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Vernon Douglas State Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Running trail in Elizabethtown, Kentucky · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Vernon Douglas 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.
Recreational area featuring kid-friendly hiking trails.
What runners say about Vernon Douglas State Nature Preserve
“This is a nature preserve so it’s not paved nor lit and there are no restroom facilities but the paths are nice and the views are beautiful.”
“A beautiful and peaceful hike.”
We luckily found this place on Google Maps when it didn’t appear in our other searches. Even folks who live in this area had no clue that this gem was right in their backyard. This is a nature preserve so it’s not paved nor lit and there are no restroom facilities but the paths are nice and the views are beautiful.
I have hiked this place a few times now. I have to say it's one of the better hikes I have been on. Many trails that claim to be hiking trails are mostly flat and little to no terrain. It's just like walking around normally, except there happens to be forest around. But Vernon is a decent trail.
Nice local park. Once on the trail you will forget that it’s off the highway. I pass through 1-2 times a year traveling from Pennsylvania to Texas. Perfect spot to get out of the car and stretch your legs or burn off that fast food burger.
What a quiet treasure! We had our first full-loop hike there in mid-February on a warm day and saw not a single person until the end of the hike. With great gratitude to the Douglas family for saving this part of what is now the Old Growth Forest Network.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a nature preserve so it’s not paved nor lit and there are no restroom facilities but the paths are nice and the views are beautiful.”
“We had our first full-loop hike there in mid-February on a warm day and saw not a single person until the end of the hike.”
“Steep hike in places, so it's not for the less than physically fit but definitely worth it if you can do it.”
“A lot of it is uphill so it is not good for people who like to walk on flat surfaces.”
Plan your run at Vernon Douglas State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- Websiteoldgrowthforest.net
- Phone(502) 264-5239
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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