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Dupree Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Running trail in Lancaster, Kentucky · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dupree 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.
Nature preserve providing hiking trails and an overlook of the Kentucky River.
What runners say about Dupree Nature Preserve
“Great views and well maintained and marked trails.”
“Great views of the KY river and the palisades, reccomend checking this spot out!”
Dupree's is located in Lancaster (Garrard County) off of US 27, approximately 15-20 from the main road. There is: Main Trail: A gravel trail from the parking lot that connects with the Overlook, Cliff, River and Brooks-Schwantes Trails. A little elevation change.
I have a lovely time each visit. It's a place I feel I can get a lot done - from hiking and wildlife photography, to resting and catching up on work with the windows down. Good ol' Mr. Dupree knew 👆🏽 🙏🏽
Here for an Earth Day event held by The Nature Conservancy. Beautiful site, with an abundance of trails and close proximity to the river. Park up top and walk down to the trail head. No pets.
What an absolutely beautiful place! Fields of wildflowers and several different trails that wander down to the Kentucky River. A must-stop adventure!
Trail conditions & character
“There were lots of wild flowers, overlooks, benches and picnic tables at different places along the way and a view of the Kentucky river and palisades.”
“Goes through a couple of open grassy fields and wooded areas.”
“Overlook Trail: A dirt trail that goes through a wooded area and connects to the Meditation and Cliff Trails.”
“There is: Main Trail: A gravel trail from the parking lot that connects with the Overlook, Cliff, River and Brooks-Schwantes Trails.”
Plan your run at Dupree Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenature.org
- Phone+1 859-259-9655
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Lancaster
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Jim Beam Nature Preserve
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Sally Brown Nature Preserve
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Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve
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Rock Fence Park
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Clean park for the kids in your life, with slides and other playground toys.