Whether you are looking to do some urban hiking on asphalt paved trails, hiking with a side of history, or tackling challenging trails through beautiful Kentucky hills and riverside paths, Danville and Boyle County is a great place to start your adventures.
Locally you can explore the city’s trails system or travel a short distance out into the county and trek onto the trails at the Perryville Battlefield or Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge. You are also only a short drive from nine other area hiking opportunities, from the 36 miles of trails at Shaker Village to the 8 routes you can discover at the Berea Pinnacles.
Start your hikes locally in Danville, then branch out into the surrounding areas. You’ll find enough trails to stay busy for a week!
Perryville Battlefield Historic Site (10 miles west of Danville)
If you like history on your hikes, the Perryville Battlefield is a great choice. The more than 1,000+ acre site was the location of an important Civil War engagement fought in Kentucky. Pick up a map at the museum on the grounds and navigate more than 20 miles of self-guided trails, each with interpretive sign explaining the history, geography and wildlife of the region.
Central Kentucky Wildlife Preserve (13 miles south of Danville) Nature and solitude enthusiasts will enjoy the 500-acre Central Kentucky Wildlife Preserve, which is home to a wide variety of birds, plants and other wildlife. There are five main trails that traverse the property.
Sally Brown & Crutcher Nature Preserve Loop (17 miles north of Danville)
Hikers who also enjoy photography and bird watching will enjoy the two hiking trails at the Sally Brown & Crutcher Nature Preserve. One of the trails winds down to the Kentucky River in the Palisades area and the other twists through wildflowers, creeks, and mill stones. You’ll discover unique plant and animal habitats along these trails.
Berea Pinnacles (34 miles east of Danville)
Park at the Forestry Outreach Center at 2047 Big Hill Road in Berea where you can access 8 trails making up the Berea Pinnacles, offering gorgeous lookouts and varying degrees of hiking difficulty.
Shaker Village (13 miles north of Danville)
There are 12 trails totaling 36 miles on the 3,000 acres of property at Shaker Village, allowing users of all ages and skill levels to roam at their own pace. Begin your adventure at the Centre Trailhead, featuring family-friendly trails, a bird observation blind, Shaker mill sites and more.
Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve at Kentucky River Palisades (19 miles north of Danville)
The spectacular 220-foot palisades along the Kentucky River in Garrard and Jessamine counties at the Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve is now one of the largest natural areas in the region. There is a two mile foot trail through the forest and to the river, which is moderately difficult, with hills and steps.
Asbury Trails (23 miles north Danville)
The Asbury Trails and nature area include approximately 50 acres along the bluffs of the Kentucky River Palisades. There are more than 2 miles of trails, with a variety of environments and difficulty.
Taylor Fork Ecological Area Loop (35 miles east of Danville)
Explore this 1.2-mile loop trail at Taylor Fork Ecological Area near Richmond, Kentucky. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 30 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are July through September. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Dupree Nature Preserve (16 miles north of Danville)
This 300 acre Dupree Nature Preserve has miles of trails located along the Kentucky River and is also a great place for bird watching.
Logan Hubble Park (15 miles east of Danville)
A 400 acre Logan Hubble Park near Lancaster with paths around the property and its 12-acre lake.
Camp Nelson National Monument (15 miles north of Danville)
Find a wealth of information on Camp Nelson National Monument‘s walking trails, which provide opportunities for viewing a beautiful central Kentucky landscape and stretching your legs, while learning about various sites that made up the busy and complex Camp Nelson supply depot. There are multiple trails, ranging from 0.3 to 1.3 miles in length.
