Bernheim Forest:
Although it’s a little far from downtown Louisville (thirty minutes south), Bernheim Forest is an amazing place to hike! With trails ranging from less than a half mile long to over 13 miles long, everyone is sure to have a good time while visiting, no matter their hiking ability. The Forest Giants, located in Bernheim, are unique art installations that add a fun element to the trails! Three wooden giants tower over hikers, providing shade during sunny days, and a quirky place to snap a picture. If you’re brand new to hiking, then Bernheim is a great place to begin. There are plenty of places to rest along the trails and restaurants nearby to grab a meal if you’re hungry.
I have hiked through Bernheim with my family and friends more times than I can count, and it never gets old! It’s a popular spot for families, and the food at the cafe in the forest is pretty good too. They have a nature playground that I played in for hours with my dog the last time I went. I remember my friends and I all piling on to a wooden throne to take a picture, too. It was such a good day, and I can’t wait to go back!
Caperton Swamp/Thurman Hutchins Park:
Located right off River Road, Caperton Swamp and Thurman Hutchins Park are both great spots for a short hike. Since the Caperton Loop is only about a mile long and Thurman Hutchins is mostly pavement walkways in a park setting, these destinations are perfect for taking a stroll. The main trail at Caperton Swamp loops around a pond and has the perfect amount of trees to stay cool in the summer. Thurman Hutchins Park has a deck overlooking a pond, which is a great place to watch the sunset or have a picnic
I have been to both of these places multiple times and have enjoyed myself every single time. In the afternoon, there are quite a few mosquitoes, so I would recommend going earlier in the day and bringing bug spray. Both locations are pet-friendly, so I love bringing my dog with me whenever I go. If you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends or wander around for a couple of hours, then I would highly suggest checking out Caperton Swamp and Thurman Hutchins Park!
Jefferson Memorial Forest:
Jefferson Memorial Forest is an expanse of over 60 miles of trails, perfect for families or pro backpackers. Established as an urban forest in 1945, it has been a popular hiking spot in Kentucky for many years. Unlike other places on this list, this destination allows visitors to camp, which makes it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway!
I have been going to Jefferson Memorial since before I started kindergarten. My mom and I would do family camping nights hosted by the forest’s staff every fall, and those were the first outdoor memories I made. The staff has always been amazing, and the forest and trails are very well-maintained. I also did summer camps there as a kid, where we hiked tons of family-friendly trails and learned vital first aid skills. Overall, Jefferson Memorial Forest is a fun time for all ages, and I would highly recommend taking a weekend camping trip out there!
Cherokee Park:
Cherokee Park is part of the Olmstead Park System, which has been around since the 1800s. Although it’s in the middle of the Highlands neighborhood, this vast park feels anything but urban. With a multitude of trails and paved walking paths, Cherokee is perfect for getting outside year-round.
Cherokee has always been a top meeting spot for me and my friends. I love going for little hikes and drives through it. The gazebos there are always fun to have a picnic in or play cards. The trails are marked clearly, and there is plenty of wildlife to admire from afar! I would 100% recommend Cherokee if you’re looking for a place to start hiking!
The Parklands of Floyds Fork:
The Parklands of Floyds Fork is comprised of 4 parks: Beckley Creek Park, Broad Run Park, Pope Lick Park, and Turkey Run Park. Although a little farther out (20 minutes from downtown Louisville), its variety of trails makes it a “can’t miss spot” for hiking or biking! With 30 trails to choose from, ranging from .25 miles to 19 miles, there is sure to be a trail for everyone. The Parklands also has ponds for fishing and kayaking.
Although I personally have never been, I have heard a multitude of good reviews from my friends and family who have gone. The Parklands has been described as clean, and almost out of place in a way. It goes on for miles and miles, yet it’s still very much in an urban area. With that said, The Parklands of Floyds Fork is on the top of my list the next time I go hiking.
