Trail Running Locations in Central Kentucky
Auxier Ridge Trail, Red River Gorge
Central Kentucky has no shortage of natural beauty. One of the best ways to enjoy Kentucky nature up close is to go for a trail run. Below is a listing of some of the best spots to take in the scenery while logging your miles.
Veteran’s Park - 650 Southpoint Dr. Lexington, KY – Has approximately 3 miles of trails along with a 1 mile asphalt path. Info and map here. Located off Tates Creek Rd. just beyond Man-O-War Blvd.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary – 5886 Jack’s Creek Pike Lexington, KY – Has approximately 10 miles of trails, many of which are wooded singletrack. The closest thing to true trail running in Fayette Co., Raven Run is about 14 miles from downtown Lexington.
Skullbuster Trails - Stamping Ground, KY - Approximately 12 miles of trails located just north of Georgetown, Skullbuster was developed by the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association with help from a small group of local runners. Located approximately 25 miles from downtown Lexington.
Falling Springs Park - 275 Beasley Dr. Versailles, KY - Cross-country style course with approximately 4 miles of trails and grass paths. Approximately 13 miles from Lexington.
Capitol View Park – Glenn’s Creek Rd. (Off East-West Connector) Frankfort, KY – Has approximately 11 miles of mostly singletrack trails. These are heavily used by mountain bikers year-round and can get muddy in wet weather. Located about 30 miles from downtown Lexington.
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill – 3501 Lexington Rd. Harrodsburg, KY – Located just across the Kentucky River on Rt. 68 South. Has several miles of trails, most of which are grass paths but with a few sections of singletrack sprinkled in. Located about 27 miles from downtown Lexington.
Brushy Fork Park – Berea, KY – This is used as the Berea College cross-country course but much of it is a wooded trail. You can get creative on the backside of the property by heading to the top of the ridge and adding more mileage. Located about 40 miles from downtown Lexington.
Pinnacles of Indian Fort Theater - Berea, KY - Approximately 7 miles of trails located just outside downtown Berea with several spectacular overlooks.
Camp Nelson Heritage Park – Rt. 27 Nicholasville, KY – 5K cross-country style course around the property. Located about 20 miles from downtown Lexington.
Asbury College Cross Country Course – Wilmore, KY – 5K cross country style course. Located about 20 miles from downtown Lexington.
Red River Gorge Geological Area – Slade, KY – The Red River Gorge Geological Area consists of approximately 26,000 acres inside the Daniel Boone National Forest. The main section of the gorge has approximately 140 miles of mapped and unmapped trails most of which are rugged singletrack. Very popular with hikers and climbers, this is arguably the best trail running within an hour drive of Lexington. Located about 50 miles from downtown Lexington.
Cave Run Lake – Farmers, KY – Has approximately 90 miles of trails many of which are wooded singletrack. Some of the trails are heavily used by horseback riders and can become muddy during wet weather. Located about 63 miles from downtown Lexington.
Laurel River Lake Area - London, KY - Park at the KY 192/KY 1193 intersection and you can run the Sheltowee Trace south to Laurel River Lake or north to the Rockcastle River. Both sections are very scenic with the northern option being the more technical of the two. The northern route is very similar to the Red River Gorge area but sees much less traffic. Located about 90 miles from Lexington.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest – State HWY 245 Clermont, KY – Approximately 2,000 of Bernheim’s 14,000 acres are open to the public. There are approximately 40 miles of trails many of which are wooded singletrack. Bernheim was designed by the Olmstead Co. who were also responsible for the design of New York’s Central Park, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Louisville’s City Park system, and many more. Located about 75 miles from downtown Lexington.
Big South Fork - The southern terminus of the Sheltowee Trace. Tons of trails to explore.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - plenty of trails and the best spot within a couple hours of Lexington to get climbing up some “real” mountains.
Daniel Boone National Forest - 707,000 acres of public land east of Lexington. Many, many miles of singletrack and dirt roads to explore, including the 300+ mile Sheltowee Trace, Kentucky's "long trail."