Читать книгу Five-Star Trails: Louisville and Southern Indiana - Valerie Askren - Страница 10

Preface

Despite the myriad hiking possibilities in the Greater Louisville area, many people are familiar with only a few of the better-known outdoor locales. While these might be terrific choices, the most popular places tend to be packed to the gills on beautiful weekends and holidays. Further, hiking the same places again and again can become a bit tedious.

Wouldn’t it be cool to find some new ones?

Hiking is enjoying an explosion in popularity, as more people are turning to walking for its health and relaxation benefits. And now that the baby-boom generation is beginning to retire, more people are looking for recreational opportunities. Simultaneously, Generations X and Y are increasingly strapped with children and demanding careers that compete for their free time, yet they’re not ready to give up their outdoor pursuits.

But how many of us have the time to hike the Appalachian Trail? And who wants to spend more time driving to a day hike than actually being out on the trail? I say, think global, hike local.

Happily, Louisville and the surrounding countryside brim with hiking opportunities off the beaten path. Nearly everyone will discover a trail in this book that’s just right for them—from a half-mile stroll on a level trail to a 12.5-mile hike across rugged terrain. Family visiting from out of town? Try a paved path on the riverfront. Kids out of school for the day? Check out one of the many hiking areas with a nature center. Looking for a romantic but cheap date? Explore one of the region’s many waterfalls. History buff? Geology nerd? There’s a trail for that, too!

Situated along the Ohio River, the Louisville area is chock-full of stunning wildflower displays, towering forests, fascinating caves, quiet trails, and friendly naturalists. Stroll a paved riverfront trail during lunch to clear your head or burn off some steam. After work, you’re just minutes away from a heart-pumping power walk through a forest or a slice of solitude overlooking a peaceful stream. On half- or full-day trips, you can explore a multitude of small, narrow gorges; steep ravines; tumbling creeks; and dazzling overlooks.

Five-Star Trails: Louisville and Southern Indiana lets you experience all this and more.