New Trails to Explore During Holiday Weekend
Major construction of Beckley Creek, Pope Lick, Turkey Run and Broad Run Parks is now completed, but The Parklands continues to design additional amenities to engage all ages and visitors with a variety of interests.
Hickory Trail
Today, The Parklands opened Hickory Trail to the public. This 1.45-mile trail for hiking and biking is located in Turkey Run Park. Built by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Hickory Trail offers an additional beginner trail for visitors to explore. This trail can be accessed near Brown-Forman Silo Center just after entering the southern end of Paw Paw Trail.
Osage Orange Explorer Trail
Earlier this month, volunteers from PNC Bank helped Parklands’ staff put the finishing touches on the Osage Orange Explorer Trail, made possible by a gift from PNC Grow Up Great. This half-mile, natural surface trail located in Beckley Creek Park is a great introduction to unpaved trails! Signs guide families on a journey through Beckley Creek, Ancient History and the Storybook Forest. Identify aquatic creatures and animal tracks along the trail, and use your imagination to come up with your own tall tales! Located behind the Marshall Playground & Sprayground, this trail is perfect for families with pre-K children.
Trails Under Construction
IMBA is now working on the hike only Limestone Gorge Trail in Broad Run Park, scheduled to be completed in late July. They will then move to the Karst Climb Trail, also located in Broad Run Park, which is scheduled to open in August. Construction of the Mountain Bike Ride Center in Turkey Run Park is scheduled to begin this fall.
The Strand
Construction continues on the final 2 miles of the Loop Trail. The Parklands hopes to announce an opening date soon. A portion of The Strand opened to the public on April 15, 2016. Visitors can access 3 miles of the Louisville Loop Trail in The Strand starting at Mile Marker 67.8 (Seaton Valley Trailhead) in Turkey Run Park. There is no thru access to Pope Lick Park at this time. Once completed, it will offer visitors 19 continuous miles of paved, fully accessible trail.
Remember, if there is mud on your heels or wheels please turn around! Staying off muddy trails helps prevent permanent damage, and your cooperation will help us keep our parks in world-class shape for years to come!
Explore Beckley Creek Park Trails
Explore Turkey Run Park Trails