The worst thing about hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest? Getting there. Be warned. If you’re not careful Google Maps will give you bad directions that force you first to trespass onto some scary guy’s compound in the woods. See the end of this post for general directions. The best thing about hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest? Everything else.

With over 35 miles of hiking trails that range from easy paved ones to strenuous hilly paths deep in the forest, a lake, camping and picnic sites, bird watching facilities and more Jefferson Memorial Forest is a dream come true for outdoor lovers of all varieties. I’m not the camping type and I don’t like fishing but I’m totally in love with hiking. So last week I headed out, tiny dog in tow, to give the trails at Jefferson Memorial a look.

We ended up on the Blue Trail in the Paul Yost section of the park. The
Blue Trail is described as moderate but it shares a good deal of
terrain with the strenuous Mitch McConnell Yellow trail and includes
ascending and descending steep hills on a narrow path. I personally
would label it “moderate with lots of strenuous tendencies.” If you’re
looking for a nice, easy stroll in the woods stick with the Easy trails
but if you’re looking for something a bit more intense I can’t
recommend the Blue Trail highly enough. My little dog approves of the
trail as well and totally recommends that you take your dog to
Jefferson Memorial Forest since leashed dogs are allowed on all the
trails and dogs love hiking.

We had such a good time hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest we’re
planning to go again next weekend, weather permitting. We’re also
planning to hit some of the very cool special events that are held
there on a regular basis such as Night Hikes, Outdoor Skills Classes,
Howl at the Moon (night hiking with your dog) and maybe even the
incredible sounding Valentine’s Day Romantic Retreat.

I’ve mentioned our hiking excursion to Jefferson Memorial Forest to
several friends and I’m saddened that many (dare I say most) have said
things like “I think I’ve heard of that place, maybe, where is it
exactly?” and not a single person I spoke with has been there. In a
city full of fantastic parks Jefferson Memorial Forest is a treasure.
I’m impressed as can be that within 25 minutes of downtown Louisville
you can be hiking deep into an incredibly beautiful forest and enjoying
Kentucky’s natural beauty in all its glory.

While I’m crushing on Jefferson Memorial Forest let me also say how
impressed and pleased I was to not encounter a speck of litter on the
trail or anywhere else in the park while I was there. Yay for visitors
not littering and thank you to the Metro Parks staff for doing a great
job maintaining the park.

The moral of this story is if you’ve got even a modicum of interest in
the outdoors, hiking, and enjoying nature get thee to Jefferson
Memorial Forest. I can’t wait to see how beautiful that place is in
Spring and particularly in Fall. Springtime in Paris is amazing but if
you love nature and foliage you can’t beat October in Kentucky.

Now that I’ve encouraged you to go hiking and exploring let me
encourage you to do those things safely. Hiking at Jefferson Memorial
Forest is a wonderful thing to do but remember you are out in the
middle of nowhere. We encountered park employees at the welcome center
but didn’t encounter another soul on the actual trail for well over an
hour.

I’m not a hiking or outdoor expert but these are things I do that just
make sense in terms of making sure I make it safely home from any and
all hiking trips.

1. Don’t go hiking alone. If you want to walk the paved trail at Joe
Creason Park by yourself more power to you. The moderate and strenuous
trails at Jefferson Memorial Forest are not places to go by yourself.

2. Let people know when and where you’re going and what time you plan to
return. Maybe someone like your Grandma who’ll be calling the National
Guard if you haven’t checked in at the appointed time.
Stop by the welcome center before hitting the trails. You can pick up
maps and let the staff know which trail you plan to be on.
 
3. Carry water, snacks and a first aid kit and a charged cell phone with
you. Remember when I said Jefferson Memorial Forest was less than 25
miles from Louisville? There’s a serious advantage to being so close to
urban civilization: I totally could get cell coverage from the two
different spots on the trail that I checked (just for informational
purposes I swear).

4. If you’re going on a moderate or strenuous trail get a walking stick. I
know that sounds lame but I bet you’ll find it to be useful.

Go forth, hike and have a really good time.

General Directions to Jefferson Memorial Forest (please call/map/whatever to verify so you don’t get lost)

1. From I-65 take I-265 West (Gene Snyder Freeway).
2. Take the New Cut Road exit and turn left (south).
3. Travel approximately 1.2 miles. At the yellow flashing light, turn right onto Mitchell Hill Rd.
4. Travel
   1.5 miles. Turn left into the Welcome Center parking lot (11311
   Mitchell Hill Rd.). The Welcome Center is a white, two-story building
   with a red roof.

Image courtesy of Metro Parks