Long Run Park

A Nature Lover's Retreat

Tucked away about 20 miles east of downtown Louisville, Long Run Park sprawls across a generous 416.35 acres of Kentucky countryside. It's a place where you can disconnect from city life while still having plenty of activities available.

At the heart of the park sits a 30.5-acre lake that's become something of a local treasure for fishing enthusiasts and casual boaters alike. You can launch small recreational boats from the designated areas, or take out a canoe or kayak for a more intimate water experience. The recently upgraded dock includes an adaptive kayak launch point that makes getting on the water a breeze for everyone.

The natural landscape is quite beautiful. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife - bunnies hop along the grounds and deer often make appearances when the park is quieter. With rolling hills and plenty of green space, it's an excellent backdrop for a day away from screens and schedules.

Get Moving or Just Hang Out

Whether you're looking to exercise or entertain the kids, Long Run offers plenty of options. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the baseball and basketball courts and tennis courts, while the paved paths offer smooth terrain for walking, jogging, or biking. The roughly 2-mile road that circles the lake provides a scenic route for your daily exercise - with views that make you forget you're working out.

Families gravitate toward the well-maintained playground areas with their modern equipment and proper safety surfacing. During hot summer days, kids can cool off at the splash pad with its water sprinklers. For gatherings large and small, multiple picnic shelters dot the landscape with plenty of tables for everyone. Just note that while BBQ grills are available, they're limited, so arriving early on busy days might be wise.

The lake offers good opportunities for fishing from the shore or pier. The water quality is good for the fish population. If you're into paddle boarding or kayaking, the modest size of the lake means you'll have a peaceful experience even when the park is bustling with visitors.

Tee Time

Right next door, the Long Run Golf Course adds another dimension to the park experience. With its driving range, practice putting green, and full-service pro shop, it caters to golfers at every skill level.

The course is particularly known for its challenging back nine holes, which wind through hilly, tree-lined terrain that will test your club selection and strategy. As you play, you'll catch glimpses of the course pond, offering moments of natural beauty between strokes.

The Vibe

What really sets Long Run Park apart is its calming atmosphere. Even with all the activities available, there's a tranquility here that's hard to find in more central city parks. Weekends and holidays naturally draw more crowds as families gather for celebrations, but the space is large enough that you can usually find a quiet corner.

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11PM. You should know that as of recent updates, the permanent restrooms were being renovated, with temporary portable toilets standing in - though this situation may have changed since. And good news for dog owners: the park is dog-friendly, so your four-legged family members can enjoy the fresh air alongside you.

Long Run Park provides a nice balance of activities and peaceful natural spaces.