Kentucky
Nature|Hiking

Hiking At Jefferson Memorial Forest In Kentucky Is Like Entering A Fairytale

Jefferson Memorial Forest near Louisville offers a variety of scenic hiking trails suitable for all levels, making it a magical outdoor destination.

Published May 20, 2020

Written by 

Andrea Limke

Kentucky is filled with parks and recreation areas where you can go for a walk through a beautiful forest. Some of these places are definitely out of the way and while worthy of a visit, not always practical. If you live near the Louisville area and are anxious to experience a magical series of hiking trails in Kentucky, look no further than Jefferson Memorial Forest. This massive park offers thousands of acres of forest and miles of hiking trails for all levels, many of which make you feel like you're entering a fairytale.

Located just 15 miles south of Louisville, Jefferson Memorial Forest is an outdoor paradise for anyone looking for a variety of convenient trails.

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Google/David Williamson

There are approximately 6,500 acres of forest for you to explore and although close to the largest city in the state, they make up some of the loveliest hiking trails in Kentucky.

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There are dozens of trails within the different areas of the park and this beautiful scene can be found along the Yost Ridge Trail.

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Alltrails/Lindsey Love

This is a great, family-friendly trail that offers diverse scenery. You can extend this 2-mile hike to a comfortable 3 miles by starting at the Welcome Center and then taking the Mitchell Hill Lake Trail before heading back.

If you love views, the Coral Ridge Loop offers beautiful ones of the Louisville area.

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Alltrails/Kelly B

You will gradually ascend the hills of the forest and eventually reach the upland knobs where you'll find those views.

One of the most popular trails within Jefferson Memorial Forest is the Red Trail found at the Horine Reservation.

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Alltrails/Matt Goodwin

You can explore almost five miles here and the trail offers so much diversity in landscape, wildlife, and geology.

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Scott's Gap Loop Trail is another scenic area of the park, but keep in mind it is closed during the month of May while new trails are constructed.

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Alltrails/Kelly B

But keep these trails on your list for your next visit, especially if you're looking for a more challenging hike, but one that comes with a beautiful pay off in scenery.

All over Jefferson Memorial Forest you will find natural beauty in everything from lily pads floating on a pond to wildflowers growing along a trail.

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Facebook/Jefferson Memorial Forest & Natural Areas

The park also offers a number of events, activities, and other amenities, so be sure to check out its website, listed below, for more information.

And as such a large, natural area, wildlife spottings may just be your favorite part of a visit.

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Facebook/Jefferson Memorial Forest & Natural Areas

Animals seem to love this magical forest just as much as the human locals do, and we are lucky to be able to share this land and experience these wonderful hiking trails in Kentucky.

The great outdoors are definitely on display around the Bluegrass State and the hiking trails in Kentucky are a wonderful way to spend time. If you have yet to explore the miles of scenic trails at Jefferson Memorial Forest, plan a visit soon. Is this one of your favorite hiking spots in Kentucky? If you have other suggestions, be sure to tell us about them on our Nominations Page.

And for more information on the trails at Jefferson Memorial Forest, visit its website and learn more about the entire park here.

If you'd like to experience more fairytale-like places in Kentucky, here are 10 more magical destinations throughout the Bluegrass.

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Nature|Hiking

My Family Loves Spending Time at the Louisville Nature Center

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the natural playground, garden, hiking trails, and bird blind at the Louisville Nature Center.

Published Oct 24, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

Our highest quality family time is often away from the house. When we leave homework, the dishes, and the television behind and go somewhere as a family, we usually have better conversations and share more laughter. There are fewer distractions, and we focus more on each other. We often seek out local parks and playgrounds when we only have an hour or two together. The natural playground at the Louisville Nature Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is a tried and true family favorite. We hadn’t been to the nature center in over a year but recently revisited it. We fell in love with it all over again.

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Kelly Carroll/Only In Your State

We visited on a cloudy early fall day, just after days of rainfall. After being cooped up inside, we were craving fresh air. The kids ran immediately for the natural playground. It’s simple and made of mostly natural elements, but its simplicity inspired so much creativity! The kids created a kitchen on a wooden platform, climbed on massive black tires, and made music on the hanging xylophone-like metal pieces. There was a small sand pit with toy vehicles for hands-on fun. We also checked out the free little library nearby.

