Scheduled Hikes
Group size for scheduled hikes is limited, so please call the Preserve manager at (859) 806-2466 and leave a message to make reservations. Because this is a Kentucky State Nature Preserve, no dogs are allowed on the hikes. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Hikers should dress according to the expected weather. The terrain at the Preserve is quite steep and rocky, so please wear appropriate shoes or boots. Shallow creek crossings are a possibility on all hikes and your feet may get wet. Please call the Preserve manager if there is a question about suitability of the weather. It is recommended that you carry water and trail snacks.

Hikes are free to members of the Friends of Lower Howard’s Creek. A $5 donation is suggested for each non-member.

All hikes will start at the Preserve’s main entrance/parking lot at 1945 Athens-Boonesboro Road unless otherwise noted.

Hikes and Programs at Lower Howard’s Creek

 Fall II   2024

Creek's Edge hike Sunday, November 3^rd 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. We’ll walk along Lower Howard’s Creek until we reach the old dam that fed a 19th-century, merchant grist mill; we’ll return along the 2,000-ft-long mill race. This hike is moderately strenuous, but there will be rest opportunities. We'll begin at the Main Entrance (0.7 mile north of Hall's on the River on Athens-Boonesboro Rd.). Call or Text 859- 806-2466 with questions. Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creeks-edge-hike-tickets-1062954719179?aff=oddtdtcreator

Long Hike Saturday, November 9^th 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Approximately 4.2 miles long, this hike takes visitors to a northern overlook of the creek. We'll visit several Settlement-era cultural historic sites along the way. Meet at the Main Entrance (0.7 mile north of Hall’s on the River restaurant on Athens-Boonesboro Road). Call or Text 859- 806-2466 with questions. Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/long-hike-tickets-1062946253859?aff=oddtdtcreator

Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike Friday, November 29^th 10:00 a.m. - noon. Join in on an annual tradition at Lower Howard’s Creek with family and friends. This hike is moderately strenuous, but there will be rest opportunities. We'll begin at the Main Entrance (0.7 mile north of Hall's on the River on Athens-Boonesboro Rd.). Call or Text 859-806-2466 with questions. Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/post-thanksgiving-day-hike-tickets-748671345147?aff=oddtdtcreator

GoodGiving Challenge Hike Sunday, December 1^st 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The 2024 Bluegrass Community Foundation's annual GoodGiving Challenge runs December 1-6. Once again, Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve is participating! The entire cost of maintaining and operating the preserve, providing public programs/hikes, and doing archaeology comes from donations from people just like you - contrary to some people's belief, there is no money coming from any tax source. For every person that attends the hike, an anonymous donor will make a $25 donation. We'll begin at the Main Entrance (0.7 mile north of Hall's on the River on Athens-Boonesboro Rd.). Call or Text 859-806-2466 with questions. Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goodgiving-challenge-hike-tickets-1062964989899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Long Hike Saturday, December 14^th 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Approximately 4.2 miles long, this hike takes visitors to a northern overlook of the creek. We'll visit several Settlement-era cultural historic sites along the way. Meet at the Main Entrance (0.7 mile north of Hall’s on the River restaurant on Athens-Boonesboro Road). Call or Text 859- 806-2466 with questions. Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/long-hike-tickets-1062977667819?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl