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ОглавлениеIntroduction
About This Book
Five-Star Trails: Louisville and Southern Indiana covers 37 hikes in the city and surrounding area. Given that Louisville is situated on the Ohio River, about half of the hikes are south of the river, in north-central Kentucky, and about half are north of the river, in southern Indiana.
Geologically speaking, Louisville sits on the far western fringe of the Outer Bluegrass, characterized by rolling hills and narrow ridgetops. Deciduous-hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, beech, and hickory cover most of this area, except for the occasional meadow, a leftover remnant of land that was cleared for farming. Just south of Louisville lies the Knobs, a region distinguished by distinctive steep-sloping, often cone-shaped hills capped with limestone and sandstone, rendering their peaks more erosion-resistant compared with the rock beneath. Southwest of Louisville lie the Mississippian Plateau and the far-eastern edge of the Muldraugh Hills. Unlike the isolated hills of the Knobs, the Muldraughs are an escarpment, or ring of continuous hills, that divides the Plateau from the Bluegrass.
North of Louisville, in southern Indiana, the terrain is also quite hilly and in geological terms is referred to as the Southern Hills and Lowlands. This part of the Hoosier State was largely untouched by encroaching glaciers, preserving a rich ecosystem of plants and animals that thrive on the steeper topography found closer to the river.
The hikes in this book are divided into five geographic regions:
LOUISVILLE: INSIDE I-265 This section comprises hikes close to the heart of the city, bounded by Interstate 265 to both the south (in Kentucky, where it’s known as the Gene Snyder Freeway) and the north (in Indiana). Most of these hikes are lightly wooded trails traversing a gently rolling landscape in urban parks, or they consist of level paved walkways adjacent to the Ohio River. (The exception is the trail at Iroquois Park, which ascends a 260-foot knob.) Several of the hikes begin at nature centers, making them perfect for cold or rainy days.
KENTUCKY: SOUTH OF LOUISVILLE AND WEST OF I-65 The trails southwest of Louisville generally travel through moderately hilly woods, including the Jefferson Memorial Forest. Two hikes lie just south of the Ohio River. (Fort Knox, a U.S. Army base southwest of Louisville, limits additional hiking opportunities.)
KENTUCKY: SOUTH OF LOUISVILLE AND EAST OF I-65 Most of the terrain in this region encompasses gently rolling hills, with the exception of the Knobs due south of Louisville. Adding to the diversity of trails in this region are Fairmount Falls, Taylorsville Lake, and Salato Wildlife Education Center.
INDIANA: NORTH OF LOUISVILLE AND WEST OF I-65 Hiking areas in the northwest quadrant can vary from rolling hills to steep ravines and cliffs, the latter being representative of the karst geology of southern Indiana. The Hoosier National Forest dominates much of this region. Also found here are the remnants of an old-growth forest.
INDIANA: NORTH OF LOUISVILLE AND EAST OF I-65 The terrain in this section varies tremendously, from small, intimate gorges (which escaped the leveling glacial flows that transformed other parts of Indiana) to the shallow lakes and waterfowl-breeding grounds of the Muscatatuck Plateau.
How to Use This Guidebook
The following section walks you through this guidebook’s organization, making it easy and convenient to plan great hikes.
Overview Map, Map Key, & Map Legend
The overview map on the inside front cover shows the primary trailheads for all 37 hikes. The numbers on the overview map pair with the map key on the facing page. A legend explaining the map symbols used throughout the book appears on the inside back cover.
Trail Maps
In addition to the overview map on the inside cover, a detailed map of each hike’s route appears with its profile. On each of these maps, symbols indicate the trailhead, the complete route, significant features, facilities, and topographic landmarks such as creeks, overlooks, and peaks.
To produce the highly accurate maps in this book, I used a handheld GPS unit to gather data while hiking each route, then sent that data to Menasha Ridge Press’s expert cartographers. Be aware, though, that your GPS device is no substitute for sound, sensible navigation that takes into account the conditions that you observe while hiking.
Further, despite the high quality of the maps in this guidebook, the publisher and myself strongly recommend that you always carry an additional map, such as the ones noted in each profile opener’s “Maps” listing.
Elevation Profile (Diagram)
For trails with significant changes in elevation, the hike descriptions include this graphical element. Entries for fairly flat routes, such as a lake loop, do not display an elevation profile. Also, each entry’s key information lists the elevation at the start of that specific route to its highest point.
For hike descriptions that include an elevation profile, this diagram represents the rises and falls of the trail as viewed from the side, over the complete distance (in miles) of that trail. On the diagram’s vertical axis, or height scale, the number of feet indicated between each tick mark lets you visualize the climb. To avoid making flat hikes look steep and steep hikes appear flat, varying height scales provide an accurate image of each hike’s climbing challenge.
The Hike Profile
Each profile opens with the hike’s star ratings, GPS trailhead coordinates, and other key at-a-glance information—from the trail’s distance and configuration to contacts for local information. Each profile also includes a map (see “Trail Maps”). The main text for each profile includes four sections: Overview, Route Details, Nearby Attractions, and Directions (for driving to the trailhead area).
STAR RATINGS
The hikes in Five-Star Trails: Louisville and Southern Indiana have been carefully chosen to give the hiker an overall five-star experience and represent the diversity of trails found in the region. Each hike is assigned a one- to five-star rating in each of the following categories: scenery, trail condition, suitability for children, level of difficulty, and degree of solitude. While one hike may receive a five-star rating for its stunning scenery, that same trail may rank as a two-star trail for children. Similarly, another hike might receive two stars for difficulty but earn five stars for solitude. While it’s unlikely that any one trail could receive a five-star rating in all five categories, each trail offers excellence in at least one category, if not others.
Here’s how the star ratings for each of the five categories break down:
FOR SCENERY:
FOR TRAIL CONDITION:
FOR CHILDREN:
FOR DIFFICULTY:
FOR SOLITUDE:
GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES
As noted in “Trail Maps,” I used a handheld GPS unit to obtain geographic data and sent the information to the cartographers at Menasha Ridge. In the opener for each hike profile, the coordinates—the intersection of latitude (north) and longitude (west)—will orient you from the trailhead. In some cases, you can drive within viewing distance of a trailhead. Other hiking routes require a short walk to the trailhead from a parking area.
This guidebook uses the degree–decimal minute format for expressing GPS coordinates. The latitude–longitude grid system is likely quite familiar to you, but here’s a refresher, pertinent to visualizing the coordinates:
Imaginary lines of latitude—called parallels and approximately 69 miles apart from each other—run horizontally around the globe. The equator is established to be 0°, and each parallel is indicated by degrees from the equator: up to 90°N at the North Pole and down to 90°S at the South Pole.
Imaginary lines of longitude—called meridians—run perpendicular to lines of latitude and are likewise indicated by degrees. Starting from 0° at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, they continue to the east and west until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. At the equator, longitude lines also are approximately 69 miles apart, but that distance narrows as the meridians converge toward the North and South Poles.
To convert GPS coordinates given in degrees, minutes, and seconds to degrees–decimal minutes, the seconds are divided by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.
DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION
Distance indicates the length of the hike from start to finish, either round-trip or one-way depending on the trail configuration. If the hike description includes options to shorten or extend the hike, those distances will also be factored here. Configuration defines the type of route—for example, an out-and-back (which takes you in and out the same way), a point-to-point (or one-way route), a loop, a figure-eight, or a balloon.
HIKING TIME
Two to three miles per hour is a general rule of thumb for hiking the trails in this book, depending on the terrain and whether you have children with you. That pace typically allows time for taking photos, for dawdling and admiring views, and for alternating stretches of hills and descents. When deciding whether or not to follow a particular trail in this guidebook, consider your own pace, the weather, your general physical condition, and your energy level on a given day.
HIGHLIGHTS
This section lists features that draw hikers to the trail: waterfalls, historic sites, and the like.
ELEVATION
In each hikes’s key information, you will see the elevation (in feet) at the trailhead and another figure for the peak height you will reach on the trail. For routes that involve significant ascents and descents, the hike profile also includes an elevation diagram.
ACCESS
Fees or permits required to hike the trail are detailed here—and noted if there are none. Trail-access hours are also listed here.
MAPS
Resources for maps, in addition to those in this guidebook, are listed here. As noted earlier, we recommend that you carry more than one map—and that you consult those maps before heading out on the trail in order to resolve any confusion or discrepancy.
