HomeKentuckyBurlington › Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve

Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve

4.3 ★★★★☆ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in Burlington, Kentucky · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
2.4 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve's 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.

2.4 miLoopScenicTrailhead parking

Nature preserve with kid-friendly hiking trails, and an overlook.

What runners say about Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (119 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“But the trails were well kept and I had an enjoyable hike.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“The parking lot is small to keep down traffic, but it is a beautiful little hike if you can get a parking spot.”

Great trail. I would classify as difficult, well worth it. Boots a must. Bring water with.

★★★★★ — Amy , Jun 2019

Beautiful hike that was through the woods and well kept. Path was clear with no major ruts or branches in the way. I had a lot of fun and would love to do it again!

★★★★★ — Leia , Jul 2019

Quite possibly the best hiking trail in Kentucky (outside of The Gorge, of course). Huge trees of an old growth forest and a fern valley. BEAUTIFUL!!!

★★★★★ — Christopher , Jul 2019

Nice hidden gem- quiet and more remotely located but still close enough to go to and enjoy. Trails were clearly marked. The initial half of the trail was uphill so be prepared. Nice views- took about an hour to hike the entire trail at a leisurely pace.

★★★★★ — Mallory , May 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 119 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 8 mentions

“The parking lot is small to keep down traffic, but it is a beautiful little hike if you can get a parking spot.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 7 mentions

“The parking lot is small to keep down traffic, but it is a beautiful little hike if you can get a parking spot.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

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Plan your run at Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Loop distance2.4 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitenature.org
  • Phone(502) 573-2886
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–9 PM
Thursday 6 AM–9 PM
Friday 6 AM–9 PM
Saturday 6 AM–9 PM
Sunday 6 AM–9 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve

4700 Middle Creek Rd, Burlington, KY 41005

Get directions

Running trails near Burlington

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Middle Creek Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 222 reviews

Burlington, KY

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Wooded park with a creek featuring several hiking trails and paths for horseback riding.

1.6 miles away

Gunpowder Creek Nature Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 348 reviews

Burlington, KY

Crushed gravelScenic

Hikers come to this relaxed park, with shaded trails leading to a creek.

3.2 miles away

Boone County Arboretum

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,020 reviews

Union, KY

MixedScenicDog-friendly

121-acre botanical garden with classes & exhibits, trails & kids' area, plus 12 athletic fields.

3.9 miles away

England Idlewild Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 803 reviews

Burlington, KY

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Open-space park with a dog park with a fenced-in area and biking and walking trails for sports, fishing and hiking.

4.1 miles away

Orleans Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 136 reviews

Union, KY

Neighborhood park offering playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and picnic tables.

5.1 miles away

Oakbrook Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 169 reviews

Florence, KY

Lit

Park featuring swings and volleyball fields as well as picnic tables.

5.2 miles away

All running trails in Burlington, KY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.