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Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,622 Google reviews · Running trail in Lexington, Kentucky · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Raven Run Nature Sanctuary'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.
This 734-acre woodland preserve has 10 mi. of marked hiking trails, plus streams & wildlife.
What runners say about Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
“The trails are well maintained; however, there are steep inclines along with uneven terrain making it harder for young kids or older individuals if they aren’t properly prepared.”
“The trails are well-maintained, clearly marked, and suited for all skill levels, winding through lush forests, meadows, and along a beautiful section of the Kentucky River.”
“The trails are well-maintained, clearly marked, and suited for all skill levels, winding through lush forests, meadows, and along a beautiful section of the Kentucky River.”
“Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a true gem just outside Lexington, offering a peaceful retreat into nature and a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental conservation.”
“Nestled amidst the scenic Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, the Red Trail offers an exhilarating and rewarding hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.”
Nestled amidst the scenic Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, the Red Trail offers an exhilarating and rewarding hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. The Red Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail that traverses a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, dense forests, and open meadows.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is an absolute gem in Lexington, but I will warn you to be ready to actually hike. The trails are well maintained; however, there are steep inclines along with uneven terrain making it harder for young kids or older individuals if they aren’t properly prepared.
I went to ravens run on Friday for the first time in a while. I decided to do one of the shorter trails since I didn’t have very much time, but it was definitely still worth it. The trails are very nice there, and it felt good to be able to throw on some music and just walk on the trails for a bit.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a true gem just outside Lexington, offering a peaceful retreat into nature and a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental conservation.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are well-maintained, clearly marked, and suited for all skill levels, winding through lush forests, meadows, and along a beautiful section of the Kentucky River.”
“Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a true gem just outside Lexington, offering a peaceful retreat into nature and a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental conservation.”
“The bathrooms are also very cleaned and I love their initiative to reuse rainwater for bathroom necesities.”
“The trails are well maintained; however, there are steep inclines along with uneven terrain making it harder for young kids or older individuals if they aren’t properly prepared.”
“We hiked about 6 miles and barely ran into anybody, even though the parking lot was completely full.”
“Be mindful when deciding to bring children- it would be better to use the paved trail rather than the ones in the woods.”
Plan your run at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
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 trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitelexingtonky.gov
- Phone+1 859-272-6105
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6:30 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 Center
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Floracliff Nature Sanctuary
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Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve
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Hartland Park
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John Holder Trail
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Hiking area featuring a creek and swimming, plus easy trails that are suitable for children.