Even in a metropolitan area like Louisville, Kentucky, an astounding variety of trails makes hiking an activity anyone can enjoy. From short, paved trails suitable for wheelchairs to miles-long paths on steep, rugged terrain, opportunities abound for Louisville hikers to excite their senses, connect with nature and strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits, right in their own backyards. There are even hiking clubs in Louisville for those who enjoy the camaraderie of hitting the trails with fellow hikers.
Louisville Hiking Clubs
The two main hiking clubs in Louisville are the Louisville Hiking Club and the Louisville Hiking Meetup. Although both clubs focus on local day trips, they also plan occasional longer excursions to other parts of the country. The Louisville Hiking Club meets at a chartered bus to travel to its destinations. Most trips give hikers a choice between an easy hike and a difficult one. Afterwards, the group heads to a local church to share a meal.The Louisville Hiking Meetup is a newer group that includes campers and backpackers. The meetups take place at least once a week. Although many are hikes, the group also meets for social events and volunteer projects. Both groups welcome hikers with all levels of ability, from beginner to expert.
Local Hikes
The three primary places to hike in and near Louisville are Charlestown State Park, the Knobstone Trail and the Jefferson Memorial Forest. Trails in Charlestown State Park offer views of the Fourteenmile Creek valley and take hikers past Devonian fossil outcrops and karst sinkholes. At 58-miles-long, the Knobstone Trail is Indiana's longest. It takes hikers 500 feet above forest and farmland, deep into valleys, and through the very rugged Knobstone Escarpment. The Jefferson Memorial Forest bills itself as one of the nation's oldest urban forests. It has over 35 miles of trails that range from an easy paved path less than 1/4 mile long, one way, to the strenuous, 6.2-mile Siltstone Trail.
Safety
The Jefferson Memorial Forest website recommends doing your homework before embarking on a hike. Know what kind of terrain and weather conditions you're likely to encounter and plan your supplies accordingly. Prepare for emergencies by carrying food, water and a first-aid kit. Tell someone where you're going and when you anticipate returning, so that if you don't return, help can be sent. Stay on the trail--resist the urge to take short cuts. Finally, stay with your group and watch out for your fellow club members.
Hiking Etiquette
Hikers should do their part to keep the trails clean and minimize their impact on the environment. Follow the carry in/carry out rule--if you bring something in, you must bring it out with you when you leave. That includes biodegradable items like food. The Jefferson Memorial Forest recommends practicing "negative waste," in which you carry out trash left by others. Some clubs make trail clean-ups a regular volunteer activity. Also, leave the forest just as you found it--don't move rocks, pick plants, or remove artifacts. And, for your safety and theirs, don't approach wildlife.
What to Bring
Your safety and comfort depend on preparedness. Wear sturdy, cushioned hiking boots with rigid soles. Dress in layers. Bring a rain poncho to protect yourself against hypothermia in the event that it rains unexpectedly. Carry plenty of water--at least one liter for a short, cool-weather hike and two to three liters for longer or hot-weather hikes. Food is another must-have. Good choices include sandwiches -- non-perishable peanut butter and jelly for hot weather -- trail mix with nuts, raisins and dried fruit, and safe protein sources like canned fish. Talk with your club members ahead of time to plan who'll bring supplies that should be on hand but not necessarily carried by each member. These items include flashlights, matches and a first-aid kit.
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