FACILITIES
Includes restrooms, phones, water, picnic tables, and other basics at or near the trailhead.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Notes paved sections or other areas where persons with disabilities can safely use a wheelchair.
COMMENTS
Here you’ll find assorted nuggets of information, such as whether or not dogs are allowed on the trails.
CONTACTS
Listed here are phone numbers and websites for checking trail conditions and gleaning other day-to-day information.
Overview, Route Details, Nearby Attractions, & Directions
These four elements compose the heart of the hike. “Overview” gives you a quick summary of what to expect on that trail; the “Route Details” guide you on the hike, from start to finish; and “Nearby Attractions” suggests appealing adjacent sites, such as restaurants, museums, and other trails (note that not every hike profile has these). “Directions” will get you to the trailhead from a well-known road or highway.
Weather
As a river city, Louisville can get quite hot and humid during the summer. For that reason alone, hiking during June, July, and August can be less than ideal. During this time of year, you may want to consider a shorter trail or one with a reprieve from the heat, such as a nature center. Fall and spring are by far the most popular times of the year for hiking. Colorful leaf and wildflower displays always draw crowds. During these months, try to avoid hiking the more popular spots on holidays and beautiful weekends. If possible, hike during the week, after work when the days get longer, or on a less-well-known trail.
For many hikers, wintertime presents an excellent opportunity to get out on the trails. Crowds (and bugs) disappear, cliffs and rocky outcroppings are easier to see, and the contours of the earth become more apparent. And if we get a good snow, animal tracks along the trails, birds at their feeders, and ice formations on the waterways make for wonderful sights along the way.
The following chart provides a month-by-month snapshot of the weather in the Louisville area. For each month, “Hi Temp” shows the average daytime high, “Lo Temp” gives the average nighttime low, and “Rain” lists the average precipitation.
Water
How much is enough? Well, one simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when deciding how much water to pack: a hiker walking steadily in 90º heat needs about 10 quarts of fluid per day—that’s 2.5 gallons. A good rule of thumb is to hydrate prior to your hike, carry (and drink) 6 ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate again after the hike. For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain safe and healthy, so pack more water than you anticipate needing, even for short hikes.
If you find yourself tempted to drink “found water,” proceed with extreme caution. Many ponds and lakes you’ll encounter are fairly stagnant, and the water tastes terrible. Drinking such water presents inherent risks for thirsty trekkers. Giardia parasites contaminate many water sources and cause the dreaded intestinal ailment giardiasis, which can last for weeks after onset. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: cdc.gov/parasites/giardia.
In any case, effective treatment is essential before you drink from any water source along the trail. Boiling water for 2–3 minutes is always a safe measure for camping, but day hikers can consider iodine tablets, approved chemical mixes, filtration units rated for giardia, and ultraviolet filtration. Some of these methods (for example, filtration with an added carbon filter) remove bad tastes typical in stagnant water, while others add their own taste. As a precaution, carry a means of water purification in case you’ve underestimated your consumption needs.
Clothing
Weather, unexpected trail conditions, fatigue, extended hiking duration, and wrong turns can individually or collectively turn a great outing into a very uncomfortable one at best—and a life-threatening one at worst. Thus, proper attire plays a key role in staying comfortable and, sometimes, in staying alive. Some helpful guidelines:
Choose silk, wool, or synthetics for maximum comfort in all of your hiking attire—from hats to socks and in between. Cotton is fine if the weather remains dry and stable, but you won’t be happy if that material gets wet.
Always wear a hat, or at least tuck one into your day pack or hitch it to your belt. Hats offer all-weather sun and wind protection as well as warmth if it turns cold.
Be ready to layer up or down as the day progresses and the mercury rises or falls. Today’s outdoor wear makes layering easy, with such designs as jackets that convert to vests and zip-off or button-up legs.
Mosquitoes, poison ivy, and thorny bushes found along many trails can generate short-term discomfort and long-term agony. A lightweight pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt can go a long way toward protecting you from these pests.
Wear hiking boots or sturdy hiking sandals with toe protection. Flip-flopping along a paved urban greenway is one thing, but you should never hike a trail in open sandals or casual sneakers. Your bones and arches need support, and your skin needs protection.
