10 Urban Hiking Trails in Louisville You Will Love By a Local [2024]
Introduction to Louisville Urban Hikes You Will Love in 2024
As a Louisville native and current resident, I’ve spent countless hours exploring these urban hikes in Louisville with my friends and family. Some of my favorite memories are early morning hikes and trail runs through Cherokee Park, watching the sun filter through the trees.
Louisville’s world-renowned park system is home to a vibrant outdoor fitness scene. From hiking, biking, running, and even paddling trails, Louisville’s parks offer an endless number of ways to get outside and explore.
We highlight some Louisville urban hikes that are hidden gems that bring explorers into the great outdoors without leaving the city!
Louisville’s urban landscape offers an array of scenic trails that combine the beauty of nature with the convenience of city living. Whether you’re seeking scenic walking trails along the river, a stroll through wetlands, or a unique experience on a converted railroad bridge, these Louisville urban hikes provide the perfect escape.
In this hiking guide, we highlight our favorite hiking trails in Louisville, featuring easy-to-follow paths, picturesque views, and hidden gems. These trails are ideal for a quick outdoor adventure, whether you’re a local or a visitor looking to explore Louisville’s urban green spaces.
TL;DR: Louisville Urban Hikes
Experience the best of nature without leaving the city—explore the top Louisville urban hikes with expert tips and essential gear advice.
- Easily accessible trails located less than 30 minutes from downtown Louisville
- Discover the best urban hikes in Louisville, from scenic riverside trails to hidden gems.
- Get insider tips on the best times to hike each trail.
- Enjoy personal stories and practical advice to enhance your hiking experience.
- Download our free hiking packing checklist to stay prepared for any adventure.
Ready to hit the trails?
Cherokee Park Trail
- Trail Length: 4.8 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate 🟠
- Directions
The Cherokee Park Trail offers a 4.8-mile loop that winds through the wooded sections of Cherokee Park, providing a natural escape right in the heart of Louisville. The trail is primarily a natural surface, consisting of packed dirt that generally dries out well, even after rain. However, be prepared for a few sections that can stay wet throughout most of the year.
I love starting my hike at Big Rock Park. The uphill climb always gets my heart pumping, but it’s worth it when you reach the top and can hear the distant hum of cars on I-64 below the Cochran Hill Tunnels. These trails serve as an excellent place for my trail run training. Just enough uphill to bring a challenge and less technical so I can run a faster pace!
Best Time to Hike: Fall is an ideal time to explore this trail, as the foliage transforms into a vibrant display of colors. Winter hikes also offer a clear view through the woods, revealing the natural beauty of the landscape.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the weather, as the trail can be muddy after heavy rain, especially in the spring.
Loop Island Wetlands Trail
- Trail Length: Approximately 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
Loop Island Wetlands Trail in New Albany offers a flat, easy hike through a picturesque wetland area. The trail is dirt-surfaced and well-marked, making it perfect for a casual walk.
The trail follows alongside a large pond before reaching the Ohio River. This section of the Ohio River is down river from the Falls of the Ohio and the wetlands here offer a unique riverwalk to explore this important waterway.
Before you reach the Ohio River you can choose to turn left, right, or go straight to the River. Going right will loop around the pond. Going left loops back to the Ohio River Greenway. This section of trail follows a stream that drains to the Ohio River. And hikers get a couple of creek crossing (both have bridges).
This trail has limited use so you will likely enjoy a peaceful urban hike!
Best Time to Hike: Summer and Fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring this trail.
Pro Tip: This is a great spot to observe wildlife. We’ve seen everything from turtles to blue herons, making it a favorite for nature lovers.
Ohio River Greenway
- Trail Length: 7 miles (out and back)
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
The Ohio River Greenway is a 7-mile paved path that runs along the Ohio River, connecting Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany, Indiana. This scenic trail is perfect for biking, running, or walking and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding area.
From New Albany head up river and you will pass several urban hikes like the Loop Islands and the Clarksville Discovery Trail. The Ohio Valley Greenway also by the McAlpine locks and dam, eventually leading to Jeffersonville and the Big 4 Walking Bridge.
Best Time to Hike: This trail is enjoyable year-round.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to bike, there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view, especially around sunset when the river glows in the evening light.
