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Sunrise 7:54 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

Over the river and through the woods

Hiking and nature walk guide for Lexington

Two people hike along one of the Red River Gorge's many trails.

Check out these gorgeous views from the Red River Gorge. | Photo by @billy.hikes

From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and mountains, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Lexington area with 8 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.

Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.

Key: Easy = 🥾 | Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾

Blue sky with clouds and a big open field with a path. — Take in breathtaking views at Hisle Farm Park. | Photo courtesy of @lexkyparks

Lexington

Hisle Farm Park, 3551 Briar Hill Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 3.3-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes, leash required

This 280-acre park offers everything needed for hiking and wilderness lovers. With shared equestrian trails, you may get a front-seat view of horses along your walk — just make sure to watch your step.

A view of the Blue Hole at McConnell Springs. — Empower Lexington focuses on protecting our natural systems and ecology. | Photo courtesy of @lexkyparks

McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 0.6-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pet-friendly: No

If you’re looking to get away without actually getting away, this is the perfect option for you. This paved trail is short + sweet, yet secluded enough that you forget the Distillery District is just minutes away.

Raven Run, Green Trail | 3885 Raven Run Way

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 2-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: Only on Freedom Trail
Pet-friendly: No

If you’re looking for a true hiking oasis, look no further than Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Take the Flower Bowl trail to view some native flora, or our favorite the Green Trail for the quickest route to the Kentucky River overlook.

Click here to get exploring

Events

Thursday, April 13

Pony Up for The Nest | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 12-6 p.m. | Keeneland Race Course, 4201 Versailles Rd., Lexington | $125 | Enjoy a special dining experience in The Phoenix Room + place bets with the help of an on-site betologist in support of local nonprofit, The Nest.
Networking Happy Hour | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Myriad Meadery, 732 National Ave., Lexington | Free | Come check out one of Lexington’s newest bars while networking and meeting new people
Late Nights at Red Mile | Thursday, April 13-Monday, Oct. 2 | 11 p.m. | Red Mile Gaming & Racing, 1101 Winbak Way, Lexington | Free | Don’t miss Late Night Breakfast with $5 food, late night drawings, live music + more.*

Friday, April 14

Free Dentistry Days | Friday, Apr. 14-Saturday, Apr. 15 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dental Wellness of Lexington, 527 Wellington Way Ste. 120, Lexington | Free | Residents who can’t afford dental work can make a screening appointment to see if they are eligible to receive free basic dental care, such as fillings and cleanings.
Restless Leg String Band | Friday, Apr. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Void Sake, 949 National Ave., Lexington | $15 | Round out the work week by sipping on sake and jamming out to these captivating bluegrass-inspired tunes.

Saturday, April 15

Strings in the Spring | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 6-11 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | $0-$100 | Celebrate Appalachian culture at this music event featuring live string, bluegrass + folk music, in support of nonprofit, The Appalachian Pioneer Project.
Abettor Brewing Brunch | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Abettor Brewing Company Depot Street, 128 North Highland St., Winchester | Enjoy a delicious brunch from Bells on Wheels plus mimosa flights and a bloody mary bar.
Bluegrass Creative Market: Spring Edition | Saturday, Apr. 15-Sunday, Apr. 16 | 12-5 p.m. | The Summit at Fritz Farm Barn, 120 The Summit at Fritz Farm, Lexington-Fayette | Free | Enjoy drinks and food trucks while shopping 50+ local artists and makers for pottery, home decor, leather, jewelry, woodwork, and more.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Civic

4 ways you can get involved with Lexington’s growth plan

The 2045 Comprehensive Plan will serve as the road map for our city’s growth for the next 20 years. | Photo by Ken Silvestri

How will Lexington look in 20 years? The Urban County Council will soon vote on Lexington’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan, the most important guide to our city’s growth and how it will evolve over the next two decades.

The community’s input is a key part of this process. Here’s how to help:

Step 1: Read the revised draft of the Goals and Objectives.
Step 2: Write to your council member.
Step 3: Attend the public hearing on Tuesday, May 9 from 5-8 p.m. at City Hall.
Step 4: Stay in touch with Fayette Alliance.*

Get involved with Fayette Alliance

News Notes

Traffic

Temporary road closures are scheduled around town today and tomorrow, April 14. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days, Harrodsurg Road will see lane and shoulder closures between milepoints 2 and 4, while Exit 2 off New Circle Road will see closures on north and southbound ramps.

Festival

Music festival season means more than just the music. Crafted Social is back at this year’s Railbird Festival hosting its Mercantile Tent. Here, vendors and craftspeople from all over the country come together to showcase their artistry. Applications to be featured will open this Friday, April 14.

History

Historical organizations across the state have received $44,000+ through the 2022 Kentucky Local History Trust Fund. In Fayette County, the Blue Grass Trust will spend $2,500 towards boosting its Virtual deTours program, while the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation will use the remaining $2,500 towards its Ashland Slave Dwelling Project. (The Lane Report)

Plan Ahead

Head to the Kentucky Children’s Garden on Saturday, May 20 in celebration of Addie’s Day. Along with offering free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the garden will host crafts, STEAM activities, and more until 1 p.m. Addie’s Day commemorates Adelaide Kennedy McReynolds, who died in 2011.

Job

The City’s second Clean Slate expungement clinic and job fair returns on Friday, April 28 at Central Bank Center. Lexington residents with non-violent criminal records can receive legal assistance and explore job opportunities. The clinic will run 10 am.-1 p.m. + the job fair will go on until 3 p.m. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

State

Following the damage that March’s major windstorms caused across the state, President Joe Biden has officially approved a disaster declaration. By doing so, state + local governments, as well as nonprofits, can gain access to funding that will help with future repairs. See if your county is eligible here. (LEX18)

Event

Pedal to the metal

Man biking along Town Branch commons Trail.

Lexington wants you to be part of this year’s Bike Month festivities. | Photo by Ty Cole

If you wheelie love leisure bicycle rides or consider yourself an aficionado, then city officials want your help.

Bike Month is coming up this May and to celebrate, several in-person and virtual events will be hosted around town focused on supporting bike safety and sharing the streets.

The city is taking applications for those interested in hosting their own Bike Month events. Submit yours by Wednesday, April 26.

Some events are already slated for the month, such as the second annual StreetFest, which brings residents together to bike, skate, jog, or walk on Saturday, May 13. Pro tip: Oliver Lewis Way will be closed between High Street and Broadway during this event. Those interested in participating can inquire here.

Still need a set of wheels? Check out these local shops:

Bicycle Face, 331 E. Short St.
Broomwagon Bikes + Cafe, 800 N. Limestone
Pedal Power, 401 S. Upper St.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

Do you have a go-to international grocery store around town? My personal favorites are Sai Super Bazar Farmers Market on Mapleleaf Drive and Sahara International Grocery in The South Shoppes. Drop us a line and let us know yours.

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