Home › Kentucky › Louisville › Big Beech Woods
Big Beech Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 55 Google reviews · Running trail in Louisville, Kentucky · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Big Beech Woods' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Beech trees 200 to 300 years old fill this part of Pope Lick Park, which features a 1.57-mile trail.
What runners say about Big Beech Woods
“Big Beech Woods 🍀💚🍀💚🍀 Great Location & Beautiful Scenery #kentuckyproud #positivevibes 💚❇💚🍀❇💚”
Went for a family hike with the pup, it was a great park, plenty of paved paths to walk and lovely scenery. I just wish dog owners would be more respectful and clean up after themselves. Also be advised: if you're using Google maps for directions, make sure you click on the trail and not just the general park.
Big Beech Woods Trail is about 2 miles long and is shaded 95%. Goes in a big loop and puts you back close to where you started. Medium to difficult trail. Took some dogs and they were fine.
Beautiful trail with great views, one of the best ones in the parklands parks in my opinion. I would rate the terrain at medium difficulty but I'm no expert.
Great walk in the woods and on paths with my 2 year old Blue Heeler. Lots of wildlife and well maintained trails.
Trail conditions & character
“I just wish dog owners would be more respectful and clean up after themselves.”
“Big Beech Woods 🍀💚🍀💚🍀 Great Location & Beautiful Scenery #kentuckyproud #positivevibes 💚❇💚🍀❇💚”
“Went for a family hike with the pup, it was a great park, plenty of paved paths to walk and lovely scenery.”
Plan your run at Big Beech Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetheparklands.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Louisville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pope Lick Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 784 reviews
Vast, sprawling park, with paved and off-road trails for hiking, biking and kayaking, plus water features.
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
4.8 ★★★★★ 672 reviews
String of green spaces along Floyds Fork stream with lawns, playgrounds, canoeing & forest trails.
Beckley Creek Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,035 reviews
Placid, sprawling park featuring various trails, picnic areas, a sprayground & other options.