national parks near louisville ky

History buffs have lots to learn about at Kentucky's National Parks, too. Shelter 2 is located near the main parking lot to the right of the Activities Building. The park is also home to several smaller rivers and streams, as well as over 150 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, canyons, and along ridges. In doing so, youre agreeing to the below guidelines. No BS! and more. Louisville's national parks offer a sanctuary of tranquility, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is centered around the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, which is known for its whitewater rapids and stunning rock formations. If youve got extra time in the area and want some more adventure, head to the Rose Island abandoned amusement park to see some of the ruins of the former rides and pools that once stood there. Mammoth Cave National Park is located about an hour and a half south of Louisville. Its the site where Ulysses S. Grant accepted the Confederate surrender of the Fort from his old friend Simon B. Buckner. Approximately 237 million people visited American national parks in 2020, representing a 28% year-over-year decrease attributed to the coronavirus pandemic. Theres also a reconstructed barracks depicting camp life for the thousands of Federal soldiers stationed at Camp Nelson. EP "Tom" Sawyer SP Orienteering Clue Sheet, EP "Tom" Sawyer SP Orienteering Course Notes, All Trails for E.P. But theres also 6 national park sites within a days drive of the city. If you're not in the area,more, Local FlavorLandmarks & Historical BuildingsWaterfront, On top of that, it's right next to the waterfront, apartments, and Waterfront Park where they do amore, This being our first visit, we started off with the train ride around the park.more, hours strolling along forested paths is a great way to unwind and enjoy a park like setting.more, Very interesting place. The incredible rock formations were formed over millions of years and fill the massive caverns. Lace up your hiking boots and venture along the winding trails, as each step brings you closer to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden treasures. The Battle of Fort Donelson, which took place from February 11-16, 1862, was one of the Unions first major victories. While there arent too many crazy views or landmarks along the 12.1 miles of this trail, the real fun is in the hike itself youll climb over 2,000 feet along the way and have a lot of fun trail challenges, like steep ascents and potential wildlife spotting. Its creepy but fascinating in a way! When shes not writing or out exploring the West Coast, Meg enjoys working on visual media projects, speaking as a mental health advocate, and can always be found in the front row at Portland Timbers matches. Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay. Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri), #5. Camp Nelson became a large recruitment and training center for African American soldiers (USCTs). To extend your hike, you can tack on the Bridges to the Past trail, which is located nearby on connected trails. storytelling. Cave tours are available. The stunning scenic views, waterfalls, and natural bridges found here are definitely worth the drive. Distance From Louisville: Three hours 20 minutes (211 miles) via Western Kentucky Parkway. The Limestone Gorge is a popular spot in Broad Run Park, as it is only a short walk to a a cool stone bridge that offers a view of a waterfall flowing through the gorge during the wetter winter and spring seasons. Located within Louisvilles city limits, this trail located at Floyds Fork Parklands has cliffs, creeks, forests, and meadows along just 2 miles. Youll also pass next to (and underneath) gorgeous stone cliffsides that jut out from the earth. If youre on a time crunch or simply dont want to go far from the city, Cherokee Park is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature without the difficulty of strenuous trails or long drives. Some are right on our doorstep and others require a little more of a road trip, but all are close enough for single-day adventure! The park covers an area of approximately 344 acres and is home to several historic sites, including the Birthplace Unit, the Boyhood Home Unit, and the Lincoln Tavern. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Explore our shared history and learn more. If your organization is interested in becoming a Stacker Find essential information for your trip here. After two other distillerymore, Historical ToursArchitectural ToursWalking ToursSouth Louisville, We met at a closed coffee shop just up from Central Park and waited about 10-ish minutes formore, -- I love the annual holiday homes tour, have attended Shakespeare in the Park, and can tell you allmore, Since it is in downtown Louisville you will have to find a meter to park or a parking lot and pay.more, This is the "small" Pride festival in Louisville. Its a little further out than some of the other natural wonders on this list, but can still be explored on a single-day adventure! For one of the easier hikes near Lousiville, the Wild Hyacinth trail has a surprising amount of variety. National Parks near Louisville. List Of National Park Sites Near Louisville, 15 AMAZING National Parks In Tennessee Worth Visiting, Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the worlds longest known cave system, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAZiIc4j-Ps&t=1s, The BEST National Park in America (2021) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAZiIc4j-Ps&t=1s), 20 MUST-SEE Tennessee Landmarks (Expert Guide + Photos), 6 AMAZING National Parks Near Lexington Youll Love (Photos + Guide), 10 AMAZING National Parks Near Memphis Youll Love (Photos + Guide), Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument. Each park has its own unique attributes, from shorelines to majestic mountains, from winding caves to enchanting woodlands. To publish, simply grab the HTML code or text to the left and paste into At the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, there are two farm areas where visitors can see how Lincoln lived as a child in Kentucky. Named after long-time KentuckyPark Superintendent Coach Lester Mimms, this trail is significant for numerous reasons. The 75-foot tall falls is absolutely lovely, but can dry up significantly during the hot summer months. This led to the creation of Camp Nelson. Reach out below. Engage in interactive exhibits, join guided tours, and participate in educational programs designed to inspire curiosity and a sense of responsibility towards our natural world. At the park, youll find abandoned wooden barns, wooden boardwalks, small creeks and waterfalls, and lots of wildflowers in the spring and summer. Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the worlds longest known cave system. The cabin is enshrined inside thememorialbuilding at the site of his birth. We were pretty worried that we might never see this natural wonder again when it was closed down several years ago for maintenance work, so we were overjoyed when this beautiful trail opened up again in 2015. North Cascades National Park (Washington), #47. I'll get right to it.. Additional ships and soldiers arrived, giving Grant an almost three-to-one advantage over the Confederate forces. "Tom" Sawyer State Park is located at 3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, 40241. Stacker believes in making the worlds data more accessible through Even local trains running nearby don't ruin the tranquility. Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boasts a bounty of activities for adventure lovers, including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking and horseback riding. The other one is the "big one" in the summer downtown. While youre there, you may also want to visit the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. The unit features a replica of the log cabin in which Lincoln was born, as well as the Sinking Spring, a natural spring that was an important source of water for the Lincoln family. This lovely park within The Parklands at Floyds Fork is only 25 minutes from downtown Louisville and offers beautiful lakes, overlooks, and waterfalls along several wonderful hiking and walking trails. Located in Hoosier National Forest, this 1.2 mile hike takes hikers almost entirely alongside a rocky cliff area, complete with cave-like structures and bowl-shaped gorges. 2. Reviews on National Parks in Louisville, KY 40203 - Falls of the Ohio State Park, Squire Boone Caverns, Door To Nowhere, Louisville Zoo, Angel's Envy, Louisville Water Tower Park, Kentucky International Convention Center, The Louisville Palace, KMAC Museum, Louisville Historic Tours Along the pathways, youll climb nearly 650 feet across several small ascents and pass by an old silo, gnarly, warped trees, and a creek thats quiet and peaceful. National Parks / Natural World Near Me in Louisville, KY - Family Days Out It's a chance to connect with nature, foster a love for the outdoors, and create memories that will last a lifetime. These 11 amazing state parks in Kentucky are all less than 100 miles from Louisville, which makes them perfect places to visit for memorable day trips and epic weekend getaways! Find a Park | Ky Parks Louisville has two Pride festivals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Us too! WrangellSt. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Bring a book, find a bench and lose a few hours. His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through Civil War. McNeely Lake Park is located at 10500 Cedar Creek Rd, Louisville, KY, 40229. On this trail, youll climb wooden stairs through the forest, passing by several waterfalls and creeks along the way. The path is short just 1.2 miles and the views are expansive. Wondering what exactly you should pack for your next hike? Visit our Complete Day Hiking Packing List for our full list and our top gear recommendations. Tom Sawyer State Park, 3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40241, USA. It includes river valleys, forests, historic churches and cemeteries, sinkholes and the worlds longest cave system. Louisville may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of incredible landscapes, but it sure is located perfectly for people who love the outdoors! The trail can be accessed from the trailhead within Maple Springs Campground. Share your thoughts and favorite locations with us in the comments below! E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park | Ky Parks This, in turn, helped to solidify the Unions control of what was a pivotal border state in the conflict. His great achievement, historians tell us, was his ability to energize and mobilize the nation by appealing to its best ideals while acting with malice towards none in the pursuit of a more perfect, more just, and more enduring Union. For a solid, 7-mile loop, the Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Tunnel Falls trail is a great starting point. It's an opportunity to rejuvenate your senses, find solace in the beauty of the natural world, and create a harmonious balance between mind, body, and spirit. Joshua Tree National Park (California), #40. Knobs State Forest is located at 1006 Audubon Dr, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165, Taylorsville Lake State Park, 1320 Park Rd, Mt Eden, KY 40046, USA. It includes a meeting space and small library and is open to the public for guided tours on a limited basis. Tours are self guided. Play nationally recognized golf courses, stay in a state park lodge or cabin, pitch a tent or bring the RV to a campground, hike a trail or visit a state historic site. They offered protection to formerly enslaved people in Confederate states under Union control. Top 10 Best National Parks near Louisville, KY 40203 - Yelp Lincoln Homestead State Park is located about an hour southeast of Louisville at 5079 Lincoln Park Rd, Springfield, KY, 40069. Elias National Park (Alaska), #57. All Rights Reserved. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona), #39. You may also want to tour the Brown-Lanier House. It stands 65-feet tall and spans a 78-foot gap and is definitely an amazing sight to behold. She has held positions in writing, editing, and media-related fields for over 10 years, including serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Cal Polys literary journal Byzantium and copywriting for advertising/marketing agencies before joining Only In You State team in 2015. Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA. Possibly one of the most photographed waterfalls in Kentucky is Dog Slaughter Falls, a scenic cascade located in Cumberland Falls State Park. To that end, most Stacker stories are freely available to Kentucky - U.S. National Park Service We created this guide to the best hikes near Louisville to inspire you to plan your next outdoor adventure! Copyright 2023 Kentucky Department of Parks. A popular place for all sorts of festivals and events, this park is also a wonderful day trip destination for those looking to escape in nature for a bit. While we definitely think you should plan to visit all of the above state parks near Louisville, the Bluegrass State is also home to numerous other spots where you can revel in our lovely landscape. Distance From Louisville: One hour 34 minutes (88 miles) via I-64 E. After the Union fiasco at Fredericksburg, General Ambrose Burnside was reassigned to the newly created Department of the Ohio. New River Gorge National Park (West Virginia), #8. It has two attached restrooms, grill and space to accommodate 100 people. While youre there, you should also visit the Hall Community. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado), #25. Meg Archer is a Portland, Oregon-based Editor & Social Media Manager with degrees in English/Creative Writing from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and Social Psychology from Portland State University. With powerful falls that plunge into turquoise pools surrounded by unique rock formations, theres a lot to see (and photograph!) A portion of the path of the former Mammoth Cave Railroad has been converted into a 9-mile hike and bike trail. There are a few guidelines and If youre looking to stretch your legs then I recommend Zollicoffer Park. 3. Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Balance), KY, Highlands- Cherokee Triangle, Louisville, KY, Louisville Lowdown for Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, through Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. Why Trust Us About National Parks Near Louisville? I've never been much of a fan of bourbon, but she LOVES it. Included with the rental is a sand volley ball court. His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through Civil War. For PHONE NUMBERS to each individual Kentucky State Park continue to SCROLL DOWN. If you like to see magnificent sites then I recommend the East Rim Overlook in the southeastern area. Stacker compiled a list of the closest national parks to Louisville. Explore the Birthplace Unit, the place Abraham Lincoln was born. 3000 Freys Hill Rd. There are several nature trails throughout the park, including a wheelchair accessible boardwalk called the Discovery Trail that winds through grassland, wetland, and savannah habitats. Head south on I-65 for just over an hour and you will discover one of the most incredible National Parks in the nation! share our stories with your audience. Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Balance), KY, Highlands- Cherokee Triangle, Louisville, KY, Louisville Lowdown for Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, through Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. It's a chance to instill a love for nature in the hearts of your children and nurture a deep connection with the environment. Clifty Falls State Park in Indiana is just an hour from Lousiville and offers wonderful, long trails for those looking for a moderate challenge. At the park, youll find forested trails with lots of local wildlife and a few more urban areas with statues, sidewalks, and fields. Youll also find several scenic spots that boast wooden bridges and boardwalks throughout the park. National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa), Highest-rated restaurants in Louisville, according to Foursquare, What the Louisville housing market looks like at 5 different price points, Highest-rated class of 2023 football recruits from Kentucky, How the avian influenza has impacted Kentucky, People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Louisville, The status of new cybersecurity laws proposed in Kentucky, See how many UFO sightings have occurred in Kentucky, See how many LGBT people have children in Kentucky, Kentucky girls high school basketball rankings, Top 50 women-directed movies of the last 10 years, endangered or threatened plants and animals, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/?ref=chooser-v1. Iroquois Park Overlook is one of them. We hope youll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are.If youre interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below! Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the country has to offer and showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Congaree National Park (South Carolina), #10. Family Days Out 2023 -T's & C'sPrivacy Policy Website by Rubik Digital, Things to do near me in Louisville With kids, Things to do near me in Lexington For kids, Kids attractions near me in Bowling Green, Kids attractions near me in Cave City With kids, Louisville National Parks / Natural World, National Parks / Natural World In Lexington, National Parks / Natural World Near Bowling Green, National Parks / Natural World In Kentucky, National Parks / Natural World In Tennessee. Beckley Creek Park is located at 1411 Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY. Knobs State Forest, 1006 Audubon Dr, Shepherdsville, KY 40165, USA. Closest National Parks to Louisville | Stacker Definitely check it out! Ride on only 1 of 6 Supercross BMX tracks in the Nation.5. We get asked that question a lot because theres a difference between a national park and a national park site. To help you understand that difference you might want to check out our article titled: What Is A National Park Really? Wikimedia / Corey Heitz. Louisville Zoo. [emailprotected]. White Sands National Park (New Mexico), #29. What are some hidden gem parks near Louisville? Come follow the path of bisons, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Kentucky has some stunning parks, but Louisville is pretty lucky to be surrounded by many of the most beautiful parks that our state has to offer! But this trail does so much more than merely bridge two formerly disparate parks. What are your favorite Kentucky state parks to visit near Louisville? If you're on a time crunch or simply don't want to go far from the city, Cherokee Park is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature without the difficulty of strenuous trails or long drives. Wherever you travel in Kentucky, you are never far from one of our 46 Kentucky State Parks, some of the top state parks in America. This hikers paradise has 15 miles of trails to explore! Stacker distribution partners receive a license to all Stacker stories, Today, the country's 63 national parks contain at least 247 species of endangered or threatened plants and animals, more than 75,000 archaeological sites, and 18,000 miles of trails. The cashier in the shop was lovely and was gave us plenty of wonderfulmore, The Benjamin Head House was built by a Revolutionary War Captain, Janes Head, in 1812 and is on the National Registry of Historical Places. The visitor center provides an orientation to the historic events that unfolded at Camp Nelson. Kennedy Court Park [60] Youll also have the chance to catch a few nice views of the forest from above! With access to some of the best local green spaces, state parks, and national forests in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, there are so many places to explore. 