Support Us Button Widget

Winter hiking near Lexington, Kentucky

Bundle up and brave the cold to soak in Central Kentucky’s beautiful hiking trails offering unobstructed views + frozen waterfalls.

the inside of a cave

The view from a rock shelter along Bark Camp Creek Trail | Photo by @krophotography

Table of Contents

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, cold-weather hiking is some of the best hiking.

While many Lexingtonians need no motivation for hiking in the cold, we wanted to give you some of our favorite reasons for embracing cold-weather hiking.

  • Waterfalls are often their biggest in the winter, and frozen waterfalls are especially beautiful.
  • Fewer people hike in colder months.
  • Visibility is often clearer from lookout points.
  • There are fewer bugs + less humidity.
  • With no foliage on the trees, Kentucky’s stunning cliff lines are less obstructed while hiking at lower elevations.
a photo of landscape

The view from the top of Lily Mountain | Photo by The LEXtoday team

Our winter hiking tips

  • Check Daniel Boone National Forest’s alerts + notices before you go — winter conditions often cause road closures.
  • Invest in a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes — they’ll keep you warmer + provide better support and balance. J&H Outdoors offers hiking shoe options for every experience level.
  • Pack extra snacks. Your body uses more energy to stay warm when it’s cold outside.
  • Treat yourself. You just simultaneously braved the cold + the wilderness. Plan a post-hike meal at your favorite local restaurant.

Our winter hiking recommendations

  • Veterans Park | Start closer to home — this 235-acre city park offers mixed-use hiking trails that will make you forget downtown is only 20 minutes away.
  • Sheltowee Trace to Rough Trail | Start at Red River Gorge’s famed suspension bridge + hike straight into the heart of The Red. Dramatic cliff lines will quickly reveal themselves as you meander along the banks of Chimney Top Creek.
  • Lily Mountain Nature Preserve | If you are seeking seclusion, look no further. This trail offers epic vistas of Bluegrass farmland + the Cumberland Plateau.
  • Bark Camp Creek | Explore caves, cascades + rock shelters as you hike along Bark Camp Creek.
More from LEXtoday
Help keep Lexington’s waterways clean by painting a local storm drain with important pollution prevention messaging.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
From downtown stops to airport routes, Lextran makes navigating the city simple. Learn how to plan your trip, find fares, and make the most of public transit.
Stock up on fresh, local flavors at Lexington’s top farm shops. Family farms and markets offer seasonal picks and homemade treats.
From tiny homes to 21c, Lexington is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
Have a night full of treats — not tricks — whether you’re trick-or-treating, passing candy out, or just avoiding the extra traffic.
You don’t have to travel to the Napa Valley for that true vineyard experience — just outside of Lexington seven wineries are ready to host you for glasses, tastings, and tours.
Lexington rent prices can vary widely depending on where you live. Here’s a look at the priciest, most affordable, and most popular neighborhoods in the city.