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Nature|Hiking

The Unique Kentucky Trail That Takes You To The Top Of The World

Sugarcamp Mountain Trails in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, offer diverse landscapes and stunning views for hikers and mountain bikers.

Published Aug 28, 2018

Written by 

Andrea Limke

There are so many incredible trails in the state of Kentucky that you could spend a lifetime trying to experience them all... and likely not succeed. It's a great problem to have in our beautiful state, but it often leaves nature lovers having to prioritize when it comes to choosing the best hiking and biking trails to seek out. If you enjoy unique trails with a diverse landscape, the ability to both hike and mountain bike, and access to some of the most stunning views in the state, then add the Sugarcamp Mountain Trails to your list. These trails in Prestonsburg are truly one-of-a-kind and even make you feel like you've ventured to the top of the world.

The Sugarcamp Mountain Trails are an outdoor endeavor led by both the City of Prestonsburg and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. This unique destination includes six miles of horseback riding trails and 12 miles of pathways dedicated to mountain biking and hiking.

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Photo Courtesy of Wyan Suke

Mountain bikers have really taken to this area, thanks to the variety of trails and incredibly beautiful scenery. If you enjoy the thrill of hitting the trails by bike, you'll want to make plans to hit up this area as soon as possible.

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Sugarcamp Mountain Trails

The trails are also great for hikers for the same reasons. These paths were hand cut and continue to be lovingly maintained so that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this region of Kentucky.

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Sugarcamp Mountain Trails

There are several trails in this area that vary in difficulty, so you can choose the best option for your ability and experience level. Check out their website (linked below) for an interactive map that lays them all out. Families with young children, avid hikers, serious mountain bikers, and everyone in between can experience their own perfect adventure on the Sugarcamp Mountain Trails.

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Photo Courtesy of Wyan Suke

The landscape of these trails is the main feature and you'll get to experience a little bit of everything. As these are truly tucked into the mountains, a few of them take you to overlooks that are unmatched in the state.

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Photo Courtesy of Wyan Suke

Trails also venture into the woods, through open meadows, and along the water, so you'll never be bored with the scenery surrounding you.

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Sugarcamp Mountain Trails

The natural beauty of Prestonsburg and that found in Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is undeniable, and you can best enjoy it along the Sugarcamp Mountain Trails. This unique adventure allows for sweeping views and memorable outdoor adventure that you can only have in Kentucky.

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Photo Courtesy of Wyan Suke

For another look at these amazing trails, check out this YouTube video by DoctorZaphod:

The Sugarcamp Mountain Trails are a scenic way to get out and explore Eastern Kentucky and they have the right amount of adventure for everyone. Have you ever hiked or biked through these mountain trails? Would you like to? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on the Sugarcamp Mountain Trails, visit their website here, and for more about the nearby Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, check out our previous article here.

We'd love to see photos from your outdoor adventures on our Kentucky Nature Lovers Facebook group, where you can share your own and see others snapped by fellow Kentuckians across the state!

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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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