Pair that footwear with good socks! If you prefer not to sheathe your feet when wearing hiking sandals, tuck the socks into your day pack—you may need them if temperatures plummet or if you hit rocky turf and pebbles begin to irritate your feet. And if it’s cold and you’ve lost your gloves, you can adapt the socks into mittens.
Don’t leave rainwear behind, even if the day dawns clear and sunny. Tuck into your day pack, or tie around your waist, a jacket that’s breathable and either water-resistant or waterproof. Investigate different choices at your local outdoors retailer. If you are a frequent hiker, ideally you’ll have more than one rainwear weight, material, and style in your closet to protect you in all seasons in your regional climate and hiking microclimates.
Essential Gear
Today you can buy outdoor vests that have up to 20 pockets shaped and sized to carry everything from toothpicks to binoculars. Or, if you don’t aspire to feel like a burro, you can neatly stow all of these items in your day pack or backpack. The following list showcases never-hike-without-them items—in alphabetical order, as all are important:
Extra food: trail mix, granola bars, or other high-energy snacks.
Extra clothes: raingear, a change of socks, and depending on the season, a warm hat and gloves.
Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries.
Insect repellent. For some areas and seasons, this is vital.
Maps and a high-quality compass. Even if you know the terrain from previous hikes, don’t leave home without these tools. And, as previously noted, bring maps in addition to those in this guidebook, and consult your maps prior to the hike. If you’re GPS-savvy, bring that device, too, but don’t rely on it as your sole navigational tool—battery life is limited, after all—and be sure to check its accuracy against that of your maps and compass.
Pocketknife and/or multitool.
Sunscreen. Check the expiration date on the tube or bottle.
Water. As we’ve emphasized more than once, bring more than you think you’ll drink. Depending on your destination, you may want to bring a container and iodine or a filter for purifying water in case you run out.
Whistle. It could become your best friend in an emergency.
Windproof matches and/or a lighter, as well as a fire starter.
Finally, don’t forget your sense of adventure!
First-Aid Kit
In addition to the preceding items, those that follow may seem daunting to carry along for a day hike. But any paramedic will tell you that the products listed here—again, in alphabetical order, because all are important—are just the basics. The reality of hiking is that you can be out for a week of backpacking and acquire only a mosquito bite. Or you can hike for an hour, slip, and suffer a bleeding abrasion or broken bone. Fortunately, the items listed pack into a very small space. You may also purchase convenient prepackaged kits at your local outdoor retailer or pharmacy, or online.
Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps
Adhesive bandages
Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)
Athletic tape
Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)
Blister kit (such as Moleskin or Spenco 2nd Skin)
Butterfly-closure bandages
Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (typically by prescription only, and for people known to have severe allergic reactions to hiking mishaps such as bee stings; check the expiration date)
Gauze (one roll and a half-dozen 4-by-4-inch pads)
Hydrogen peroxide or iodine
Note: Consider your intended terrain and the number of hikers in your party before you exclude any article listed above. A botanical-garden stroll may not inspire you to carry a complete kit, but anything beyond that warrants precaution. When hiking alone, you should always be prepared for a medical need. And if you’re a twosome or with a group, one or more people in your party should be equipped with first-aid material.
General Safety
The following tips may have the familiar ring of Mom’s voice as you take note of them.
Always let someone know where you’ll be hiking and how long you expect to be gone. It’s a good idea to give that person a copy of your route, particularly if you’re headed into any isolated area. Let him or her know when you return.
Always sign in and out of any trail registers provided. Don’t hesitate to comment on the trail condition if space is provided; that’s your opportunity to alert others to any problems you encounter.
Don’t count on a cell phone for your safety. Reception may be spotty or nonexistent on the trail, even on an urban walk—especially one embraced by towering trees or buildings.
Always carry food and water, even for a short hike. And bring more water than you think you’ll need. (We can’t emphasize this enough!)
Ask questions. Public-land employees are on hand to help. It’s a lot easier to solicit advice before a problem occurs, and it will help you avoid a mishap away from civilization when it’s too late to amend an error.
