The TRACK Trail at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is a 0.94-mile loop through hardwood forest.
Abraham Lincoln’s father, Thomas, owned three hundred acres of gently rolling hills known as the Sinking Spring Farm. It was approximately a mile long and about a quarter mile wide. The Lincolns lived on this property for two years. As pioneers, they farmed the land and were self-sufficient.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park contains about 100 acres of the actual farm. Today the property is divided by US Highway 31 E. The west side of the park contains a formal landscape which commemorates Abraham Lincoln as President.
The TRACK Trail, located on the lower eastern portion of the Lincoln farm, winds through the woods and is reminiscent of the Lincoln’s occupancy. It joins and follows an old wagon road which crossed the Lincoln farm. This wooded area, a living ecosystem, provided resources for the Lincoln family. Nuts, berries, and plants often provided food, tea and dye for the Lincolns. Squirrels, turkey and deer, which are often seen on the trails today, were also an important food source.
The TRACK Trail also offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and observing nature through seasonal changes. During the spring, wildflowers such as Mayapple and Jack in the Pulpit can be seen along the trail.
The park is located in the Eastern time zone. There is no fee to visit the park. The portion of the park on the west side of US Highway 31 E (including the Visitor Center, Memorial and Sinking Spring) is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern time and the entrance gate closes at 5:00 pm Eastern time. The picnic area and TRACK Trail are open daily until dusk. Picnic tables and the picnic pavilion are first come first served. Restrooms are open until 4:45 pm Eastern time.
Location Details
Adventures for Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Nature's Hide & Seek
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Animal Athletes
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Nature's Relationships
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Types of Trees
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Longitude: -85.731826000000
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Unit:
From the North: Take Interstate 65 South to Exit 91 (Elizabethtown). Follow KY 61 (Lincoln Parkway) 13 miles south to US 31E. Take US 31E south 1.3 miles to the park; picnic entrance on left and main entrance on right.
From the South: Take Interstate 65 North to Exit 81 (Sonora). Proceed east on KY 84 to KY 61. Turn right on KY 61, then turn right onto US 31E 1.3 miles to park; picnic entrance on left and main entrance on right.
From Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek: Turn right onto US 31E. Proceed southwest for approximately 10 miles; picnic entrance on left and main entrance on right.
The TRACK Trail (Picnic Area)
The TRACK Trail, Loop B, located in the park picnic area, is on the East side of US Highway 31 E. The trailhead is located beyond and to the right of the restrooms. Loop B is accessible and is approximately .36 miles in length.
Loop C to the right of and adjacent to Loop B, is .58 miles in length with several steep grades. While it is not a part of the TRACK Trail, it allows families to continue exploring nature and the Lincoln’s Sinking Spring farm.
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