Don’t be intimidated by hiking if it’s an activity you don’t do all that often; there are plenty of beginner trails in Louisville that are easy to complete and offer amazing views of Kentucky’s natural beauty! These parks are great places to take the kids for a day of family fun and outdoor exploration, or to explore on your own when you just need a break from the buzz of city life. From waterfall hikes to forest fairy tale adventures, check out this list of easy treks that we think everyone should try — they’re some of the best hikes in Louisville… and Kentucky!

1. Big Rock Park - Cherokee Park
Cherokee Park, Lexington, KY 40503, USA
Yelp / Kathy V.
Big Rock Park is a beautiful location with an easy trail to follow along the flowing water. There's also a playground here so it's the perfect place for family fun. Bonus: Cherokee Park is now connected to Kenlake State Resort Park via a new trail!
2. Louisville Nature Center
Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Yelp / Lorie L.
The trail at the Louisville Nature Preserve is only 1.5 miles and provides amazing views of Kentucky nature that you can't find anywhere else. There is also a nice educational center to learn about the wildlife around you.
3. The Parklands of Floyd's Fork
The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245, USA
Facebook / The Parklands of Floyd's Fork
The Parklands of Floyds Fork is a huge area and actually covers multiple parks; however, there are many easy hiking trails in each one and most are paved for easy walking. The sunflowers here are particularly lovely in the summer!
4. McNeely Lake Park
McNeely Lake Park Road, McNeely Lk Pk Rd, Louisville, KY 40229, USA
Yelp / Kathy V.
McNeely Lake Park is one of our favorite Kentucky Lakes, and the park features another easy trail to take with magnificent views along the way. It's one of the best parks for hiking, fishing, and exploring near Louisville.

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5. Cherokee Park
Kenlake State Resort Park, 542 Kenlake Rd, Hardin, KY 42048, USA
Flickr / Jessica Dillree
The scenic route in Cherokee Park is 2.4 miles and has a large paved walking lane for your convenience. It's now part of Kenlake State Resort Park. There are also dirt trails that run all over the park as well, which offers nice shaded areas to walk under the trees.
6. Iroquois Park
Iroquois Park, Louisville, KY, USA
Flickr / Bryan Siders
This hike boasts easy-to-moderate difficulty and provides the most amazing views of our city. Just look at that beautiful skyline!
7. Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, 12501 Harmony Landing Rd, Goshen, KY 40026, USA
Facebook / Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
The Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve offers many trails, but they're all relatively short. The Little Huckleberry Creek Trail is only 0.18 miles, and many other trails here are similar in length. Link a few together if you want a bit longer of an adventure!
8. Harrods Creek Park
Harrods Creek Park, 6530 Montero Dr, Prospect, KY 40059, USA
Yelp / Thao T.
Harrods Creek Park has some easy, flat trails and follows a beautiful creek with some of the cleanest water near Louisville.

What are your favorite hiking trails in our little corner of the Bluegrass State? Are there any treks in your neck of the woods that you think should be added to this list of the best hikes in Louisville? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook! If you liked this article, check out these beautiful waterfalls hidden in the city.

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More to Explore

Best hikes in Louisville

Sarah M. | April 22, 2022

What are the best waterfall hikes in Louisville?

Waterfall hikes abound in Louisville, Kentucky... you just need to know where to look! Luckily, we're here to help! Located just about 25 minutes from downtown Louisville, Fairmont Falls is one of the largest falls you can find in the area. Get out your hiking shoes and go explore these beautiful falls -- just make sure you reserve a permit ahead of time. Another waterfall near Louisville we love chasing is at Beckley Creek Park. Located in East Louisville, Beckley Creek Park has amazing hiking trails and a lovely waterfall. This park offers many ways to relax in nature and one of the best is this boardwalk hike in Kentucky. This easy path leads to incredibly scenic views, waterfalls included, making this park a perfect place for a romantic stroll or solitary hike. Here are six other falls near Louisville worth seeking out!

What are some scenic places near Louisville?

If you're looking for a hike with a stellar view, there are some truly incredible treks right here in Louisville. As mentioned above, the Iroquois Park Overlook is one of the most spectacular. It's 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. The overlook is located just a stone’s throw from Kentucky’s largest city; from the top of this perch, you’ll enjoy picture-perfect panoramas of Louisville for miles and miles. The path is short — just 1.2 miles — and the views are expansive. If you’re looking for a beautiful, short-and-sweet hike in Kentucky, this is it! If you're looking for a scenic vista *and* water recreation all in one, paddle over fossil beds covered by the Ohio River waters at this scenic location. There are some truly amazing views that can't ordinarily be reached on foot that you can only find by water!

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