Stay on designated trails. Even on the most clearly marked trails, you usually reach a point where you have to stop and consider in which direction to head. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps to the point where you went astray. Using a map, a compass, and this book, and keeping in mind what you’ve passed thus far, reorient yourself, and trust your judgment on which way to continue. If you become absolutely unsure of how to continue, return to your vehicle the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea how to find the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults, and always the best option for children.
Always carry a whistle, another precaution that we can’t overemphasize. It may become a lifesaver if you get lost or hurt.
Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you’re fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, ford the stream instead: use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side isn’t worth risking your life for.
Be careful at overlooks. While these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops, and make absolutely sure of your footing—a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.
Standing dead trees and storm-damaged living trees pose a significant hazard to hikers. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. While walking beneath trees, and when choosing a spot to rest or enjoy your snack, look up!
Know the symptoms of subnormal body temperature, or hypothermia. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this stealthy killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer, especially when the hiker is wearing lightweight cotton clothing. If symptoms develop, get to shelter, hot liquids, and dry clothes ASAP.
Likewise, know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, or hyperthermia. Lightheadedness and loss of energy are the first two indicators. If you feel these symptoms, find some shade, drink your water, remove as many layers of clothing as practical, and stay put until you cool down. Marching through heat exhaustion leads to heatstroke—which can be deadly. If you should be sweating and you’re not, that’s the signature warning sign. Your hike is over at that point: heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause seizures, convulsions, and eventually death. If you or a companion reaches that point, do whatever you can to cool down, and seek medical attention immediately.
Most importantly, take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important asset on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best way to ensure a rewarding and relaxing hike.
Watchwords for Flora & Fauna
Hikers should remain aware of the following concerns regarding plant life and wildlife, described in alphabetical order.
MOSQUITOES Ward off these pests with insect repellent and/or repellent-impregnated clothing. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt may offer your best protection. In general, mosquitoes are at their worst during spring and early summer. In warm weather, mosquitoes typically hatch four to six days after significant rainfall. However, recent mild winters in the Louisville area have extended the mosquito season to basically whenever nighttime temperatures don’t dip below freezing for a prolonged period of time. When examining your hiking options, consider the presence of low-lying areas (including wetlands) and bodies of water such as lakes and ponds, which may provide a breeding ground for those little minions of evil. In some areas, mosquitoes are known to carry the West Nile virus, so take extra care to avoid their bites. Several cases of West Nile are reported in Jefferson and surrounding counties each year.
POISON IVY, OAK, & SUMAC Recognizing and avoiding poison ivy, oak, and sumac are the most effective ways to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with these plants. Poison ivy occurs as a vine or groundcover, three leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as either a vine or shrub, also with three leaflets; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf having 7–13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Within 14 hours of exposure, raised lines and/or blisters will appear on your skin, accompanied by a terrible itch. Try to refrain from scratching, though, because bacteria under your fingernails can cause an infection.
Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly, applying calamine lotion to help dry out the rash. If the itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. To keep from spreading the misery to someone else, wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also any oil-contaminated clothes, hiking gear, and pets. Again, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt may offer the best protection.
SNAKES Rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and corals are among the most common venomous snakes in the United States, and their hibernation season is typically October–April. But despite their fearsome reputation, rattlesnakes like to bask in the sun and won’t bite unless threatened.
You will possibly encounter the copperhead while hiking in the Louisville area. The snakes you’ll most likely see, however, are nonvenomous species and subspecies, particularly Eastern garter and rough green snakes. The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, give them a wide berth as you trek past, and make sure your hiking companions (including dogs) do the same.
When hiking, stick to well-used trails, and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Don’t step or put your hands beyond your range of detailed visibility, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step onto logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks. Always avoid walking through dense brush or willow thickets.
TICKS These arachnids are often found on brush and tall grass, where they seem to be waiting to hitch a ride on warm-blooded passersby. Adult ticks are most active April–May and again October–November, but Louisville’s recent mild winters have greatly extended the tick season, from March through November. The black-legged (deer) tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease.
A few precautions: Wear light-colored clothing, which will make it easy for you to spot ticks before they migrate to your skin. After hiking, inspect your hair, the back of your neck, your armpits, and your socks. During your posthike shower, take a moment to do a more complete body check. To remove a tick that is already embedded, use tweezers made just for this purpose. Treat the bite with disinfectant solution.