Did you Know: Louisville became a major trading post in the 1700s and 1800s thanks to the Falls of the Ohio! The Falls helped contribute to Kentucky’s booming bourbon business!
Clarksville Discovery Trail
- Trail Length: 2.25 miles
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
Clarksville Discovery Trail is a fully paved urban trail that circles Clarksville Discovery State Park. While not a traditional hiking trail, it offers a flat, easy walk or run along a well-maintained path. The trail forms a square around the park, with views of various park features.
This trail should be best thought of as a connector trail along the Ohio River Greenway. The path is fine and provides an opportunity for an urban hike on a weekday evening or weekend morning. The trail does not have much to see and lacks shade which makes it really hot on a sunny summer day!
Best Time to Hike: Spring to see flowers in bloom or fall to see the leaves changing colors.
Buttonbush Woods Trail
- Trail Length: 0.75 miles
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
When hiking the Clarksville Discovery Trail, you may be tempted to hike through the woods of the Buttonbush Woods Trail. Take a hardpass! I do not recommended due to its overgrown state and lack of scenic views.
The trail is about three-quarters of a mile long but is currently overgrown, making it difficult to navigate and not worth the effort. I’m amazed I didn’t get covered in ticks from this trail!
Best Time to Hike: Winter is the best time to hike this trail to avoid the overgrown brush.
Pro Tip: I learned the hard way that this trail is much easier to navigate in the winter when the brush isn’t as dense. If you do decide to explore it, make sure to wear long sleeves and pants to avoid scratches from the overgrowth.
Big 4 Walking Bridge
- Trail Length: 2 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
The Big 4 Walking Bridge is a standout example of urban trail development, converting an old railroad bridge into a pedestrian path that connects Jeffersonville, Indiana, to Louisville, Kentucky, across the Ohio River.
This popular trail is open to cyclists, runners, and walkers. Pets are not allowed.
The Big 4 Walking Bridge is about 1 mile across to Indiana and then the same for the return. Your Louisville urban hike can be extended by strolling along the Louisville river walks located throughout River Front Park. This path offers wonderful views of the Ohio River.
On the Indiana side we recommend enjoying some ice cream at a local shop or visiting the world famous Schimpfs Confectionary. Yum!
Urban hikers are treated to a unique view of downtown Louisville’s skyline from the bridge.
Best Time to Hike: The bridge can be enjoyed year-round. However, winter can be quite cold, making spring, summer, and fall the most pleasant times to visit.
Pro Tip: Enjoy the LED light show on the bridge at night.
Joe Creason Park
- Trail Length: Approximately 1.5 miles of interconnected trails
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
Located directly across the street from the Louisville Zoo, Joe Creason Park is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The park’s trails offer a peaceful retreat with gently rolling hills and well-maintained paths, perfect for a leisurely walk or a quick run.
The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change, providing a colorful backdrop to your hike.
Best Time to Hike: Fall is amazing with the views of the leaves from high on the hilltop.
Pro Tip: Pair your hike with a visit to the Louisville Zoo for a full day of outdoor fun.
Brown Park Trails
- Trail Length: Green Trail (0.75 miles), Purple Trail (0.25 miles), Red Trail (0.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
Brown Park, located in the heart of St. Matthews, offers three well-marked and easily accessible trails that can be combined for a longer walk. The Green Trail, Purple Trail, and Red Trail meander through the park, offering a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city.
With 28 acres of green space Brown Park is a perfect weekday get away. When our kids were younger we could spend hours here walking the trails, playing on the playground, feeding the ducks that swim in the nearby stream, and enjoying time outside.
These well-maintained trails are short, paved, and well-marked. They are a great way to introduce hiking to younger members of your family. Each trail winds into the forest. The Green Trail includes a couple of beautiful water crossings on bridges.
Enjoy a picnic in the park at one of the picnic tables located on the lush green lawn and covered by tall shade trees. Some picnic tables have charcoal grills nearby!
Best Time to Hike: This trail is accessible year-round. I recommend hiking in spring when the flowers are blooming or fall when the leaves are showcasing their vibrant colors!
Pro Tip: The park is great for families with young children. We often bring bread to feed the ducks—it’s a hit with the kids every time!
Crescent Hill Water Reservoir
- Trail Length: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy 🟢
- Directions
The Crescent Hill Water Reservoir Trail offers a unique urban hiking experience, circling one of Louisville’s drinking water reservoirs. This 1-mile paved trail is well-maintained and provides a peaceful setting for a walk or run.
