Best Outdoor Activities in Lexington KY

The best outdoor activities in Lexington KY take advantage of something this city has in abundance: beautiful land. The Bluegrass Region is one of the most scenic landscapes in the eastern United States, and Lexington sits right in the middle of it. Whether you want a serious hike, a casual bike ride, a paddle on a lake, or a walk through a working horse farm, you can do it all here.

Trails and Hiking

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary on Jacks Creek Pike is the crown jewel. This 734-acre nature sanctuary features over 10 miles of trails through meadows, forests, and along the Kentucky River palisades. The main trail to the river overlook is moderate in difficulty and the view from the top is stunning. You are looking down at limestone cliffs and the Kentucky River from several hundred feet up. It does not feel like you are 15 minutes from suburban Lexington, but you are. Free admission, open daily.

Legacy Trail is Lexington's premier multi-use path, running 12 miles from the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden downtown to the Kentucky Horse Park. It is paved, flat, and perfect for biking, running, or walking. The trail passes through horse farm country and the views of white fences and rolling pastures are exactly what people picture when they think of Kentucky. I ride it regularly and it is one of my favorite things about living here.

Masterson Station Park on Leestown Road is one of the larger public parks in the city with trails, soccer fields, a fishing lake, and a dog park. The trails are flat and easy, making it a good option for families. The park is well maintained and rarely overcrowded.

McConnell Springs on Old Frankfort Pike is a small but historically significant park where the city's founders camped in 1775. The trails loop through woods and past natural springs and it is a peaceful escape that is surprisingly close to busy Lexington streets.

Parks and Green Spaces

Jacobson Park on Richmond Road is the biggest park in the city at 216 acres. It has a lake for fishing and kayaking, trails, picnic shelters, a dog park, and plenty of open space. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available during warmer months. On a nice Saturday afternoon, this is one of the most popular spots in Lexington.

Woodland Park in the Woodland Triangle near UK's campus is a smaller neighborhood park that hosts summer concerts and community events. It is a nice green space in a dense part of the city.

The Arboretum on Alumni Drive near UK's campus is 100 acres of gardens, woodlands, and walking paths. The Kentucky Children's Garden within the Arboretum is a great spot for families. Admission is free.

Horse Farm Tours

You cannot live in or visit Lexington without experiencing a horse farm, and several offer tours.

Keeneland offers free morning workouts where you can watch thoroughbreds train from the rail during meet season and most mornings throughout the year. The breakfast at the Track Kitchen is a local tradition.

Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, about 15 minutes north of Lexington, is a retirement home for thoroughbred racehorses. The tours let you meet former champions and it is one of the most heartwarming experiences in the region. I have taken out-of-town guests there and they always love it.

Thoroughbred Center on Paris Pike offers morning tours where you can see horses being trained and learn about the daily operations of the thoroughbred industry.

Water Activities

Jacobson Park lake offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals from spring through fall. It is a calm, easy paddle and perfect for beginners.

The Kentucky River is accessible from several points near Lexington for canoeing and kayaking. Canoe Kentucky on Elkhorn Creek near Frankfort offers guided trips that are about a 30-minute drive from Lexington.

Cycling

Beyond the Legacy Trail, Lexington has a growing network of bike lanes and paths. The city's relatively flat terrain makes it good for casual riding. The horse farm roads outside of town, particularly Old Frankfort Pike, Paris Pike, and Iron Works Pike, are popular with road cyclists. The scenery on those roads is world class.

For more ideas on things to do in Lexington, check our events page and explore the neighborhoods to find parks and green spaces near where you are staying. The Lexington Parks and Recreation website has the full list of public parks and facilities.

The outdoors in Lexington are genuinely underrated. Get outside and see what this landscape has to offer.