Raven Run is a 734 acre nature sanctuary located just at the southern end of Fayette County. A short drive down Old Richmond Road or out Tates Creek Road will lead you to Raven Run located just off Jack’s Creek Pike. The sanctuary is run by the Fayette County Parks Department and is FREE to visitors.
What’s great about Raven Run is that it is truly a great hike but still within the city limits. You can always head to Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge for a big day of hiking but Raven Run offers a beautiful day in nature right here in Lexington!
The trails are longer so be prepared for more of a hike with your kids. The trails are not stroller friendly and are not paved. McConnell Springs features paved walkways and a great nature experience so if you still have one in a stroller check it out. For more info on McConnell Springs click here. Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort is paved, has live animal exhibits and is also very stroller friendly. For more information on Salato click here.
Raven Run has a nature center at the trail head and offers special programming throughout the year. Their full calendar is available online and some events are great for children as well as adults. We’ve enjoyed spring break activities at Raven Run as well and were very impressed with how educational and fun they were – and they’re FREE! Call ahead or go online to register for an event. (859) 272-6105
Raven Run has numerous trails running through the park. The trails are well marked and you can find information about the various trails at the entrance. When I took my boys (2 and 4 years old at the time) we headed toward the creek and I easily navigated the trails. There are other trails that lead to wonderful Kentucky River overlooks and various habitats. You can easily spend the entire day within the park so pack plenty of water and snacks or a picnic lunch. The path we took to the creek is a true hike in the woods with rocks and inclines. I was super impressed with my boys when they made it that far. It was early, not too hot and we weren’t needing naps. Plan appropriately if you take little ones on a trip like this.
There is a great trail to a beautiful overlook of the Kentucky River!
During our adventure to the creek we were visited by a doe and her fawn. They walked down the stream then crossed about 50 feet from us. The kids were so excited to see deer right there in front of them and it was a great teachable moment. Be prepared to see other creatures along the way and be respectful by taking care of their home and not leaving anything behind on your adventure.
The trails are beautiful in summer but the late fall and winter can also be a great time to visit. You can see even more without the tree cover and it’s a whole new experience!
Raven Run Trails
Map
Trail map in color
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Red Trail- The main trail loop that takes you through the majority of the park. This is a single track wooded trail which consists of exposed rocks and roots, mud, and potentially downed trees/limbs.
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Green Trail – This is a series of trails that allow visitors to experience the meadows of Raven Run. These trails consist mainly of mowed grass, are more open than the Red Trail and generally easier to walk on.
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Orange Trail – This trail is a 1 mile loop off of the Red Trail and consists of open meadows, some wooded areas, and great views from a high elevation.
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Blue Trails – These trails connect the Green Trails to the Red Trail at various intersections. These trails are often shorter and offer the ability to see parts of the Red Trail without having to complete the 4 mile loop.
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Yellow Trail – Located off the Red Trail, this trail provides a shortcut from Point D to H. This short, but scenic, trail offers incredible views of spring wildflowers during their peak blooming season of April to May.
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White Trails – These short trails connect the Red Trail to points of interest throughout the park.
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Freedom Trail – This is a paved, barrier-free trail located beside the parking lot. This trail is roughly .5 mile long and will pass over Chandler Creek.
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Discovery Trail – This is a paved, barrier-free trail located in front of the Nature Center. This trail is roughly .25 mile long.
Points of interest
Kentucky River Overlook – A 70 ft overlook of the Kentucky River provides a view of the scenic Kentucky River Palisades.
Evans Mill – The site of a historic grist mill built by Peter Evans in 1833. Raven Run Creek was dammed at the time and the water from the creek powered the mill. Area farmers would bring corn to the mill to be ground.
Moore Grave – This headstone marks the grave of Archibald Moore. Moore was born on November 25, 1840 and was buried in front of his log cabin on February 9, 1871.
Prather Homestead – The majority of what is now Raven Run was owned by the Prather family in the early 1800’s. The homestead includes a historic home, cemetery, and smokehouse.
Stargazing!
Stargazing nights at Raven Run are a special treat. I enjoyed a date night at the Stargazing event once and I was amazed at the huge telescopes local astronomers bring out for visitors to use. We saw the Space Station fly overhead, planets, constellations and other things in the night sky. Some events are held as early as 7:30 pm (time depends on sunset) and would be great to take kids to.
Upcoming 2025 Stargazing Dates – No Registration Needed!
March 29 – 8:00pm – 10:00pm
April 26 – 8:30pm – 10:30pm
May 24 – 9:00pm – 11:00pm
June 28 – 9:00pm – 11:00pm
July 26 – 9:00pm – 11:00pm
August 23 – 9:00 – 11:00pm
September 20 – 8:00pm – 10:00pm
October 18 – 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Call ahead or check their Facebook page to make sure the event isn’t canceled for weather.
