Raven Run Nature Center

As most were out and about looking for those Black Friday deals, I decided to get in a hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary.  Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a 734 acre nature sanctuary located near Nicholasville, KY.  Raven Run offers multiple programs not just for individuals but also for schools as well.  Information can be found at Raven Run’s website.

The sanctuary offers over 10 miles of trails that all are family friendly.  I decided that I would hit the red trail today which is the longest of the trails and has connectors to most of the popular view including Evans Mill and the Outlook.  So we will start from the parking lot which has plenty of spots and on most days needs them, as this is a very popular spot.  The lot was about half empty this morning with what I could figure to be people avoiding the Black Friday hustle and bustle.  As you start out it’s a short paved walk to the nature center which provides loads of information on the sanctuary as well as trail maps.

Clicking on this link will bring up the trail map for those who would like to check it out prior to heading out but if not then you can pick one up at the nature center or when you sign in.  After leaving the nature center continue on until you come to a meeting with the red trail.  You can clearly see the outlook sign leading to the right but I decided to go to the left, I like to shake things up a bit:).  I would rate this trail easy to moderate with an elevation change change of about 300 feet through the 5 miles I completed.  You begin with a gentle downhill that takes you to the first stream crossing, again elevation change for the whole trail was only about 300 ft so there were no real uphill challenges.  Between mile 2 and 2.5 was a very cool stream crossing with a nice bridge over it.  Click on highlighted part to see a short video.

Some of the other highlights of this trip were checking out the Evans Mill and Outlook over the Kentucky River.  The first I came to was Evans Mill, to actually get down to where it was located that I did have to leave the red trail just for a bit and it was definitely worth it.  At the meeting of two streams that were bulging due the recent rain made for a very nice picture of the falls of both streams coming together.  The next time I would leave the red trail would be to check out the Outlook.  Breathtaking views from high above the Kentucky River, the only problem is that there is very limited space to get a great view and there were several others there at the same time.

Finishing (or starting depending on your choice of direction at the beginning) you come to several plots highlighting different methods of dealing with the invasive species of bush honeysuckle  (Lonicera maackii). This plant species is invasive or nonnative plant that presents somewhat of a threat to out native plants in Kentucky because of it’s ability to grow rapidly.   This means that it crowds and shades out native species causing them to die out.  Always a plus when hiking trails are accompanied by good information on the natural areas we enjoy.

I would say that this is a very good hike to take the family on and I’m already planning another trip with my family.  Now if you are looking solitude this might not be the place for you as it usually can get a little crowded and you will meet several people on the trails, I met about 20-25.  I think that with almost anything it’s what your looking for and wanting out of your hike.  So if your wanting a gentle hike with beautiful scenery and don’t mind sharing with others than this is definitely a place that I recommend.  So check it out yourself, leave a comment letting me know your thoughts and as always happy hiking.

With my growing family I am continually looking for close to home quick hikes that can be completed in a couple of hours just to get that nature fix that we all need.  So while searching for nearby geocaches I found the Jim Beam Nature Preserve, having never heard of this place before I was eager to see what it had to offer.  This is a 115 acre preserve bordering Jessamine and Garrard Counties that was formed by The Nature Conservancy in 1995 along with the Jim Beam Brand celebrating it’s 200 year anniversary.  Having hiked near the Palisades before I know this area is very beautiful with moderate elevation changes that usually reward with a very good view of the Kentucky River.  There is parking available and is located towards the end of Hall Rd. just off of 27 on the Nicholasville side of the river.

The trail starts just off the parking area and is a 1.5 mile lollipop loop around the preserve.  We started on the trail just planning to find the two caches along the trail and head back to the car.  Shortly after starting you come to the fork towards the loop portion of the trail to left is probably a little easier on the climb back but we chose to go to the right having not hiked here before.  After finding the two we decided to finish the loop to see the rest of the area.  With no leaves on the trees we got a great view of the river from elevation, one that I believe come April won’t be nearly as visible.

