Home › Kentucky › Nicholasville › Jessamine Creek Gorge
Jessamine Creek Gorge
4.5 ★★★★★ 342 Google reviews · Running trail in Nicholasville, Kentucky · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Jessamine Creek Gorge'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.
Wooded area featuring hiking trails with creek views, a waterfall, and picnic spots.
What runners say about Jessamine Creek Gorge
“Easy hike through beautiful woods, but not much in the way of vistas.”
“If you take the main trail it is an easy hike, going off trail there are some harder spots but it is worth it for the views.”
@July.2025 Although the trail is clear and easy, there are some branch trails and hard to know which is the main trail. There are steep slopes on the way to the falls, so it’s better to wear sturdy shoes. The falls are very beautiful and worth visiting.
Absolutely stunning views and waterfalls! The big waterfall is off the regular trail, but still fairly easy to find. If you take the main trail it is an easy hike, going off trail there are some harder spots but it is worth it for the views.
This place offers a nice easy going hike. There are some drop offs to be wary of, but it's otherwise a good place to hike with children. Because of the tree coverage, it's also a great place to hike on a hot, summer day.
Easy hike through beautiful woods, but not much in the way of vistas. Our 6 and 8 year-olds completed this hike with minimal complaining. There are lots of side trails that go to overlooks of the creek. If you go during the warm months, you might think about waving a stick in front of you as you walk.
Trail conditions & character
“Couldn't find the waterfall that was shown in some of the pictures but we also didn't explore the whole area.”
“There are steep slopes on the way to the falls, so it’s better to wear sturdy shoes.”
“A little muddy from heavy rain last weekend.”
Plan your run at Jessamine Creek Gorge
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
- 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 trailheadwater — reported by runners
- Websiteeec.ky.gov
- Phone+1 859-885-4500
- Social 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 Nicholasville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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