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.
Recommended Hikes
Best for Geology
4 Falls of the Ohio Levee Trail
22 Donaldson’s Woods Nature Preserve at Spring Mill State Park
Best for History
22 Donaldson’s Woods Nature Preserve at Spring Mill State Park
Best for Kids
1 Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve: White Oak Nature Trail
16 Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
19 Salato Wildlife Education Center
30 Rocky Ridge Trail at O’Bannon Woods
Best for Lake Views
12 Jefferson Memorial Forest: Yost Ridge to Mitchell Hill Lake
20 Taylorsville Lake State Park: Lakeview Vista Trail
26 Mount St. Francis Lake Trail
Best for Ohio River Views
4 Falls of the Ohio Levee Trail
THE WEB OF LIFE. (See Hike 13, Otter Creek Loop.)
Best Paved Trails
4 Falls of the Ohio Levee Trail
18 The Parklands of Floyds Fork Coppiced Woods
Best for Rigor
14 Bernheim Arboretum: Millennium Trail
Best for Solitude
21 Vernon-Douglas State Nature Preserve
Best for Waterfalls
Best for Waterfowl
35 Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
Best for Wildflowers
