Ben Hawes trail system

Update: Shutting down comments on this post due to a high volume of disrespectful and hostile responses. It’s disappointing to see this level of ignorance to trail etiquette when local volunteers, business and the city dedicate thousands of dollars and countless hours of physical labor to maintain and improve this trail system.
Responsible trail use requires respecting the rules established to keep these spaces safe and sustainable. Non-motorized trail networks restrict Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes (and motorcycles and ATV’s) for specific safety and environmental reasons:
Class 2 E-Bikes: The hand throttle allows motorized propulsion without pedaling. This instant torque causes rear-wheel spinning that tears up dirt paths and accelerates trail erosion.
Class 3 E-Bikes: These bikes assist up to 28 mph, which is fundamentally unsafe for narrow, multi-use paths shared with hikers, children, and traditional cyclists.
If you would like to enjoy the trail all are welcome to do so on a traditional bicycle or Class 1 E-Bike.
If you would like to better understand the regulations, we encourage you to research proper trail etiquette or join us for a volunteer trail maintenance day to see the effort required to preserve these spaces.
Finally, we fully support youth outdoor recreation. Local youth and families are encouraged to watch (hopefully join) the local NICA/KICL Rudy Miners Mountain Bike Team practice any Tuesday or Thursday evening. The team provides a positive environment and welcomes new young riders to learn safe, responsible trail skills.

Please message us or contact park staff or local law enforcement if you recognize these subjects. As a reminder, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are strictly prohibited on all Ben Hawes/Rudy Mines trails, and the park is closed at night. Violators will be prosecuted.

Ben Hawes/Rudy Mines: New date! 7/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D9eY6cg7i/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hey all, we talked to the locals, parks and all the players here and we have to push this one back. Rudy Mines has seen a lot of recent trail improvements and with 2 inches of rain forecasted between now and race day it’s not looking the best. We will make it up on July 19th. This is going to create a better trail outcome for you as the racers but also for our stewards, the build crew, and the parks department. Next week looks dry. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

If you won’t be able to make it it’s all good, just let us know. If not your registration transfers.

We have a trail run, the Rudy Rumble, that goes the day before and it’s also pushed backed one week as the trails used for that are expected to be in poor conditions along with lightning delay issues.

Gotta love summer storms… thanks for working with us and we hope this doesn’t inconvenience anyone too badly.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Jqyw3PYx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Rudy Mines Trails will be closed to public access on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. due to a scheduled event taking place on the trails!

Thanks for your understanding!

BMC MTB XC at Rooty Mines / Berm Hawes 7/12

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The next XC race is just around the bend! Will you be joining us?

We have a surprise this year, a new course. We didn’t just change the direction, but you will be some of the first tires to hit a revamped Rudy Mines Trails. A current trail revamp project that is going on thanks to local support and an investment from the city has a large portion of the race loop very flowy and super fun. The other half remains the classic rooty singletrack that screams classic XC. It’s a perfect balance to keep everyone happy and make for a great day of racing. If you are ready to have some fun, come race this event! It’s a great time to experience a new trail system or an old favorite. This is a great race for newbies and those who maybe haven’t had the chance to get as many miles in as normal. All while it’s a great place for our fast cats who love to dig deep and go for the gold.

Do yourself a favor and go ahead and join us. Owensboro has a lot going on and is a great place to come hang out for the weekend. With a beautiful downtown overlooking the Ohio River, great food, loads of accommodations, and and easy drive down the Western KY parkway it’s the perfect place to spend a July weekend.

We hope to see you there, and as always, reach out with any questions! Info and reg links over at bluegrassmountaincup.com

Trail run 7/11/26! 🌲🏃‍♂️🌲 🏃‍♀️

Rudy Rumble Trail Run The Rudy Rumble Trail Run is on Saturday July 11, 2026. It includes the following events: 10 & Under Kids Run and 10K.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZ3L3YR8s/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Ben Hawes / Rudy Mines update:
Good news: TrelCru has wrapped up their other project, and work at BH/RM has resumed.
Bad news: For the second week in a row, riders have been out on the trail during soft, muddy conditions while it’s posted RED (closed). The first incident caused significant damage to the green trail. This time, freshly refurbished sections of trail on the Blue loop was rutted up.
We need everyone’s help getting the word out that when the trail is closed, it’s closed to allow proper time for the trail to dry out and firm up. If this continues the City may have no choice but to shut down the entire section currently under construction. Let’s protect the work, respect the closures, and keep things moving forward. Thanks!

Rudy Rumble 10K Trail RUN 7/11/26!

Rudy Rumble Trail Run The Rudy Rumble Trail Run is on Saturday July 11, 2026. It includes the following events: 10 & Under Kids Run and 10K.

BGMC @ BHRM 7/12/26!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D3ZBCAX8r/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We’ve got the schedule ironed out for 2026! We’re excited for a few changes and the addition of a new venue, Bluff Boom which is a massive new bike park in Greensburg, KY.

We unfortunately won’t be having Ft Duffield this year due to some factors that are beyond our control and hope to bring that event back in the near future. Benny Goat trails are still expanding and we have some exciting plans for that venue in the future as well.

More details on all events to follow. Mark your calendars and stay tuned!

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Ben Hawes / Rudy Mines Trail Update:
As many of you know, the long-awaited Refurbishment and Enhancement Project is well underway. This is a labor-intensive effort that will require several months to complete. During this period, extended segments of trail will remain closed because the trail surface is not yet fully compacted and many features are still under construction. Winter weather and freeze–thaw cycles are also creating challenging working conditions for the crew.
Hiking, running, or riding on closed sections at this stage causes significant additional work and slows progress. We truly appreciate your enthusiasm for the trails and respectfully ask for your patience. Please do not go around or disregard closure signs, and remain on open trails only so the crew can complete their work efficiently and safely.
Thank you for your cooperation—and yes, trail cameras are in place. Dont make us make you famous. 😆 ✌️