Legacy Trail

This greenway trail seems like what I've been looking for. Lexington is notable for having a relative lack of urban sprawl, with zoning laws ensuring that much of the city is surrounded by rolling hills covered with farms. The outskirts of the city are very pretty to drive through, but you can't really do much as the farms are privately owned and there isn't much in the way of parks or trails. Enter this paved pathway, which runs from the city proper out to the horse center.It seems geared towards bikers, which I am not, but there was certainly space for pedestrians and I saw a few others. I visited a section that ran by some university-owned test farms, and got a treat with nice views, ample songbirds, and peace and quiet. I did get mobbed by some sort of fly as it got dark; though it did not seem to be of any biting or stinging variety you definitely want to consider repellent, along with something for pollen allergies and some sunscreen. The entire length of the trail is farther than I could walk on one night, but I suspect it will be well worth exploring, as this is exactly the sort of thing Lexington needs.

The Legacy Trail is Lexington's first greenway path, starting at the North YMCA and ending at the KY Horse Park campgrounds. It's about 12 miles in length, with great views of beautiful Kentucky fields! I originally thought the Legacy Trail was only for bikers, but there are plenty of runners who take advantage of the greenway as well! It's perfect for longer runs. My boyfriend and I started running here about a year ago & will go when we have more time to enjoy a sunny weekend day, or want a break from running around town (no stoplights!). There is a parking area at the KY Horse Park end of the trail. Along the LT there are mile markers, however, I think they only line up if you begin at the North Y end. Very glad to have discovered this gem and hope to see more greenways be built around town!

I love that Lexington has this available and my family uses it for running and biking several times a year. There are a few different trailheads that provide convenient parking. Some sections aren't particularly pretty and you can get stopped for quite a while in order to cross busy streets, but the section between the horse park and Coldstream is awesome! I do wish they would add signage telling you how far between the various trailheads or other easy landmarks, and it gets confusing between West Sixth Brewery and the YMCA, so some directional guidance in that area would also be helpful. Still a wonderful option for walking, running, or biking through some beautiful areas.

As a fledgling cyclist, I was a bit hesitant to bike this trail. My wife has a bit more experience and led me to the trailhead right off the back parking lot of the YMCA. We only biked a few miles, but this is not a circular route, so we had to bike back the way we came.The trail itself is a pleasant paved path. Definitely pay attention to the path, as there are a few sharp turns particularly at the end of long downhill paths. Most hills are extremely gentle. Also, there is at least one intersection that crosses Newtown Pike, but the crosswalk actually designed with cyclists in mind.I definitely plan on coming here again. As much as I want to get in mountain biking, I need to up my road biking game first.

This trail gets a 5 for it being the only one of it's kind around. I suppose there is a trail where the dogpark is off Leestown, and there is a 2 mile foot path at the arboretum, but this trail has a good deal of coverage that feels isolated and in the country. The path is clean and paved. It welcomes foot traffic and bicycles. It is gorgeous to walk and a joy to be on. I just wish there was more tree coverage, but that is because I am pale :) I find sanctuary on this trail.

Nice little paved bike trail. Not a rail to trail, so there are hills although mostly fairly rolling until around Newtown Pike crossing. I will post a few screen grabs from my Strava rides to show route, elevation and my speed ;) One very odd but about the Legacy Trail is that it actually starts near the Thorntons/RiteAid at NorthBroadway/Louden. Bit of odd planning really. I have heard tell that there will be some expansion at the south end of the trail.

75% of the trail is enjoyable. Crossing newtown pk is extremely dangerous as cars will run the light or turn in front of bicyclists/walkers, so I've been turning around at that point. It would be better if it werent for inconsiderate people using both lanes or walking on the wrong side of the road. Parts of the trail are rough for bicycles and bridges have nasty bumps.