VERSAILLES, Ky. — All aboard! The newest tourist attraction in the Commonwealth opened in Versailles this week. Rail Explorers is now operating in its fifth U.S. location.

What You Need To Know

  • A new, unique tourist attraction in the Commonwealth opened in Versailles this week

  • Rail Explorers lets folks strap in to a red rail bike and pedal down five miles of train tracks

  • Kentucky's two-hour trek spans five miles of countryside, stopping at the Young’s High Bridge, which overlooks the Kentucky River and Wild Turkey Distillery

  • Those interested in riding the Rail Explorers should book in advance, as there’s limited space and times available

Rail Explorers brings a one-of-a-kind experience to Woodford County. You can strap in to a red rail bike, and once you’re ready to go, you can pedal down five miles of train track and see some of the beautiful Kentucky countryside.

The experience lets visitors put the pedal to the metal and see Central Kentucky like they’ve never seen it before.

“You’re just along for the ride, it was not hard at all,” said Woodford County resident Janet Brown.

On Thursday, Rail Explorers Bluegrass cut the ribbon at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Versailles.

It’s a unique adventure that allows guests to ride the rails without getting on a train.

“Railroad tracks are always off limits unless you’re a train. And there’s something viscerally captivating about walking on tracks, looking at tracks, seeing where they go,” said owner, Mary Joy Lu.

She opened the company in 2015 after seeing a rail bike while watching a Korean television drama. Lu was drawn to the bike’s ease of operation.

“You don’t need to be a Lance Armstrong to do this, and that’s exactly why I fell in love with it. Because the community needs more things multigenerational people can do,” Lu said.

Spectrum News 1’s Mario Anderson was another invited guest taking a spin on the new bikes.

The two-hour trek spanned five miles of countryside, stopping at the Young’s High Bridge, which overlooks the Kentucky River and Wild Turkey Distillery.

“It’s gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous,” Brown said of the view.

The bikes are motor operated, but are sped up and operated by pedaling. They also have a break. Lu says there have been no major incidents involving the rail bikes.

“We also ensure that by having two guides ride at the front and two guides at ride at the rear; you have your own space, but still have protection from whatever may happen,” Lu said.

Woodford County Judge Executive James Kay says Woodford County has a rich rail history and Rail Explorers gives people another reason to visit the county rich with horses and bourbon.

“We are doing more business today than we did prior to the pandemic, and that is just a testament to everyone working together and trying to show off all the great things in Woodford County,” Kay said.

Those interested in riding the Rail Explorers should book in advance, as there’s limited space and times.

Rail tours take about two hours to complete and cost $90 for two people and $160 for a group of four.

Umbrellas and ponchos are provided on each bike in the event of light rain. Rail Explorers also operate in New York, Rhode Island and Iowa.