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 2024

John Holder Trail hike Saturday, September 7 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We will stop at several points of interest and discuss the historical significance of each site on the John Holder Trail, including areas where the viewshed has been recently improved by dedicated volunteers. A low-water crossing is required. Meet at the trailhead at Hall's on the River Restaurant. Moderately stressful, 2.8-mile hike. Please contact 859-806-2466 with questions. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003573895537?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monarch Tagging Wednesday, September 11 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Attendees will be on the look out for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in order to record them on their journey south. This hands' on activity will showcase conservation efforts to regenerate native grasslands of the preserve. Minimally strenuous; weather dependent. Call or text 859-806-2466 with questions.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003575490307?aff=oddtdtcreator

Creek's Edge hike Sunday, September 22 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 and begins 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. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003583584517?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monarch Tagging Wednesday, September 25 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Attendees will be on the look out for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in order to record them on their journey south. This hands' on activity will showcase conservation efforts to regenerate native grasslands of the preserve. Minimally strenuous; weather dependent. Call or text 859-806-2466 with questions. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003587476157?aff=oddtdtcreator

John Holder Trail hike Saturday, October 5 10 a.m. - 12:30 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 and begins 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. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003590194287?aff=oddtdtcreator

Fall Colors hike, Part I Saturday, October 12 9 a.m. - noon. Shorter days will produce beautiful shades of orange, yellow, and brown on Sugar maples, Sycamores, Hickories, and others! Moderately strenuous. Meet at the Main Entrance, which is located 0.7 mile north of Hall’s on the River restaurant, on Athens-Boonesboro Road. Call or text 859-806-2466 with questions. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003597014687?aff=oddtdtcreator