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Jefferson Memorial Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,631 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairdale, Kentucky · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Jefferson Memorial Forest'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 comprised of 6,500 acres of forest for hiking, camping & fishing in a stocked lake.
What runners say about Jefferson Memorial Forest
“Port-a-potties were clean (considering that they are port-a-potties) and easy to walk to.”
“This place is beautiful and some might be offended by the graffiti we found located at a pavilion on property but I found it to be entertaining and some of it was inspirational.”
Great place to camp close to the city! Sites are spread apart nicely so you have some privacy. Port-a-potties were clean (considering that they are port-a-potties) and easy to walk to. Water spicket was easy to walk to. Hiking trails easy to get through from campsites. I loved our site (I think it was Family site #4).
Very beautiful & peaceful place for mildly challenging walks. The hike from the visitor center to the Mitchell Lake is 1.5 miles and about 1.5hr one way. A lot of climbing up and down hills, great place to hide from the rain. You get good workout here and prepare to get sore.
This place is awesome. Hiking is amazing for what you can get in the greater Louisville area. Some friends and I went camping here and we paid a relatively low cost for one night and it was very peaceful. We were at the group site and it was huge.
I had a great time here with my girlfriend. We walked a few trails through the forest and spent time sitting by the lake enjoying the warm weather and view. This place is beautiful and some might be offended by the graffiti we found located at a pavilion on property but I found it to be entertaining and some of it was…
Trail conditions & character
“It's got great hiking trails, wonders views, abundance of wild life, a well stocked lake for viewing or fishing, picnic/grilling area, and a small play ground for the kids.”
“In a hurry to decompress quickly- ten minutes away from Brooks exit I65 up to Holsclaw Hill Rd or New Cut up to Mitchell Hill to Holsclaw Hill Rd”
“Nice long concrete walk way into the hills where it meets up with the main hiking trail.”
“They alos have bathrooms and playground for children.”
Plan your run at Jefferson Memorial Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitewildernesslouisville.org
- Phone+1 502-368-5404
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
Running trails near Fairdale
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Siltstone Trail
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Scotts Gap Section - Jefferson Memorial Forest
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Wooded route passing through the Scott's Gap area and featuring kid-friendly hikes plus scenic hilltops.
Waverly Park
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Large wooded park featuring winding trails, a playground, a lake and a pond for fishing.
Iroquois Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,789 reviews
Wooded park offering an amphitheater, sports courts, trails, disc golf, a spray pad & scenic vistas.
