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Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 165 Google reviews · Running trail in Lancaster, Kentucky · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Tom Dorman State 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.
Forest reserve with riverside trails featuring scenic views of the river and cliffs.
What runners say about Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve
“Beautiful views of KY river and palisades from both river level and upper level.”
“The trails are VERY WELL-marked and signage throughout.”
Enjoy the scenic view of the old US 27 bridge. Beautiful hiking trails with decent elevation. This has become one of my favorite places to hike locally.
One of my favorite local trails. Great place to chill by the river and take in the view of the Palisades from above and from below. Going down the Lower Palisades to the Knights Ferry and back up to the Upper Palisades makes for about a 4.3 mile lollipop loop with a ton of elevation, great cardio, beautiful views.
It’s a nice spot with several fairly good trails. There are great views of the Kentucky river. The trails are well marked and in good shape. Lexington has fewer hiking trails than I would expect for its size and location. This preserve has some good hiking not too far from Lexington and I’ll probably be back.
Enter small parking lot on south bound Route 27 just after you cross the river. Mixture of steep and gentle grades. Beautiful views of KY river and palisades from both river level and upper level. Little to no under brush. Loop trail. Go right at 1st fork for quickest access to river.
Trail conditions & character
“Great place to chill by the river and take in the view of the Palisades from above and from below.”
“A good hike in the shade with some elevation taking you down to a very small Creek and then right back up”
“Enter small parking lot on south bound Route 27 just after you cross the river.”
“3 mile lollipop loop with a ton of elevation, great cardio, beautiful views.”
“We hiked in Vans sneakers and it was a muddy mess, but very doable and very fun!”
“The trails are VERY WELL-marked and signage throughout.”
“Beautiful views of KY river and palisades from both river level and upper level.”
Plan your run at Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve
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
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitenature.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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