Hunting
A number of rules, regulations, and licenses govern the various hunting types and their related seasons. In Kentucky and Indiana, hunting seasons vary each year by animal, county, location, and type of weapon. Though no problems generally arise, hikers may wish to forgo their trips during these times, when the woods suddenly seem filled with orange and camouflage. For more information, visit the websites of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (in.gov/dnr).
Trail Etiquette
Always treat trails, wildlife, and fellow hikers with respect. Here are some reminders.
Plan ahead in order to be self-sufficient at all times. For example, carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-planned trip brings satisfaction to you and to others.
Hike on open trails only.
In seasons or construction areas where road or trail closures may be a possibility, use the websites or phone numbers listed in the “Contacts” section at the beginning of each hike profile to check conditions before you head out for your hike. And don’t try to circumvent such closures.
Avoid trespassing on private land, and obtain all permits and authorizations as required. Also, leave gates as you found them or as directed by signage.
Be courteous to other hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others you encounter on the trails.
Never spook wild animals or pets. An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most critters, and a surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to itself. Give animals plenty of space.
Observe the YIELD signs around the region’s trailheads and backcountry. Typically they advise hikers to yield to horses, and bikers to yield to both horses and hikers. Observing common courtesy on hills, hikers and bikers yield to any uphill traffic. When encountering mounted riders or horsepackers, hikers can courteously step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. So that horses can see and hear you, calmly greet their riders before they reach you, and do not dart behind trees. Also resist the urge to pet horses unless you are invited to do so.
Stay on the existing trail, and do not blaze any new trails.
Pack out what you pack in, leaving only your footprints. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an excellent resource (visit lnt.org for more information).
Think Global, Hike Local: Tips for Enjoying Hiking in Greater Louisville
Think inside the circle. Hiking opportunities abound inside both I-265 and I-264 (also known as the Henry Watterson Expressway). For quick lunchtime power-walks, consider the Olmsted Parks, such as Cherokee and Iroquois, as well as the paved multiuse trails along the riverfront. The other urban trails listed in this book are within easy reach of most Louisville residents, so they’re good for parents when the kids are in school or for family outings after school.
Think outside the circle. Just outside I-265 are a handful of trails perfect for after work, particularly when the days are a bit longer. Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Blackacre State Nature Preserve, Fairmount Falls, and all of the Jefferson Memorial Forest are just minutes outside the beltway. Even Mount St. Francis, in southern Indiana, is just 20 minutes from downtown Louisville.
Think social. Friends in town for the weekend? Family coming to visit? Not everyone wants to sit on the living-room couch all afternoon. Looking for an inventive (and cheap) date idea? A first-run movie and popcorn may set you back more than you care to spend. So head out to an urban trail or catch a cascading waterfall. Enjoy the natural beauty around you, pack a picnic or maybe a kite, and you’ve got instant fun.
Think indoors. Weather too cold or wet to hit the trail? Are the kids driving you absolutely crazy? Check out one of the many free nature centers around Louisville. Blackacre State Nature Preserve, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, and Salato Wildlife Education Center are free to enter, although donations are always appreciated. Spring Mill State Park, Patoka Lake Nature Center, and Falls of the Ohio State Park charge nominal admission fees.
If you’re feeling brave, bring boots and a raincoat and let the rugrats stomp every puddle from one end of the trail to the other. Tuck in a change of shoes and maybe some clothes for the ride home, and everyone will sleep well tonight.
Think winter. During the cold months, bugs and crowds vanish and nonstop views take their place. Cliffs and waterfalls become a winter wonderland as icicles sparkle like stalactites in the sun. Even a light snowfall can turn a simple walk in the woods into a gorgeous adventure.
Think intellectual. If asked “Hey! Wanna trudge 3 miles, swat mosquitoes, and get sore feet?,” how many people would say yes? Only the hardcore among us exercise purely for fun. But each trail on this hike can offer an exploration into history, geology, biology, photography, art, and more. Once you’re mentally engaged, the miles can fly by.
Think adventure. To keep your hikes fresh, try new trails, new hiking partners, new seasons for discovering the natural world around you. Bring your maps, your raingear, even the entire contents of your favorite local outdoors store. But don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure and your smile. You’ll be sure to come back for more.
