Hiking Trails Near Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky, might not be the first place that comes into your mind when you think of amazing landscapes, but it’s ideally located for individuals who love hiking. The hikes near Louisville offer striking gorges, amazing waterfalls, stunning views, and much more. Let’s look at some of the popular hiking trails near Louisville.

Bridges To the Past and Tioga Falls

Bridges to the Past and Tioga Falls are part of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Knox. They are located about one mile south of West Point, Kentucky, from Highway 31 West.

The paved Bridges to the Past trail takes you along a preserved part of the historic Louisville and Nashville Turnpike, which was first built in 1830. It’s a picturesque road dotted with old bridges that winds along a creek. The adjacent Tioga Falls trail is an easy hike along an unpaved road that leads you to a lovely multitier waterfall. If you hike both trails, it’s about a 4-mile trip. 

Morgan Conservation Park

Operated as a tobacco and cattle farm for over a century, Morgan Conservation Park is a secluded and quiet park in La Grange, Kentucky, that spans about 217 acres and offers hikers an intricate trail network to explore. Before you set out on the first trail, take a picture of the map, because it’s easy to get lost in the loops of meadows, glades, creek banks, and forests. The park is also a perfect spot to see wildlife. It’s home to various species of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. 

Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve

With more than 9 miles of wooded trails that weave through forested areas, open grasslands, four year-round waterfalls and springs, a 2-acre woodland garden, and a frog pond, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve is a great place to relax, unwind, take a leisurely hike, or enjoy native flora and picnic pavilions. 

If you’re a less experienced hiker, the Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve is the perfect spot to ease into hiking. Once a horse pasture, this 170-acre park offers a small collection of moderate and easy trails. The park’s manageable terrain makes it perfect not only for exploring nature but also for trail running. Some paths in the park are paved and easily traveled, while others are wooded and wind through small springs, a meadow, a creek, and a white pine forest. 

Charlestown State Park

Image via Flickr by TrailSeeds.com @trailseeds

A beautiful gem tucked along the Ohio River in Borden, Indiana, Charlestown State Park offers a unique blend of activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing, for a fun family weekend. Its rich natural history includes the remnants of a 1920s amusement park known as Rose Island, which was abandoned due to flooding in 1937.

With more than 13 miles of marked hiking trails, the park boasts scenic paths that range from easy to rugged, with the longest trail measuring about 3 miles. If you prefer a longer trek, you can easily combine Trails Three and Four and the Rose Island Loop with other nearby trails to extend your adventure. If you love seeing birds, you can look for about 72 species while hiking, including black vultures, bluebirds, and an occasional bald eagle. The park also offers shaded trails in the forest and wonderful scenery and wildflower-viewing opportunities.

Clifty Falls State Park

This state park in Jefferson County, Indiana — about 45 miles from Louisville — offers 1,416 acres of challenging trails with rocky and rugged footing and magnificent canyon views. Its Trail Two wanders along Clifty Creek’s impressive rock bed, which features lots of fossil remnants. While it’s a beautiful area, it’s not the kind of place you want to explore without proper hiking gear. 

If you are looking for more manageable trails, set out down Trail Eight, which runs along Clifty Canyon’s west rim and offers views of the rock bed without needing to wander through it. Take a short hike along Trail One, as well, which leads you to an observation tower with a fantastic view of the Ohio River. 

Cherokee Park Scenic Loop Trail

Cherokee Park’s Scenic Loop Trail is a perfect hiking trail for all fitness and experience levels. If you are on a time crunch or don’t want to venture far from the city, Cherokee Park is a great place to enjoy nature without going on a long drive or tackling strenuous trails. The park has forested paths with plenty of local wildlife, as well as urban areas with fields, sidewalks, and statues. It also features scenic spots for photos ops and picnics and wooden boardwalks throughout. 

Mount Saint Francis Loop Trail

The Mount Saint Francis Loop Trail in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, gives you a perfect escape from civilization. Although it doesn’t boast any dramatic overlooks, the scenery is secluded and peaceful, and you will get the feeling of full immersion in nature without having to go far from the city. The 2.8-mile trail through the woods gives way to magnificent lake views and features lovely wooden boardwalks and bridges. It is a classic walk in the woods, and people living near the area absolutely love it. 

Wild Hyacinth Trail at Floyd’s Fork

Located within Louisville’s city limits, the Wild Hyacinth Trail has meadows, forests, creeks, and cliffs along its 2-mile path. It’s perfect for beginners, families, and anyone seeking an easy, fun hike. During your adventure, keep your eyes peeled for a wide range of wildlife and ecosystems along the trail. Plenty of small elevation changes add fun and challenging elements to the hike. Be prepared for a few water crossings as you crisscross Turkey Run Creek.

Now that you know more about some of the best hiking trails near Louisville, make plans to experience them for yourself. What did you think of our list? Did we miss one of your favorite local hiking trails? You can reach out to the Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram team so we can add it to our list. Get out and explore some of the best hiking trails near Louisville, Kentucky.