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    Boone County Arboretum

    4.6 (23 reviews)
    Open 7:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Boone County Arboretum Photos

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    The park
    Leah A.

    This park is very close to me, I like coming to this place for the trails, the open space and all the plants that a person can enjoy while in the park. The park was not crowded at all, in fact I only saw a few people walking. It's a nice place to relax and enjoy nature.

    Elyse F.

    Nice place for a walk. Particularly on cooler days. There isn't much shade on the trail. The two main trails are paved. We also saw one trail that went into the trees. It appeared to be mostly shaded. A sign at the head said it's creation was an Eagle Scout project. Since we had a stroller with us, we stayed on the paved trails. Along the paved trails are signs explaining the collections, as well as what the plants are individually. The arboretum is more than the trails and trees. Soccer fields, and baseball fields are also available. League baseball was being played on one of the fields while we were there. Seeing the sports fields from various parts of the trail made it feel less like a traditional arboretum, and more like any other park. (Except there was more signage for the plants.) It distracted from the feeling of being at an arboretum. There is also a play structure near the entrance. I'm not sure we would make the drive out again. I prefer many of the Great Parks of Hamilton County over this. Since I am not overly familiar with the area, I'm not sure what other park options there are, or how they compare. If the arboretum was just being billed as a park I would give it another star. We were looking for more of a tranquil arboretum feel.

    Adrienne J.

    One of my favorite parks in our community. It has been a place where my family could grow. From playing at the playground and exploring the butterfly trail, taking a hike along the nature paths, to playing baseball and soccer and doing a few 5 K runs, this park has been great! The trails are breathtaking, and honestly, who doesn't want to walk/run under a tree tunnel?! It's not only a park, but also an arboretum. It showcases beautiful trees and shrubs great for pictures or for sightseeing. The Boone County Parks Dept. Does s fabulous job maintaining this park. Check it out if you are ever I. Boone County KY!

    Photo from arboretum's website
    Karina M.

    The nation's first arboretum set in an active recreation park setting, the Boone County Arboretum is a wonderful place to learn more about common and exotic flora while enjoying the exquisite Kentucky country-side. The arboretum is part of the Central Park grounds. And did I mention that it's free? Encompassing over 121 acres, the plants at the arboretum flourish year round, thanks to a state-of-the-art computerized irrigation system. Last year when my yard was a desiccated wasteland, the arboretum was lush and thriving. Almost every plant that I encountered as I strolled along the 2 miles of paved walking trails was identified with a small placard. On this sign, the plant's common and scientific name was stated, as well as an informative tid-bit about the species. Because the arboretum is operated by a partnership between the Boone County Extension Service and Boone County Fiscal Court, there are often a number of free or inexpensive workshops, lectures, and activities guided by expert horticulturalists. If you've ever had an interest in botany or just want to find out about plants to brighten up your landscape, make an afternoon at the Boone County Arboretum. Their website is full with useful information, such as maps, lists of blooming flowers, calendar of events and a searchable database of their collection.

    Took my mom while waiting on a flight. Just so happened to be Earth Day! What a beautiful park!

    Walking trails
    Brittney D.

    This is a great space to walk, run or just relax in nature. Come in spring or summer so you can get a look at all the beautiful flowers and plants!

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Great place to walk! Challenging in some spots but well worth it. I can't wait to walk this in the spring and summer!

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Love this place for the local walks and for the trails. Our dogs and kids love going here during the spring and summer.

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    Ask the Community - Boone County Arboretum

    Review Highlights - Boone County Arboretum

    This park has lots of ball fields, soccer fields, picnic area, butterfly garden and more!

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    Gunpowder Creek Nature Park

    Gunpowder Creek Nature Park

    5.0(10 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    I almost didn't want to write this review ... because this truly is a hidden gem and I don't want…read moreit to get too crowded! But, I think I've kept this awesome Burlington trail a secret for long enough. Let me start by saying that there is a park area with a playground and covered shelter and grill that looks nice and clean! On our most recent visit, there was a big cookout going on, and all of the parking spaces in the small lot were full. Don't be concerned if that's the case when you arrive ... there's plenty of street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood. And - even if the play area is full of people, we've never seen another person on the actual trail beneath the park. This trail is not for hiking amateurs. You can except a VERY steep climb back uphill at the end of your visit. There is a side path that's a little less steep - but it's very rocky with lots of switchbacks. I definitely recommend this trail for more experienced hikers. If you are a beginner and still want to check it out, just be sure you know what you're getting into. It's definitely worth the climb! My husband and I often bring our dogs for a quick spin around this trail, on both weekday and weekend mornings. When you get down to the actual river, there's plenty of wildlife to check out. Most recently, we enjoyed the blooming Honeysuckle plants, but steered clear of a few snakes in the water. Be sure to watch where you step. Check out Gunpowder Creek the next time you're looking for a unique nature hike with a bit of a challenge. You won't be disappointed.

    Very fun trails to walk around or run on. We had 2 dogs that we let loose to run around and explore…read morethe creek and they had plenty of space to not bother other hikers! Only downside is the way back to the car is a 1/4 mile hill that will take your breath away if you are not in the best shape lol. Great fun park all around.

    Photos
    Gunpowder Creek Nature Park - Snakes like warmer weather. Watch your step!

    Snakes like warmer weather. Watch your step!

    Gunpowder Creek Nature Park
    Gunpowder Creek Nature Park - Creek

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    Creek

    Boone County Arboretum - hiking - Updated May 2026

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