Red Trail -- Jefferson Memorial Forest

Spring's daffodils along the Red Trail

Distance: 4.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate with strenuous sections

Terrain: Varied--including dirt, pine needles, leaves, rocks, roots; creek crossings possible; singletrack and wider

Total Ascent: 1293 feet

Total Descent: 1315 feet

Features:  Exposures, wildlife, footbridge

Trailhead Location: Horine Reservation (Holsclaw Hill Road, Louisille, KY)  Get directions to trailhead

Parking: Gravel lot; Get directions to parking lot

Bathrooms: Pit toilets at trailhead

More information:  Visit the Jefferson Memorial Forest website.

Follow the gravel path from the parking lot to the trail area. You will see the pit bathrooms near the trailhead. There are multiple trails in the area, all of which are well-marked. The Red Trail is identified by the color red.   Follow the directions for the "loop."  Disregard directions for the "shortcut loop."

Trailhead sign for the Red Trail

For the first mile, you'll find yourself traveling over relatively easy terrain, mostly dirt trail. Running parallel to Cemetary Road, a gravel road that leads to forest camping sites, you'll likely see some campers, tents, or at least a few cars if you're here on the weekend.

At mile 1, you not only leave Jefferson County and enter Bullitt County, but you'll also find yourself running through a pine forest. The cushion of the pine needles and the beautiful surroundings make this a favorite portion of the trail. This area tends to be a little more secluded and peaceful, with the exception of an occasional airplane passing overhead.

Approaching mile 2 and the southern portion of the trail, prepare for a steep downhill portion for about a quarter-mile. If you are not an experienced trail runner, you may want to hike this portion until you feel comfortable with descents. As you travel along the exposure, you will notice the creek below. Continue beyond the switchback and you will find yourself running along the creek, and then crossing it. After periods of rain or snow, expect a little (or a lot) of water.

Creek crossing along the Red Trail

Immediately after crossing the creek, you'll be faced with a nice series of climbs. Be prepared to be tested here--even some of the most seasoned trail runners have to walk these hills. The trail becomes rocky but totally navigable, and just after reaching mile 3, you'll make a left turn and begin heading northward. Here, you will be treated to some fast downhill sections, which do not last long enough (less than a half-mile).

Footbridge on the Red Trail

After crossing the footbridge, you must endure a killer 0.15 mile hill (gain of about 240’) that makes both your calves and your lungs burn! At the top, the red trail junctions with the orange trail. Take a left to head back to the parking lot where you began this journey.

Not far beyond the 4 mile mark, you'll find more pine trees and some very gentle hills to traverse. Around 4.5 miles, you will see a fence ahead, signaling the near-end for your trail run along the Red Trail. Go around the fence and follow the trail a few more feet. You will cross Cemetary Road and return on the portion of the trail on which you started.

Run strong, be smart, find peace!