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Pope Lick Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 784 Google reviews · Running trail in Louisville, Kentucky · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Pope Lick Park'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.
Vast, sprawling park, with paved and off-road trails for hiking, biking and kayaking, plus water features.
What runners say about Pope Lick Park
“It was open, and beautiful, well maintained, but seemed to be only for sports club members or customers taking archery lessons.”
“The paths are beautiful and provides a wonderful experience whether you’re running, walking, or taking your dog for a walk.”
This is one of my favorite parks to run. Very clean and well kept. Soccer fields are top notch and maintained well. The restroom is usually clean which is a huge plus compared to other park restrooms I’ve observed.
Great, flat cement trails at this picturesque park. A lot to see on the walking paths. Easy parking with access to a number of soccer fields.
Limited-function park, but gorgeous! Did a sunrise scenic drive the morning after 4" snow in NE Louisville November 2024. This is how it looked. It was open, and beautiful, well maintained, but seemed to be only for sports club members or customers taking archery lessons.
Came to Pope Lick for the summer “Creature Feature” event and checked out the park as well. Beyond the urban legend this park is known for, the park itself is really beautiful. Wild flowers bloom along the entrance and display a bouquet of color.
Trail conditions & character
“The paths are beautiful and provides a wonderful experience whether you’re running, walking, or taking your dog for a walk.”
“Not much else to do unless people want to park and get out and sit in the open; just this long beautiful snowy scenic driveway that ends in a parking lot.”
“The restroom is usually clean which is a huge plus compared to other park restrooms I’ve observed.”
“Nice paved pathway extra wide for plenty of room great views and wildlife”
“Multiple soccer fields, a couple of nice trails for hiking, Louisville loop access, & of course, floyds fork creek.”
“The people on the drive were very friendly and although I had a flat tire we still had opportunity to meet people as a stop by to ask if we need a help.”
“Wheelchair accessible including the trail.”
Plan your run at Pope Lick Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetheparklands.org
- Phone+1 502-584-0350
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Louisville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Big Beech Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
Beech trees 200 to 300 years old fill this part of Pope Lick Park, which features a 1.57-mile trail.
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
4.8 ★★★★★ 672 reviews
String of green spaces along Floyds Fork stream with lawns, playgrounds, canoeing & forest trails.
Beckley Creek Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,035 reviews
Placid, sprawling park featuring various trails, picnic areas, a sprayground & other options.