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!
Raven Run has numerous trails running through the park. 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.
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.
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.
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 to register for an event. (859) 272-6105
Raven Run Trails
Map
Trail map in color
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- White Trails – These short trails connect the Red Trail to points of interest throughout the park.
- Freedom Trail – This is a paved, barrier-free trail located beside the parking lot. This trail is roughly 1 mile long and is the only paved trail at Raven Run.
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 Stargazing Dates
April 22, 2023 9 pm – 11 pm FREE Register ONLINE
May 20, 2023 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm FREE Register ONLINE
June 17, 2023 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm FREE Register ONLINE
Call ahead or check their Facebook page to make sure the event isn’t canceled for weather.
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.
Upcoming Events
Woodcock Walk
March 25, 2023
7 pm – 8:30 pm
FREE
Bring your hiking boots and come out to learn about the ecology of the American woodcock and head out on the Raven Run trails to watch their early spring evening courtship display.
Bird Walk
March 24, 2023
April 14, 2023
9 am – 11 am
FREE
Join the Raven Run staff in a new monthly program series exploring the birds throughout Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Beginner and experienced participants are welcome. Registration is required.
Spring Wildflowers
March 26, 2023
3 pm – 4:30 pm
FREE
Join Raven Run park staff on a hike to the Raven Run Creek to view our display of spring wildflowers and learn how to identify up to 12 species that commonly occur in the Bluegrass.
Wildflower Walk
April 1, 2023 1 pm – 2:30 pm
April 9, 2023 1 pm – 2:30 pm
April 14, 2023 4 pm – 5:30 pm
April 15, 2023 1 pm – 2:30 pm
April 23, 2023 4 pm – 5:30 pm
April 28, 2023 4 pm – 5:30 pm
FREE
Join Raven Run park staff on a hike to the Raven Run Creek to view our display of spring wildflowers and learn how to identify up to 12 species that commonly occur in the Bluegrass.
Spring Break Activities
Raven Run Scavenger Hunt
April 5, 2023
April 6, 2023
10:30 am – 11 am
FREE
Join park staff on a guided scavenger hunt around the historic Prather homestead. Kids K-5th grade
Junior Explorers: Wildflowers
April 29, 2023
10 am – 11:30 am
FREE
Junior Explorers Wildflowers – Take a walk to spot some of the beautiful spring wildflowers of the Raven Run woodlands, and then return to the nature center to complete a wildflower craft! Kids K-5th grade.
All programs are weather dependent and require registration through RecTrac. For any questions regarding registration, please call (859) 288-2900.
