Bike Trails of Lexington--Liberty Trail

Parks and rec lists the length of this trail as 1.3 miles, but that's really going to vary depending on where you access it.  With five different start points, this is definitely one of the more accessible trails in the area.  You'll find it just next door to Hamburg, and about as navigable as the shopping area (i.e. you're probably going to get lost).  I started my exploration at one of the two access points one Flying Ebony Dr.--yes, there are two start points on the same street. 

Here's the first entrance.

 The second is much further down the street than you would expect.

It's also worth mentioning that the trail from the further entrance runs right next to the road, making you question why you bothered.

I really was not overly impressed with this trail.  There's not a lot of shade, and while the multiple entrance points provide easy access, they also make for some confusing intersections.

And they all look like this.

This is particularly bad, as one of these forks leads to yet another entry point, which is in a completely different and unconnected neighborhood.

If you live in that neighborhood, this is what you're looking at.

 

 The only people who will use that entrance are the one who live in the Killington subdivision, a neighborhood accessible only from Liberty Rd. (at a point where there's not even a shoulder to bike along).  Having inadvertently wound up over here the first time, I also find it important to note that the maps app on your smartphone may be completely useless.  I know mine was.  There's nothing like getting lost and pulling up a map, only to find out the street you're on doesn't exist.  There are about a million dead ends and a steep hill, too, so be careful not to wind up over here by mistake.

Once you've managed not to get turned around and lost, you'll soon pass by the fourth entry point, which is actually kinda cool.  There's a path that leads down from Liberty Elementary, so, presumably, teachers can take their classes for a walk.

I would have a better picture, but it was recess, and I didn't want anyone to think I was photographing the kids.

Once you get past the school, things are pretty straight forward.  You'll go under a bridge...

 

Okay, this is the other side.  But there's not that much of a difference.

...and then you'll pass by the fifth entrance, which is off of Red Leaf Dr. in The Shetlands neighborhood.

At least this one has a clear view of the street.

From this point, it's all up hill.  Seriously.  It's steep, and there is absolutely no shade.  This is not a trail for hot summer days, trust me.  But hey, surely there will be something interesting at the top of the hill, right?  Maybe the trail connects to nearby Liberty Rd.?

 

Or maybe it just ends in the middle of a depressing field.

Actually, it just sort of ends.  You go through all that effort to get to the top, and the trail just stops.  Never mind that if it extended maybe 100 ft to the right it would connect up to the sidewalk on Liberty Rd.

Numerical ratings:


All areas are out of five with one being bad and five being good.

terrain (steepness): 2 (that hill is a beast)
shadiness:1
length: 3
scenery: 2 (these photos were taken the same day as the ones for Hamburg Trail)
accessibility: 5

Overall: 13/20

Other comments:  The layout makes the trail confusing and annoying.  Not recommended unless you live in one of the adjacent subdivisions.