Home › Kentucky › Covington › Doe Run Lake
Doe Run Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 229 Google reviews · Running trail in Covington, Kentucky · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Doe Run Lake'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.
Lake and park with trails for hiking and fishing, plus a boat launch.
What runners say about Doe Run Lake
“A beautiful hidden gem in Northern Kentucky!”
“Trails are easy to navigate in most areas, with some especially difficult terrain.”
“Definitely a place to check out for fishing, kayaking or just needing some peace and quiet.”
This place is my sanctuary. It's like a piece of the country that is close to the city. I have been coming to this lake for the lives of 3 different dogs. Good hiking trails, lots of different spots for fishing. Peaceful and beautiful.
This was a great find in the Northern Kentucky area. We were able to complete this 3 mile hike with two medium sized dogs and a 4 year old! Trails are easy to navigate in most areas, with some especially difficult terrain. Also be prepared to cross one stony creek. Overall very well maintained, can’t wait to go back.
My daughters and I love breaking up our week by getting outside for a hike. This trail was scenic and easy to navigate. There are multiple bridges that make for a great spot to take a cool picture. We didn’t fish or venture out onto the lake. Thus, we can’t provide any additional information on canoeing or fishing.
Awesome place to go fishing and kayaking. There is a trail that goes around the lake. Most of the time it is passable, other times you could be turning around or finding an alternative route.
Trail conditions & character
“Definitely a place to check out for fishing, kayaking or just needing some peace and quiet.”
“The hill leading down to the lake is very steep.”
“We walked the access road part of the trail knowing the wooded part would be muddy.”
“For parents: It is worth mentioning that the restroom is very basic with one vintage toilet and there is not a playground.”
“It’s a nice easy hike, but I couldn’t continue the loop because the water was too high so the path was interrupted by the creek.”
Plan your run at Doe Run Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitekentoncounty.org
- Phone(859) 525-7529
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 Covington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Flagship Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 256 reviews
Huge park with playgrounds, climbing equipment, jungle gyms and slides.
Freedom Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 120 reviews
Clean park, with walking trails and sports facilities.
Pioneer Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 727 reviews
Recreational area featuring a creek, playground and baseball field.
Lincoln Ridge Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 206 reviews
Scenic park featuring a baseball field, two playgrounds, hiking trails and a disc golf course.
Fox Run Park - New Kenton County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Scenic, 225-acre park featuring trails for hiking and walking, plus a pond for fishing.