Trail. This provides a safe walking route from the lodge area to the home. Exercise caution when crossing the park road on this trail. The trail is an alternative hiking adventure, connecting the Fossil Trail and Stone Entrance Gate parking lot to Stone Overlook, the conference and recreation centers or the lodge.

Fossil Trail (4.5 miles)

The park’s longest trail takes its name from the ancient marine fossils found embedded in the thin layers of limestone rock along the trail. This trail can be accessed from the following three locations:
1. The back of the paved parking area on the left as you pass through the stone gates entering Stone Overlook Drive.
2. The parking lot near the General Butler Conference Center
3. Via the Woodland Trail which can be accessed between the Recreation Center and the Conference Center.
Much of the Fossil Trail crosses and follows open field areas, which are remnants of the Ski Butler slopes. Watch for directional trail markers in these sections. This beautiful loop trail will take you through old hardwood forests behind the Stone Overlook, which was built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp. At 768 feet above sea level, the overlook is the highest elevation point in the county. It is the perfect place to see the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers and the river community of Carrollton. This trail is used on pre-set dates for biking events June–September and is closed to hiking on those dates. Please check for posted closed trail announcements or ask park staff concerning those dates.

Fossil Trail Mountain

Biking Rules.Open April - November. Helmets required. Adult riders, no children under 16 years of age. Adhere to the no-ride event dates.

Trail Rules & Regulations

Trails are managed as part of the environment. Visitors must meet and accept nature on its own terms. Preservation of these natural and scenic areas is essential to the quality and value of the park's natural resources.
The Following Activities Are Prohibited:
- Carving or damaging rock formations and trees.
- Collecting or digging for artifacts.
- Fire building and camping.
- Unleashed pets.
- Motorized vehicles, mountain biking and horseback riding.
- Rappelling and rock climbing.
- Hunting or disturbing wildlife.
- Picking flowers or harming any plant material.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Littering.

For Your Safety:

- Stay on the marked trail.
- Trails close at dusk.
- Do not hike alone.
- Proper footwear is recommended.
- Suggestion: Take a litter bag and help us keep the trails clean. You may pick-up a trash bag at the front desk or from housekeeping staff.
Please Help Us Protect This Park!

Directions and Maps

Facility and Trail Maps.