As we continued on the trail we found several moss covered rocks and other exposed rocks that made good places to sit and take in the scenery.  I am eager to return to the trail later in Spring to see all of the plant life that will be thriving by that time.  Some of the plants that the preserve boasts are Starry Cleft Phlox ( Phlox bifida ssp. stellaria) and Mountain Lover (Pachistima canbyi).  As far as wildlife the preserve also houses two endangered bat species: Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) and Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis).  Even though squirrels were the only wildlife we saw this morning knowing that there are protected areas for endangered species offers some peace of mind.

The whole trip took a little over an hour so I definitely recommend this area for a quick hike or a hike with children.  As with most of our nature preserves they survive base on the kindness and donations of those that benefit from them so if you have enjoyed this trail or just want to contribute click Donate to The Nature Conservancy.  As always enjoy the outdoors and look after them, encourage others to get out and enjoy as well.  Happy Hiking.

The Gorge, often referred to as the Rockies of Kentucky offers some of the most scenic trails you can find in the area. On top of having some of the best views, it also contains an enormous amount of trails including part of the massive 268 mile Sheltowee trail. This article focuses on the area surrounding the Auxier Trail, and includes the Aux. Brank Trail, Double Arch Trail, and Courthouse Rock Trail. Hit up the Read More link to read about my experience and find the links for maps, gps, pictures, and resources.

Getting to these trails is deceiving based on local maps. At first glance, you would think that you could make it to these trails off of 77, however a one lane tunnel passes under the trail entrance. To get there, you need to follow take 15 off of the Mountain Parkway and follow it down to Tunnel Ridge Road. Map This map will take you from Nada, which is just off the Mountain PKWY, to the parking area for the Auxier Trail. A half hour walk could take you to the other side of the tail if you want to catch the Double Arch first. We started at Auxier though.

Trail 204: Auxier Ridge Trail

This is the first trail you’ll come to right out of the parking lot. The main feature of this trail is the of course the Auxier Ridge that gives you a nice scenic lookout giving you a view of Haystack Rock, Auxier Branch, and the Double Arch. It leads to the Courthouse Rock and loops with Trail 202 which makes for a shorter trip if you’ve got less time to work with. The choice between taking 204 all the way to Courthouse Rock, or splitting off and seeing Haystack Rock up close is up to if you choose to continue the loop to the Double Arch. We opted to follow it all the way.

Trail 203: Auxier Branch

Whichever path you take, they will both lead to this trail. It connects the Courthouse with the Double Arch Trails, and follows a nice scenic walk along the Auxier Branch. The walk features a shaded walk through some wetlands. There were a couple of muddy spots along the trail, but for the most part, the trail was high and dry.

Trail 201: Double Arch Trail

Completing the Trail 203 will bring you to your final choice of the trip. If you’re feeling a bit worn from the trek so far, you can opt to go left and head home. Otherwise you can venture to the right and witness the Double Arch. Unfortunately, we opted to call it day. Although, I’m sure the added couple of miles would have been worth it.

The final leg of the trip is a tough uphill venture feature a mean hill and some stairs. But just making it up the hill isn’t going to get you home just yet. You still have about a 30 walk on a gravel road back to the parking lot. Luckily it’s a flat one.

The first mile or so of this trail really isn’t all that scenic, although it is a well kept trail that is plainly marked along the way.  Enjoy this walk though, you’ll need your energy for the end. Halfway to the Courthouse Rock you can opt to take the Courthouse Rock Trail which will take you to Haystack Rock. , you have an option to take the Upon getting closer to the Courthouse rock, you’ll be presented with a beutiful lookout that looks out over the Double Arch. The trail will eventually take you over a narrow rock ridge and the scenic overlooks continue all the way up to your first Point of Interest, Courthouse Rock.

RedRiverGorge -KMZ File for Google Earth

Google Maps with geotagged images

Red River Gorge Trail Map (pdf)