Hosted by the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club
Raven Run is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (trails close at 4:30 p.m.). They are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas.
To learn more and view the calendar for the year click here. Call ahead or go online to register for an event. (859) 272-6105 Registration is required for events.
Bird Walks
Join the Raven Run staff for our Spring Migration Bird Walks during peak migration in May. We will explore the birds throughout Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Beginner and experienced participants are welcome. Binoculars are provided if you don’t have your own. Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Dress for the weather. Free. Registration is strongly encouraged. If you have issues registering, please call the Nature Center at (859) 272-6105.
May 23, 2025 9 am – 11 am FREE
May 30, 2025 9 am – 11 am FREE
June 13, 2025 9 am – 11 am FREE
Junior Explorers
May Jr. Explorers: Birds! Join us for a fun and interactive bird adventure. Through interactive activities and objects, participants will learn about different types of birds that live at Raven Run and their songs/calls; habitats; and behaviors. Program will also include a bird craft and an exploratory hike to listen and observe birds at Raven Run. K-5th grade. Dress for the weather. An indoor adapted program will be provided in the event of inclement weather. Registration is required. Please register all guests attending. All children must have an attending adult. If you have issues registering, please feel free to give us a call at the Nature Center at 859-272-6105.
May 31, 2025 10 am – 11:30 am FREE (FULL)
June Jr. Explorers: Caterpillars and Butterflies. Come learn about caterpillars and butterflies! We will learn about life cycles and investigate our beautiful pollinator gardens! If we have inclement weather or extreme heat, program will be hybrid indoor/outdoor. Otherwise, dress for the weather and bring plenty of water. Kids K-5th grade. Free. Registration is required. Please register all guests attending. All children must have an adult attending. If you have issues registering, please give us a call at the Nature Center at 859-272-6105.
June 28, 2025 10 am – 11:30 am FREE
Firefly Hike
Take a nighttime walk with Raven Run staff to observe and learn about fireflies (lightning bugs) in their natural habitat. We will look and listen for other nocturnal wildlife as well. Dress appropriately for a walk through the trails. Registration is required. Please register all guests attending. All ages are welcome. If you have issues registering, please give us a call at 859-272-6105.
June 14, 2025 8:30 pm – 10 pm $8
Pollinator Week
Pollinator Week: Honey Bees for Kids
Celebrate Pollinator Week at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary! Come on a bee hunt with us! We will be exploring bee habitat and looking for Kentucky pollinators along the way. Kids will also get to talk to a bee keeper and ask questions about honey bees and taste some Kentucky honey! Program will be lead by our State Apiarist Amanda Skidmore with the Department of Agriculture and Entomologist Caroline Kane with the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves. Program is recommended for children and families. Free. Registration is highly recommended. If you have issues registering or have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at the Nature Center at 859-272-6105.
June 18, 2025 2 pm – 3:30 pm FREE
Pollinator Week: Kentucky Bees 101
Celebrate Pollinator Week at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary! Come learn about the different bee pollinators in Kentucky and what you can do to help keep them healthy! We will also talk about specific native flowers and nesting habitats that you can set up on your property. Program will be lead by our State Apiarist Amanda Skidmore with the Department of Agriculture and Entomologist Caroline Kane with the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves. Program is recommended for adults. Free. Registration is highly recommended. If you have issues registering or have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at the Nature Center at 859-272-6105.
June 18, 2025 4:30 pm – 6 pm FREE
Pride Hike
In partnership with the Lexington Pride Center, we will be celebrating LGBTQIA+ resilience and community at our June Pride Hike! Come learn about flora and fauna at Raven Run or you can just join the hike for fellowship and a beautiful morning in nature. Hike will be approximately 1.5 – 2 miles over moderately difficult terrain. Recommended for adults and ages 8+ but all ages are welcome. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots and dress for the weather. We recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Event is free. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have issues registering or have any questions about the hike, please feel free to give us a call at the Nature Center at 859-272-6105.
June 21, 2025 10 am – 11:45 am FREE
All programs are weather dependent and require registration through RecTrac. For any questions regarding registration, please call (859) 288-2900.
REGISTER HERE
Track Chair Reservations
Lexington Parks & Recreation is proud to offer guided hikes for users in our all-terrain Action Track Chair, stationed at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Users with mobility issues now have a chance to explore more of what our park has to offer! Currently, the chair will be stationed at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and those participating in a Trackchair hike will be accompanied by a staff member and will have the chance to choose between several different routes throughout the park, depending on weather and trail conditions.
