University of Kentucky Arboretum

When you hike at the University of Kentucky Arboretum, you can experience all seven geographical regions found in the state by hiking the Walk Across Kentucky Loop. This paved trail wanders through areas that highlight woods, prairie, ridges, plateau, hills, and bluegrass. You'll be able to observe trees, shrubs, and flowers that are indigenous to Kentucky as you walk through this botanical garden. There are restrooms in the visitor center near the parking lot.

From the lot, you can head past the children's garden through the Pennyrile Region that features tall prairie grass and oak trees. You'll see wildflowers blooming throughout the year, but fall offers the most color here. Looping back past the entrance, the trail wanders through the East and West Knobs Region. This area boasts foothills, knobs, terraces, and floodplain and includes a variety of vegetation. 

From here, the route continues into the Appalachian Plateau Region and skirts along the Cumberland Mountain Region. Along these ridgelines, you'll see trees that include oaks, maple, and pines. There are also some plants that are unique to these geographical regions, like Fraser magnolia and yellow birch. As you leave the plateau, you'll walk through some bluegrass to the optional Arboretum Woods Path. This branch loop heads through 16 acres of forest with 18 species of trees that are native to the state. The last region in the arboretum is the Shawnee Hills Floodplain collection. Head over the boardwalk, past a wildflower meadow, and past sandstone boulders here. 

When you come here with your pup, they must stay on a leash and stick to the path. Immediately collect any waste and dispose of it. There are trash cans available throughout the gardens.

Enjoy a walk through the different terrains and habitats of the Walk Across Kentucky Loop at the University of Kentucky Arboretum. This pawmazing botanical garden is open year-round, but there's restricted automobile entry during home football games.