Home › Kentucky › Lexington › Raven Run Nature Center
Raven Run Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Running trail in Lexington, Kentucky · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Raven Run Nature Center'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.
Hiking area with well-marked trails, some featuring waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.
What runners say about Raven Run Nature Center
“A beautiful hiking trail with many options for skill level.”
“Nice network of trails, easy to follow and well marked.”
There is a portion of this that is boring and just for the kids. The west side is more of an adventure. Raven Falls is cool to see and it is an uphill hike back. They enforce the 4:30 close time with citations ... So plan accordingly. We guessed that the hike to the falls is a 5 mile round trip.
Nice network of trails, easy to follow and well marked. The highlight of the hike is definitely the Kentucky River Overlook. There were a couple of waterfalls, but they were not flowing very well at the time.
Nice place. When I first got there I was looking for the rest room witch is not near the parking lot. Then was off for my hike. I got a good 6 and a half mile in. There is a nice overlook of the Kentucky river. And a couple of nice water falls. The trail can be slick . I ended up on my back after slipping on a rock.
Best for longer hikes. The big Field and house near the front is not as interesting as hiking deep into the forest, going to the overlook, spring, waterfall and Mill. Lots of up and down hill. Tails are often a bit muddy so wear shoes that can stand it. Hiking sticks can be handy, not required.
Trail conditions & character
“The big Field and house near the front is not as interesting as hiking deep into the forest, going to the overlook, spring, waterfall and Mill.”
“When I first got there I was looking for the rest room witch is not near the parking lot.”
“Tails are often a bit muddy so wear shoes that can stand it.”
“Nice network of trails, easy to follow and well marked.”
Plan your run at Raven Run Nature Center
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteravenrun.org
- Phone+1 859-272-6105
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
Running trails near Lexington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,622 reviews
This 734-acre woodland preserve has 10 mi. of marked hiking trails, plus streams & wildlife.
Floracliff Nature Sanctuary
4.3 ★★★★☆ 91 reviews
Educational nature preserve known for its waterfalls, birdwatching and hiking trails.
Hartland Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 266 reviews
Neighborhood park featuring grassy areas with shade trees, a walking trail & a playground.
Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve
4.3 ★★★★☆ 75 reviews
Nature preserve featuring kid-friendly hiking trails, creeks, and woods, plus opportunities for swimming.
John Holder Trail
3.6 ★★★★☆ 61 reviews
Hiking area featuring a creek and swimming, plus easy trails that are suitable for children.