5. Take a hike along the shaded Goose Creek Nature Trail.4. Today, however, this new trail represents not only a literal bridging between two Bluegrass parks, but also a symbolic connection between two cultures. Visitors can also tour Knob Creek Farm, where Lincoln lived with his family from the ages of 2 through 8. Lincoln Homestead State Park, 5079 Lincoln Park Rd, Springfield, KY 40069, USA. They have animals you may feed too.more, This being our first visit, we started off with the train ride around the park.more, Venues & Event SpacesLandmarks & Historical BuildingsMuseumsBrownsboro Zorn, Louisville Water Tower Park is awesome! It also includes a sand volley ball court. You shouldn't pass up the chance for a guided tour of this world-famous attraction! Stop by for a swim, play a round of tennis or bring your pet to the dog park! Louisville is lucky to be close to so many of these, so whether you are looking for a quick afternoon escape or a mini-adventure road trip that you can do in one day, these eight amazing natural wonders definitely deserve a spot on your bucket list! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. On February 13th, a Union gunboat opened fire on the fort. Gates of the Arctic National Park (Alaska), #61. restrictions, which you can review below. For another beautiful place to explore in Kentuckys largest city, check out this beautiful park that boasts the best views of downtown Louisville! It's free! Pinnacles National Park (California), #54. Kentucky is world-famous for Mammoth Cave National Park, and it's truly a bucket-list destination. Its a very classic walk in the woods, and locals absolutely love it. Mammoth Cave National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The Incredible Salt Cave In Louisville That Completely Relaxes You, The One Place Near Louisville That Must Be Seen To Be Believed, Theres An Adventure Park Hiding Near Louisville And You Need To Visit, The Swimming Hole Near Louisville That Will Make Your Summer Epic, 12 Natural Hidden Gems In Louisville Most People Dont Know Even Exist, This Canopy Walk In Louisville Will Make Your Stomach Drop, Most People Dont Know About This Magical Sunflower Field Hiding In Louisville, Here Are 8 Stunning Places To Watch The Sun Set In Louisville That Will Blow You Away. As you step onto the trails, prepare to be enchanted by towering trees that reach for the sky, tranquil lakes that shimmer with sunlight, and meandering streams that whisper tales of ancient mysteries. What are some other beautiful places to visit near Louisville? William Harrison Park [53] Highview Park [54] Nelson Hornbeck Park [55] Hounz Lane Park [56] Irish Hill Park [57] Louis B. Israel Park [58] Ivy Court Park [59] Jefferson Memorial Forest - Largest municipal urban forest in the U.S., operated as a park by Metro Parks. The staff was exceptionally friendly and passionate about their gardens. Take as much (or as little) time as you need in the various sections of the gardens. Isle Royale National Park (Michigan), #14. It symbolizes the efforts to assist African American refugees as they struggled to begin a new life. Were Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks. It has indoor restrooms and space to accommodate up to 50 people. Take a dip in the largest public outdoor swimming pool and splash park in Louisville. E.P. There are several numbered trails here, but one of the favorites by far is Trail #6, which brings hikers to waterfalls, lake views, and rocky outcroppings via stunning forest trails. Theres a wonderful Mill Springs Visitor Center which features a 20-minute film about the Battle of Mill Springs. "Tom" Sawyer State Park Flickr / Erik Eckel This 550-acre Kentucky state park near Louisville was opened in 1947 and offers tons of activities and opportunities to folks who visit. While there are hundreds of beautiful spots around the state, these are just a handful of highlights that are close to Louisville and easy to get to, no matter what type of adventure youre looking for! Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is located 50 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. Nature & Parks in Louisville Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nightlife Sights & Landmarks Fun & Games Spas & Wellness Museums Nature & Parks Test your skills at the only outdoor public archery range in Louisville.2. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado), #20. There are also lots of small elevation changes for added challenge and fun! Urban Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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