Jacob's Ladder
Hilly road run, access from Lexington
8.1 miles - 723 ft. elevation gain
8.1 miles - 723 ft. elevation gain
The Jacob's Ladder loop is one of the most scenic runs in the area. After a long climb, you'll be rewarded by views of iconic House Mountain, as well as several miles of downhill running. There are several variations of this loop. Popular options include an 8-miler and a 5-miler. If you know your way around Lexington, you can start wherever you wish!
For an 8-miler, start at the parking lot near the W&L Duchossois Tennis Center and run down Woods Creek Road before turning onto Woods Creek Trail. After you pass Waddell Elementary School, cross the wooden bridge and go up the stairs and then continue onto Ross Road. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Jackson and then quickly make a left onto Sellers. At the top of Sellers, turn right. You're now on Rt. 11 / South Main Street. Continue on Rt. 11. You'll pass through an intersection and continue going straight. Turn left onto Jacob's Ladder Road. This gravel road goes uphill for about a mile and then ends on Old Farm Road, where you'll turn left. Continue on Old Farm Road. As it takes you back into Lexington, it will turn into Houston Street. Houston Street will then turn into Jordan Street when you cross Main Street. Run down the hill past the elementary school and turn right onto the Woods Creek Trail and make your way back to the start. For a nice change, switch things up and do the loop in the reverse direction. For a 5-mile option, start your run at Waddell Elementary.
Please be aware that you will be running on Route 11 for part of this loop. While traffic is usually not heavy, it is very important that you remain alert to your surroundings during this section.
For an 8-miler, start at the parking lot near the W&L Duchossois Tennis Center and run down Woods Creek Road before turning onto Woods Creek Trail. After you pass Waddell Elementary School, cross the wooden bridge and go up the stairs and then continue onto Ross Road. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Jackson and then quickly make a left onto Sellers. At the top of Sellers, turn right. You're now on Rt. 11 / South Main Street. Continue on Rt. 11. You'll pass through an intersection and continue going straight. Turn left onto Jacob's Ladder Road. This gravel road goes uphill for about a mile and then ends on Old Farm Road, where you'll turn left. Continue on Old Farm Road. As it takes you back into Lexington, it will turn into Houston Street. Houston Street will then turn into Jordan Street when you cross Main Street. Run down the hill past the elementary school and turn right onto the Woods Creek Trail and make your way back to the start. For a nice change, switch things up and do the loop in the reverse direction. For a 5-mile option, start your run at Waddell Elementary.
Please be aware that you will be running on Route 11 for part of this loop. While traffic is usually not heavy, it is very important that you remain alert to your surroundings during this section.
Website created and maintained by Laurel Worth Sheffield. © Friends Of The Chessie Trail