The Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead in Louisville is a 300-acre nature preserve featuring Louisville’s largest community garden, an 18th-century homestead, and a variety of educational programs.
This August, it will also be the site of one of the more unique trail races in the area.
“The Blackacre Barnstormer is not the traditional run on a road or at a park. It’s a four- or eight-mile trail run among scenery like one of the oldest white oak trees in the state, a historic homestead with farm animals and wildlife on site,” said Josh Allen, co-founder of Bigfoot Timing and Race Management. “We adjusted the course last year to include some more of those historic spots, and I think it gives people an opportunity to run where they don’t often get to run.”
The race begins near the 1792 head of the homestead, down to the Sunrise Trail. At the one-mile mark, runners dip into the woods on the Waterfall Trail and then onto Cattail Pond Trail.
Heading back toward the homestead, runners and walkers will pass goat and horse pastures, Dragonfly Pond, and finish at the Presley Tyler farmhouse.
When the race began more than five years ago, Allen said it was called Blackacre Trail Days. In a throwback to classic barnstorming parties—when stunt pilots would perform tricks in an airplane and bring in musicians while small communities danced the night away—they changed the name to the Blackacre Barnstormer.
Tying the nature preserve and barnstorming together, the trail run logo changed too, now featuring a goat flying a biplane.
The nature preserve is not stroller-friendly; however, participants range from children to seniors.
“Bring the kids or whoever wants to participate. We’ll be here from the time you start to the time you finish, and we’ll keep the same level of excitement when you cross the finish line whether you are running or walking. It was an accomplishment, and we want to celebrate with you,” Allen said.
Each participant will receive a finisher medal. There will be awards for overall male and female winners and the top three in each age group. If participants register two weeks in advance, they’ll also receive a Barnstormer T-shirt featuring your favorite goat for $5.
“Every year, people talk about the goats. We see a lot of runners pausing and taking selfies. We decided to make it fun — put some sunglasses on him. He’s always doing something unique or funny on the T-shirts,” Allen said.
Before and after the race, participants and visitors can check out vendors on hand, all geared toward the nature enthusiast.
Peak Freak Designs will return with their nature-inspired artwork, natural soaps, and more. Ken Combs Running Store is sponsoring the event and will bring trail-related gear such as shoes, backpacks, and other merchandise.
Water, ice cream, and prepackaged snacks will be available post-race, but the event is cupless, meaning participants should bring their own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
“I’ve seen everything from coffee mugs to Hydro Flasks and everything in between,” Allen said. “Our goal is to reduce waste and our production of waste, so we aren’t leaving debris on the trail but also keeping the environment as a whole in mind. We want to produce the smallest amount of waste possible.”
The entire event benefits Blackacre. Donations are encouraged, and a portion of proceeds from each vendor goes back to Blackacre as well.
The purpose is to remind or expose first-time visitors to the nature preserve, a unique space many miss while visiting Louisville.
“The property is open to the public, but it’s almost forgotten sometimes. A lot of people come to the race and mention they haven’t been here since their elementary school trip years ago,” Allen said. “Blackacre Conservancy oversees the care and upkeep of the preserve, homestead, and gardens. We are a self-funded 501(c)(3) and rely on donations and community support to cover operating costs like farm equipment, maintenance of trails, care of animals, utilities, and more.”
One of the original homesteads in northern Kentucky stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment and giving nature space to thrive.
In 1784, the Tyler family settled in what would eventually become downtown Louisville and held one of the first distillery permits in Kentucky.
Today, visitors can tour the Presley Tyler House from 1 to 4 p.m. every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., visitors are welcome to help feed the farm animals — horses, cows, goats, and donkeys. Through Labor Day, they offer hiking, story times, yoga, and more throughout the month.
Their community garden features more than 400 plots for those interested in growing healthy produce. Both seasoned and new gardeners are welcome.
In addition, Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead can be rented for indoor and outdoor events, including showers, reunions, parties, and other gatherings.
The Blackacre Barnstormer begins at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 24. The four-mile run/walk is $30, and the eight-mile run/walk is $40 per person.
