Celebrating National Take a Hike Day - November 17, 2025
From the Legacy Trail to Raven Run, Palmer Engineering is proud to have designed several of the most popular shared-use trails in Lexington, Kentucky. Each project blends smart engineering with community connection — creating safe, sustainable spaces for everyone to explore the outdoors.
Photo (left): Jacobson Park - Lexington, KY
You don’t have to go far to celebrate National Take a Hike Day — Lexington’s shared-use trails offer the perfect urban hiking experience. Palmer Engineering is proud to have helped design and enhance several trails that make Lexington a great place to live, work, and play.
Whether you’re seeking a scenic countryside route, a neighborhood connection, or a peaceful nature walk, these projects highlight how innovative engineering helps communities stay active, sustainable, and connected.
Legacy Trail
Stretching from downtown Lexington to the Kentucky Horse Park, the Legacy Trail blends city streets with the beauty of Kentucky’s rural landscape. Palmer Engineering designed the 2-mile Horse Park segment, completing roadway and drainage improvements, a new trailhead for parking, environmentally friendly pervious asphalt parking lots that reduce runoff and protect local waterways.
This project showcases Palmer’s commitment to sustainable design — balancing recreation, accessibility, and environmental protection in one of Lexington’s signature trail systems.
Jacobson Park Trail
The 1.5-mile Jacobson Park Trail connects open green spaces with surrounding neighborhoods, creating a safe, multi-use path for walkers, cyclists, and families. Palmer designed the 10–12 ft asphalt trail to meet ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for users of all abilities. With careful attention to grading and drainage, the trail blends seamlessly into the park’s natural beauty.
Masterson Station Trail
Palmer designed and constructed a 2,000-ft trail extension connecting two existing paths and leading directly to the playground. Completed in just three months, the 12-ft-wide trail accommodates walkers, runners, and pets. This project highlights Palmer’s efficiency and dedication to enhancing recreational connectivity for families and communities.
Raven Run Park Trail
At Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, Palmer Engineering developed a half-mile looped trail, including a 1,200-ft connector between the Nature Center and the Nature Sanctuary. The design complies with ADA standards, ensuring all visitors can experience this cherished natural preserve. The project reflects Palmer’s mission to make outdoor recreation accessible - including those with limited mobility - while preserving Kentucky’s scenic landscapes.
Whitney Young Park Trail
Located on Lexington’s north side, the Whitney Young Park Trail offers a 1,700-ft loop that connects athletic fields, the playground, and the community garden. Palmer’s design provides a safe, engaging space for recreation and gathering — strengthening neighborhood connections through thoughtful infrastructure.
From the rolling terrain of the Kentucky Horse Park to the trails that weave through Lexington’s parks and neighborhoods, these shared-use trails are a testament to how great engineering connects people — to nature, to recreation, and to each other.