If you want to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise while you do, we suggest going for a good ol' hike. Below, you'll find our guide to some of the best hiking spots in Louisville.
*(updated 10/30/24)
11311 Mitchell Hill Road, Fairdale, KY 40118
Head on over to Jefferson Memorial Forest for 35+ miles of trails filled with some pretty spectacular scenic views for you to enjoy. Some popular trails include the Mitchell Hill Lake Trail, Coral Ridge Loop, and Purple Heart Trail. Along the trails, enjoy hiking, biking, and even horse riding.
2120 Rundill Rd, Louisville, KY 40214
Iroquois Park is the perfect place to hike while enjoying nice weather. The Park features forested hillsides, amazing views, and a tulip poplar tree that may just be the largest you'll find in Louisville's parks system. If you're looking for a cool spot to check out after hiking, Iroquois park also contains a huge open-air amphitheater that fits over 2,000 people.
3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40241
An expansive 554-acre park, EP "Tom" Sawyer Park is a great place to get some hiking and recreational activities in. Here, you'll find the Fitness Trail, a 1-mile trail including a fitness area, and the Goose Creek Trail, a 1.25 mile loop trail that will take you through a variety of meadows and woodlands.
Mahan Nature Preserve Trails 12501 Harmony Landing Rd, Goshen, KY 40026
Mahan Nature Preserve Trails feature 9+ miles of breathtaking trails for adventurers to hike. The trails lead you through forests, meadows, wetlands, streams, and so much more. The trails vary from easy to moderate difficulty hiking levels, and include paths like Mahan Lane, Watershed Trail, and Turkey Trot.
1320 Park Rd, Mt Eden, KY 40046
Taylorsville Lake State Park includes a 24-mile trail system that's great for hiking, biking, and horse-riding. There's even a Wildlife Viewing Trail where you can get in your exercise while observing a truly fascinating variety of birds and other species.
Louisville Nashville Turnpike, West Point, KY 40177
1.9 miles long, Tioga Falls Trail is a great trail for both solitary hiking and family hiking. The trail passes by 2 train trestles and stone steps that lead to an abandoned historical spring house. A mile into the hike, you'll be greeted by Tioga Falls, a stunning series of falls that are 130 feet high.
Anchorage Trail 1500 Evergreen Rd, Louisville, KY 40223
A 2.1 mile hike, Anchorage Trail is a great trail for all hikers to experience. The trail passes by an amphitheater and a creek that's great for exploring. Closer to the evening, you might even find that some deer have joined you on the trail!
1200 KY-524, La Grange, KY 40031
Morgan Conservation Park is home to the Morgan Conservation Park Primary Loop, a 2.4 mile trail that takes hikers past some amazing scenes and views. On the trail, you might also come across diverse wildlife and an abundance of different types of birds.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110
With over 40 miles of trails available, Bernheim offers diverse hiking and biking opportunities for the casual as well as the more serious athlete. Trails vary in length from .25 miles to our 13+ mile Millennium Trail. Enjoy the scenery as you loop through knobs and valleys and along ridges and hollows.
Cherokee Park 745 Cochran Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40206
Come to Cherokee Park to hike the 2.3 mile Scenic Loop and enjoy a day under the sun. The park can be found nestled among meadows, woodlands, and hills, making the hike one that you will be sure to remember. Bring your dog along for a great hike with your furry friend.
10500 Cedar Creek Rd, Louisville, KY 40229
McNeely Lake Park features some great hiking trails, and peaceful views. After a day of hiking, visit the 46-acre fishing lake and relax on the water. You can also visit the Korean War Memorial, which can be found within the park.
Parklands of Floyds ForkBeckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245
The Parklands of Floyds Fork feature 4,000 acres of parkland that are filled with endless views and a huge variety of trails. It includes trails like the Strand Trailhead, Louisville Loop, and Humana Grand Allee (considered by some to be the "Best Walk in Louisville"). No matter what outdoor adventure you're looking for, the Parklands of Floyds Fork has got you covered.
3200 Tucker Station Road, Louisville, KY 40299
The nature preserve includes five hiking trails with diverse topography. Key points of interest: Waterfall Trail, Dragonfly Pond observation deck, and one of Kentucky’s oldest white oak trees.
3745 Illinois Avenue, Louisville, KY 40213
2 miles of trails and 80 acres of forest, right by Joe Creason Park.
Know of a cool Louisville hiking spot that should be on this guide? Let us know by reaching out to [email protected].
