Kentucky River Palisades
Hike an old roadbed built by the Shakers in 1826 or drive the scenic paved road to Shaker Landing. The 400 feet descent into the Kentucky River Gorge will take you through millions of years of geological history. Observe several types of limestone and the oldest exposed rock in the state - formations between 400 and 450 million years old.
Along the river’s edge, find river bottom hardwoods, majestic spring waterfalls and the sheer vertical cliffs of the palisades. Explore the river’s diverse ecosystem by foot along the River Road and Palisades Trails or quietly cruise down the river aboard the Dixie Belle riverboat.
Ponds and Creeks
Creeks, ponds and marshes are an integral part of Shaker Village and are rich with aquatic flora and fauna. These same water sources nourished the Shaker community living here at Pleasant Hill over 200 years ago.
Remnants of the Shaker’s dependence on these water sources can be explored at the remains of their mills, bridge sites and dam. These ruins can be spotted along the Mill Sites Trail, Shawnee Run Trail and the restored 1837 Turnpike Road.
Dominated by wildflowers, native grasses, butterflies and grassland animals the village’s 68 acre prairie is an important part of Kentucky’s natural history. Prairies were once prevalent throughout the state. Now they are a unique and vanishing native ecosystem.
The prairies are lush with flowering plants from April through October, at its peak in July and alive with migrating birds in September and October. The prairies are located along the 1837 Turnpike Road Trail and the Red Oak Trail.
Shaker Village is home to one of the largest canebrakes in Kentucky. Cane, a member of the bamboo family, is a native grass and is the only grass in Kentucky to also be classified as a woody plant. More than 5 acres of native cane can be explored along the Prickly Pear and Shawnee Run Trails.
The village is home to acres of natural wooded areas. The woodlands are abloom with wildflowers through three of our seasons, shelter many birds year-round, and have interesting and varied plant, animal, fungi and insect diversity. There are several connecting trails looping around and running through woodland areas, including the Shawnee Run Trail, Towering Sycamore Trail and the Chinquapin Trail.
Squirrels, chipmunks, foxes, raccoons, rabbits, groundhogs and coyote may be spotted along the trails. Whitetail deer will likely bound away as you approach. Over 125 varieties of birds have been spotted throughout the village.