Pets are not allowed due to the proximity to the city’s water supply.
Best Time to Hike: Year-round. This urban hiking trail is truly a unique experience. This hike is fully exposed to the weather elements so plan ahead!
Pro Tip: This trail is perfect for a quick, peaceful walk when you need a break from the city.
Thurman-Hutchins Park
- Trail Length: Multiple trails ranging from 0.8 to 1.25 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 🟡
- Directions
Thurman-Hutchins Park, located near downtown Louisville, offers several trails that wind through scenic wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas. The park’s Orange Loop Trail (0.8 miles) and Blue Trail (0.9 miles) provide easy, enjoyable walks with views of diverse plant species and old-growth trees.
Pro Tip: The wetland trails are NOT well marked so you might be hiking in the woods for a while.
The park also features a small pond with a fishing pier and benches where you can relax and take in the serene views. While the trails are mostly natural surfaces, they are not well-marked, so navigating can be challenging. Be prepared for muddy conditions during the wet season, especially in the low-lying wetland areas.
Best Time to Hike: Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. This park is open year-round, but be prepared for wet conditions in the spring.
Pro Tip: For a longer hike, continue north along the Meadowland Trail for about half a mile to reach the Patriots Peace Memorial, adding both distance and historical interest to your hike.
Packing Checklist for Urban Hiking in Louisville
To ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, especially on these urban trails, consider packing the following essentials:
- Hydration: Always bring a water bottle or a hydration pack. Louisville’s weather can be humid, especially in the summer, so staying hydrated is key.
- Trail Map/App: Use a trail map or a hiking app like AllTrails to navigate the trails. Some paths, like those in Thurman-Hutchins Park, are not well-marked, making navigation tools essential.
- Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction, especially for trails like the Cherokee Park Trail, which has elevation gain and can be slippery after rain.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather. Bring a rain jacket in the spring and fall, and wear moisture-wicking fabrics in the summer.
- Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, especially on exposed trails like the Crescent Hill Water Reservoir Trail.
- Safety Gear: Carry a small first aid kit, a whistle, and a flashlight or headlamp, especially if you plan to hike in the evening or on longer trails.
- Snacks: Bring energy-boosting snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or fruit to keep your energy up during your hike.
- Bug Spray: Especially in wetland areas like Loop Island Wetlands Trail, bug spray can help keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
Pro Tip: I love to plan an ice cream stop after our hiking adventures. The whole Our Campfire Unplugged crew enjoys the cool treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the largest urban forest in Louisville?
The largest urban forest in Louisville is Jefferson Memorial Forest (JMF), which is also the largest municipal urban forest in the United States. JMF is over 6,600 acres and has several trails ranging from the easy Orange Trail to the Challenging/Difficult like Silt Stone and Scott’s Gap Trail!
Is there hiking in Louisville, Kentucky?
Absolutely! Louisville offers a variety of hiking opportunities ranging from urban trails to more natural, wooded areas. This guide features the best Louisville Urban Hikes.
If you want to explore more trails around Louisville, checkout our comprehensive guide to the 7 best hikes in Louisville or learn about the best spots to enjoy fall foliage in Louisville.
Check back regularly because we make frequent updates to our trail recommendations. Stay updated on our weekly newsletter!
Where to walk around Louisville?
For great walking trails in and around Louisville, we recommend exploring our list of the 7 best hikes in Louisville. Additionally, our guide to fall foliage in Louisville highlights some beautiful spots to enjoy a walk during the autumn season.
What Other Louisville Hikes Do You Recommend?
The Louisville hiking scene is filled with opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
We also suggest the Goose Creek Trail (E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park), Tioga Falls Trail (Southern Louisville), Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (take the Forest Giants Trial), Iroquois Park (the Iroquois Park Overlook provides views of downtown), Parklands of Floyds Fork (Eastern Louisville), Anchorage Trail, and Charlestown State Park.
Final Thoughts on Louisville Urban Hikes
These Louisville urban hikes offer a range of experiences, from riverside walks to tranquil wetland explorations. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape from city life or a leisurely stroll with family, these trails provide the perfect opportunity to connect with nature right in the heart of Louisville.
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
