Grass Roots

How two friends helped turn Prestonsburg, KY into a mountain biking hotspot 

In the heart of Eastern Kentucky, where coal once fueled the region’s economy, a new kind of energy is taking over—one fueled by passion, persistence and a whole lot of elbow grease. 

Welcome to Sugarcamp Mountain Trails, a rugged, hand-built trail system that’s quickly putting Prestonsburg on the national mountain biking map. 

And the best part? It’s all thanks to a grassroots group of volunteers—guys with day jobs, families, and a love for the outdoors—who’ve turned a small-town dream into a big-time adventure destination. 

We had no money when we started,” says Josh Turner, one of the lead volunteers. “Just picks, shovels and a lot of sweat. Everything out there was built by hand.” 

Alongside his lifelong friend Tyler Burke, Turner has spent nearly a decade carving trails out of Kentucky’s Appalachian hills—literally. What started as a way for a few guys to improve some local paths has grown into a full-blown mountain biking haven that now spans more than 20 miles of singletrack. 

And these aren’t just any trails. 

“We’ve really found our niche in tougher, downhill-style riding,” Turner says. “It’s more natural and raw than what you’ll find in a lot of other places.” 

Burke agrees: “The terrain here is just perfect for aggressive riding. And the soil? You can ride year-round—even in the rain. That’s a huge deal for serious bikers.” 

The trails cut through dense forest, trace along Dewey Lake, and offer stunning mountain views—with a few elk, deer and bobcats making the occasional cameo. 

“There are overlooks that just take your breath away,” Burke says. “You finish your ride at the bottom of the mountain, and there’s the lake. Jump in, cool off—there’s nothing like it.” 

Prestonsburg’s Sugarcamp is now the final stop on the Bluegrass Mountain Cup race series, drawing hundreds of riders from across the U.S.—and even overseas. 

“This is a grassroots success story,” Burke says. “We had support from the city, the state park, even the Army Corps of Engineers. Everyone pitched in, and it’s made all the difference.” 

The trails sit on a reclaimed coal mine that’s now a hub for recreation. And if the crew has their way, the best is yet to come. 

“We’re looking at cabins next,” Turner says. “Imagine rolling out of bed, hopping on your bike, and hitting the trails without ever getting in your car.” 

For a town of just 3,000 people, Prestonsburg is proving that big things can happen when locals take the lead. And for mountain bikers looking for their next adrenaline fix—Sugarcamp might just be the perfect ride. 

What started as a grassroots labor of love has grown into a rugged and respectful derstination—proof that small towns can dream big when the right people come together.  

📍For more on Prestonsburg, KY and Sugarcamp Mountain Trails, visit www.sugarcamptrails.com and prestonsburgky.org.