John Holder Trail

Join us while we hike the John Holder trail at Lower Howards creek Nature and Heritage Preserve. Imagine a trail where the whispers of Kentucky’s frontier past echo through a deep, shaded ravine. The John Holder Trail, tucked away in Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve near Winchester, KY, is one of the Bluegrass region’s most compelling hidden gems. It’s not just a hike—it’s a journey through time, wrapped in limestone cliffs, cascading creek beds, and the overgrown ruins of a once-thriving 18th-century settlement. While there, we'll see the Thompson Ridge residential area, a couple of graveyards, stone fences, and what's left of the Hieronymouse house. We'll walk along the old Athens Boonesboro Road and Holders Road. There is a creek crossing and you'll no longer feel like a hiker but an explorer. With the creek crossing, please bring water shoes or old tennis shoes. When I went, the water depth in the shallows was @ 5 to 10 inches deep. We'll be crossing the creek twice. While there I saw both deer and a flock of wild turkeys. When we are finished, we can eat together at Halls on the River. Eating at the restaurant is however not required. The address is 1225 Athens Boonesboro Road. Parking is behind the restaurant. If it rains the day of the hike or there is a lot of rain the day before the hike, the Nature Preserve will likely keep the entry to the Nature Preserve locked and we wont be able to get in. If cancelled on Tuesday July 22nd, a makeup hike is Thursday July 24th. This hike is a 2.5 mile out and back.