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Kelly Carroll/Only In Your State

After playing for a while, we explored the other parts of the nature center. There was a beautiful garden out front, with enough plants and features for a whole sensory experience. There were large planter boxes full of vibrantly colored flowers and a small pond that delivered sounds of gently running water.

A rain garden was in the back of the nature center, with an accompanying interpretive sign about its function. The sign explained that rain gardens capture rainwater and keep it out of storm sewers, preventing overflow and reducing flow into water infrastructure.

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Kelly Carroll/Only In Your State

After meandering through the gardens, we stopped in the nature center’s bird blind, a small building with lots of seating where bird lovers can watch birds while remaining hidden. The glass inside the bird blind allows bird watchers to see out but keeps the birds from seeing in, so they feel more comfortable coming closer. I love birds, and couldn’t get enough of the feathered flyers that stopped by the many bird feeders outside of the bird blind.

Although we didn’t have time for a full hike, we checked out hiking options at the nature center. A sign marked the 1.5-mile White Oak Trail and the 0.75-mile Red Maple Trail. These shorter trails are the perfect length for our family, and we plan to return to explore them. They create fantastic opportunities for locals and tourists to enjoy nature in the city.

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Kelly Carroll/Only In Your State

For more information, visit the Louisville Nature Center’s website and the center's Facebook page.

Louisville has an array of fantastic parks and nature centers. Cherokee Park and E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park are great places to enjoy the outdoors.

Before you tackle your next hike in Kentucky, peruse our list of must-have hiking items, including hiking backpacks, water bottles, and snacks. With more than 75 items on the list, you're sure to find some awesome accessories that will make your hike more enjoyable.

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Nature|Forests

The Iconic Trail in Kentucky Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

A complete guide to hiking the Raven Run Red Trail in Lexington: scenic views, wildlife, and tips for a successful hike.

Published Oct 24, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

Sometimes, my motto when I'm looking for a hiking trail to tackle over the weekend is: go big or go home. Sometimes, I don't want to find the hidden gem in Kentucky, But rather, find a popular, heck maybe even iconic hiking trail, just to say I knocked it off my list. That's where places like Raven Run Red Trail in Raven Run Park come into play. This moderate hiking trail clocks in at just shy of six miles roundtrip, and there will be major elevation changes to keep an eye out for. But I promise you, the views along some parts of this trail are absolutely worth it.

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Alltrails D'Lynne Morin

The Raven Run Red Trail is part of the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, a scenic natural area located in Lexington, Kentucky, spanning over 700 acres of forested ravines, meadows, streams, and beautiful vistas. The Red Trail is one of several trails available at the sanctuary and is absolutely perfect for hikers who want to experience a mix of terrain and enjoy the natural beauty of central Kentucky.

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Alltrails Michael Richardson

Beyond just the beauty of nature that is worth the visit and the nearly two-and-a-half-hour hike, there are other unique features to keep an eye out for. The trail weaves through historical sites, including old homestead remains and a 19th-century cemetery.

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Alltrails Brian Fister

Wildlife is also abundant, and hikers may encounter deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds. The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, offering wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in the fall. That means you can visit multiple times a year and get completely different experiences each time!

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Alltrails Kizannah Dickey

One of the most important highlights along the trail is the scenic overlooks, which showcase stunning views of the Kentucky River. With over 700 feet in elevation changes, it's only fair that you'll have views like this as the reward.

Here are a few things to remember before you hit the trail. Things can be rocky and uneven in places, so wearing sturdy footwear is important to avoid slipping, especially after rainfall when the paths can become muddy. The trail features benches and resting spots, perfect for taking a break and soaking in the scenery. There are no water stations along the trail, so bring your own! Hikers are advised to stay on the designated paths to avoid disturbing wildlife and reduce the risk of encountering snakes, which may be more common in rocky or water-adjacent areas.

Raven Run is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and visitors must leave by closing time. Pets are not allowed on the trails to protect the local wildlife. As part of a commitment to conservation, all visitors are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles, meaning they should pack out any trash and respect the natural environment. Parking is available at the entrance, and the visitor center near the trailhead offers restrooms and additional information about the sanctuary and its history.

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Alltrails Felicia Dick

Have you ever hiked Raven Run Red Trail before? If you enjoyed it, make sure to share this article with a friend!

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Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way, you can get even more information before you start your journey.

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