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Pine Creek Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 98 Google reviews · Running trail in Shepherdsville, Kentucky · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2.4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Pine Creek 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 with a trail running alongside a creek.
What runners say about Pine Creek Nature Preserve
“Creek area would be beautiful if it wasn’t so dry this month and there was a really cool ravine thru a rock formation.”
“Trail is very well marked except it does appear there may be a shortcut that isn’t on a map so we didn’t take it.”
Trail was pretty. I love how half of the trail you're hiking next to the water. Not a difficult trail at all.
This was BEAUTIFUL. Be prepared to WALK. Wear comfortable, supportive, shoes. If you go after rain, watch for slick spots. We slid a few times. The waterfalls are lovely. The water was so clear. We found fossils, little creatures, and so much more. I took my 9 and 6 year old. We all got tired but it was worth it.
My family and I visited this trail system with friends this past weekend and had a great time! There's a lot of nice boulders and a beautiful creek for you to check out. The length was decent and I would rate the trail easy. It was pretty muddy in places but that is to be expected after the rain we had.
Great hiking or running trail - a little muddy when wet. Home to several threatened plants and truly a unique remnant grassland.
Trail conditions & character
“Creek area would be beautiful if it wasn’t so dry this month and there was a really cool ravine thru a rock formation.”
“It's definitely a beginner hiking trail with a lot of tree roots, elevated rock, and slick areas.”
“There is a picnic table and a portable toilet off the parking area.”
“There is a picnic table and a portable toilet off the parking area.”
“Trail is very well marked except it does appear there may be a shortcut that isn’t on a map so we didn’t take it.”
Plan your run at Pine Creek Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2.4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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+1 502-742-4521
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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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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