For those who love the outdoors, Kentucky’s capital city invites you to “take a hike.” There are some 40 miles of hiking trails scattered throughout Franklin County. Put together in one place, they would equal nearly twice the distance between Frankfort and Lexington.
Whether you’re a casual stroller, a brisk walker or a serious hiker, there’s bound to be a trail just for you.
Frankfort Trails

Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
The Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary consists of over 370 acres of woodlands and meadows bordering the Kentucky River. Six miles of trails pass through a variety of habitats that are open to the public.

Capital View Park
This 150-acre park provides a beautiful scenic view of the Kentucky River and is great for nature lovers. The park offers: basketball courts, lighted softball fields, soccer fields, grills, restrooms, nature trails, picnic facilities, 9.5 miles of mountain bike trails, and hiking / walking trails.
Cove Spring Park
This park has 250 acres of streams, springs, waterfalls, forested ravines, and other natural and historic features. Trails include walking, biking, nature observation, environmental education, and 6 miles of trails with interpretive signs (a portion of trail is handicap accessible). The Sky Trail is .08 mile and overlooks the city. There is a children.s memorial, restrooms, and picnic facilities. The Wetlands Trail is 3.5 miles and features wildlife and educational information. The park’s archery range is open seasonally with static targets and a 3-D range.
Fort Hill in Leslie Morris Park
Enjoy two Civil War earthen forts, the picnic pavilion, and scenic downtown overlooks. Paved hiking trails and woodchip paths feature interpretive signs and benches. Trail maps are available at the informational kiosks at the trail heads.
Josephine Sculpture Park
Open year round, JSP offers more than 80 works of art outdoors in 30 acres of beautiful rolling meadows just 2 miles from I-64 in Frankfort. Picnic tables are located throughout the park and several miles of walking paths through native meadows offer hours of family fun and adventure.
Lakeview Park Trail
Lakeview is a 132-acre park with an outdoor arena, 2 pavilions, walking/ jogging trail, picnic areas, soccer, baseball, and softball fields, skate park, and splash pad. There is a 9-hole golf course, driving range, and practice complex with Pro Shop.
Riverview Park Trail
This scenic riverside picnic area by the Kentucky River is in the heart of downtown Frankfort. The park has a pavilion, picnic tables, fishing peer, and approximately two miles of walking trails. Enjoy the River View Trail which runs from the Ward Oates Amphitheater to Buffalo Trace Distillery. Farmers Market held May- October. Boat Dock available for day use. Park closes at dusk.
Salato Wildlife Education Center
Salato Wildlife Education Center has four miles of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. The most popular hike is the 2.41-mile, round trip Pea Ridge Loop, which is described as a primitive hike through cedar and oak/maple/hickory forests. The trail has several ascents and descents and has been described as “moderately to extremely strenuous.” In addition to the hiking trails, Salato has two fully stocked lakes for fishing.
Thorobred Trail
A 0.8 mile paved trail that links downtown Frankfort to Kentucky State University. The trail can be accessed from the Exum Center at Kentucky State University or near the Commonwealth Credit Union in downtown Frankfort. The trail follows an old railroad bed before turning and going into Kentucky State University. The trail is for foot traffic only.
Vaughn Branch Nature Preserve
The Vaughn Branch Trail begins at the parking lot (continue on gravel road at the end of Flynn Avenue and it is the cleared area in front of the fenced pump station). The one-way trail ends at Vaughn Branch near a very large sycamore – about a half mile round trip. The park is open from dawn until dusk every day.
West Sixth Farm
Visit the farm for the adventure! The 120-acre West Sixth Farm features a ~4 mile mix-use trail system for intermediate mountain biking, trail running and hiking. The outer trails are open year-round, even while the taproom is closed.