1. McConnell Springs,416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington, Ky. (859) 225-4073. www.mcconnellsprings.org
At a glance: Owned by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation, McConnell Springs is a 26-acre nature preserve in the heart of an otherwise industrial stretch surrounding Old Frankfort Pike. The land, which features over 130 species of plants and two natural springs, is as historic as it is beautiful - it is the site where Lexington was named, and still contains remnants of 18th century stone walls and historic buildings (including a gunpowder mill and a dairy barn).
Hiking: Two miles of easy, shaded trails (including a half-mile paved loop), winding along natural artesian springs.
Natural features: More than 130 species of plants; two natural springs.
Pets allowed? No.
Camping? No.
Directions from Lexington: McConnell Springs is located off Old Frankfort Pike inside New Circle Road near downtown Lexington. From either direction on New Circle Road, take Old Frankfort Pike toward Lexington. Turn right on McConnell Springs Drive (directly across from the Fire Training Center). Turn left at the dead-end onto Cahill Drive, then turn right on Rebmann Drive and enter the springs parking lot.
2. Red River Gorge
www.redrivergorge.org
www.redrivergorge.com
(Both are unofficial websites containing useful information about trails, lodging, wildlife, etc.)
At a glance: The Red River Gorge is one of the most visited sections of the Daniel Boone National Forest, which contains Kentucky's largest trail network - approximately 500 miles of trails through rugged terrain made of sandstone cliffs and exposed limestone rock faces. The gorge contains the second largest number of natural arches in the country (an estimated 150), surpassed only by Arches National Park in Utah. Natural Bridge State Park is one of the gorge's most popular attractions.
Hiking: The gorge contains hundreds of trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The website www.redrivergorge.org contains a great list detailing many of the most popular among hikers.
Natural features: Unusual stone arches, sandstone cliffs, and other rock formations; the Red River, 19.4 miles of which Congress designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1993.
Pets allowed? Though dogs are prohibited in Natural Bridge State Park, many hikers bring leashed dogs on the Red River Gorge trails.
Camping? Red River Gorge features a number of campgrounds. Background camping is also permitted in many areas, although a permit is required. Permits are available at local stores, the Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center and Forest Service offices. The aforementioned websites feature more information on camping.
Directions from Lexington: Take I64 East out of Lexington. After 18 miles or so take Exit 98 toward Mountain Parkway/Campton/Prestonsburg. Take Exit 33 toward Slade/Beattyville.
Take a right off the exit; the Shell gas station on the left is a good spot to pick up a trail map/camping permit.
3. Shaker Village
3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg, Ky.
(800) 734-5611
www.shakervillageky.org
At a glance: America's largest restored Shaker community, Shaker Village is a 3,000 acre National Historic Landmark featuring a historic inn, restaurant, historical activities (including tours and riverboat rides), shopping and numerous outdoor activities, including paddling, fishing, nature watching and more than 20 trails for walking, biking (mountain biking and off-property road cycling), carriage-riding and horseback-riding.
Hiking: Shaker Village features more than 40 miles of trails, consisting of paved and gravel roads as well as grass paths. Many of the paths have minimal elevation gain, although one trail features a 400-foot descent into the Kentucky River Gorge.
Natural features: In addition to numerous historic buildings, mill sites, and stone walls, Shaker Village features hundreds of wildflowers; creeks, waterfalls and ponds; steep cliffs; native grasses, butterflies, woodlands; a 68-acre prairie. Wildlife includes squirrels, chipmunks, foxes, raccoons, rabbits, groundhogs, coyote, whitetail deer and over 125 varieties of birds.
Pets allowed? No dogs are allowed on trails because they are shared by hikers and equestrian riders.
Camping? No (but the inn offers lodging).
Directions from Lexington: Follow Harrodsburg Road, US 68 West, approximately 25 miles. The entrance to Shaker Village is on the right. From the entrance, there are a handful of parking lots adjacent to trail heads; if you turn left at the entrance you will see a lot for hikers to check-in and pick up maps (although downloading and studying the trail map in advance is recommended, as there are a number of different options depending on what type of hike you would like to do).
4. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 5888 Jacks Creek Pike, Lexington, Ky. (859) 272-6105
Web site: Search for "Raven run" on the LFUCG site (www.lexingtonky.gov)
At a glance: 734-acre wildlife sanctuary along the Kentucky palisades inside the Fayette County line, dedicated to preserving the history and ecosystems of the Kentucky palisades. Staff members regularly offer guided hikes, tours and other events, including bird identification walks, tree identification, stargazing, and wildflower identification.
Hiking: 10 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderately difficult. To download a trail map and see descriptions of the various trails, visit the Raven Run 'fan site' www.lecorde.com/ravenrun.
Natural features: More than 600 species of plants and 200 species of birds; streams, meadows and woodlands.
Pets allowed? No.
Camping? No.
Directions from Lexington: Take Richmond Road east (out of town) and turn right onto highway 25 (across from Jacobson Park). Go approximately 3.5 miles to Jack's Creek Pike and turn right (at Judy Ray's Grocery Store). Go about 5.5 miles on Jack's Creek Pike and Raven Run is located on the left. A large chain-link fence and sign mark the entrance.
5. Berea College Forest
At a glance: Berea College manages more than 8,000 acres of forestland, including 12 miles of hiking trails that are open to the public. The trails offer spectacular panoramic views of the knobs and pinnacles of Kentucky's bluegrass region.
Natural features: Habitats include western mesophytic forest, mixed mesophytic forest, wetland habitats, old and new growth.
Hiking: A recommended, moderately steep 6.7-mile loop starting from the Indian Fort Amphitheater includes trails to various peaks with lookouts, including the East Pinnacle, Eagle's Nest and Buzzard's Roost, with particularly striking views at the West Pinnacle and Indian Fort Lookout.
Pets allowed? Yes, so long as they are leashed. A local dog named Tillie spends many of her days roaming the trails and guiding the hikers - she is not a stray so don't try to take her home.
Camping? No.
Directions from Lexington: Take I75 S to exit 76 and head east on KY21 into the town of Berea. After about 1.5 miles bear right at the Boone Tavern Hotel, continuing on KY21. Drive another 3 miles and turn into the Indian Fort Theatre parking lot on your left. All trails in the forest start from a single trailhead just past the amphitheater.
6. Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve, Brush Creek Road, Stanton, Ky.
At a glance: A 742-acre preserve in Powell County that includes a trail leading to "Boone's Point," the point from which Daniel Boone is thought to have first stood and overlooked the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Just outside the Red River Gorge, Pilot Knob features views comparable to many of the gorge's overlooks.
Hiking: