PRACTICAL WANDERLUST
If there are three things that make Louisville (and all of Kentucky) special, it’s bourbon, horses, and beautiful forested landscapes. But people don’t talk about Louisville’s natural beauty enough!
There is no shortage of fantastic places to hike in Louisville! I’ve listed the best parks for hiking in Louisville, and the best hiking trails within each park.
Located about 20 minutes from downtown in Prospect, the Blue/Orange Trail takes you to a sandy beach along the creek!
30 minutes south of Louisville, these friendly giants made from natural materials guard this 2-mile trail.
30 minutes north across the Ohio River, this 3 mile hike leads to the ruins of a 1920's abandoned amusement park.
Located in Jefferson Memorial Forest, the first part of this hike takes you to the top of the ridge, and you can sometimes get a glimpse of downtown Louisville through the trees 7 miles away!
An hour away near Bardstown, this working Trappist Monastery has 1500 acres of trails and forests. Hike the Trail to the Statues to enjoy 2 miles of art and scenery.
Cherokee Park is a big, beautiful park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted winding right through the Highlands, the artsy, historic neighborhood in the middle of Louisville.