Five-Star Trails: Louisville and Southern Indiana. Valerie Askren
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most likely see, however, are nonvenomous species and subspecies, particularly Eastern garter and rough green snakes. The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, give them a wide berth as you trek past, and make sure your hiking companions (including dogs) do the same.
When hiking, stick to well-used trails, and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Don’t step or put your hands beyond your range of detailed visibility, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step onto logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks. Always avoid walking through dense brush or willow thickets.
TICKS These arachnids are often found on brush and tall grass, where they seem to be waiting to hitch a ride on warm-blooded passersby. Adult ticks are most active April–May and again October–November, but Louisville’s recent mild winters have greatly extended the tick season, from March through November. The black-legged (deer) tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease.
A few precautions: Wear light-colored clothing, which will make it easy for you to spot ticks before they migrate to your skin. After hiking, inspect your hair, the back of your neck, your armpits, and your socks. During your posthike shower, take a moment to do a more complete body check. To remove a tick that is already embedded, use tweezers made just for this purpose. Treat the bite with disinfectant solution.
Hunting
A number of rules, regulations, and licenses govern the various hunting types and their related seasons. In Kentucky and Indiana, hunting seasons vary each year by animal, county, location, and type of weapon. Though no problems generally arise, hikers may wish to forgo their trips during these times, when the woods suddenly seem filled with orange and camouflage. For more information, visit the websites of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (in.gov/dnr).
Trail Etiquette
Always treat trails, wildlife, and fellow hikers with respect. Here are some reminders.
Plan ahead in order to be self-sufficient at all times. For example, carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-planned trip brings satisfaction to you and to others.
Hike on open trails only.
In seasons or construction areas where road or trail closures may be a possibility, use the websites or phone numbers listed in the “Contacts” section at the beginning of each hike profile to check conditions before you head out for your hike. And don’t try to circumvent such closures.
Avoid trespassing on private land, and obtain all permits and authorizations as required. Also, leave gates as you found them or as directed by signage.
Be courteous to other hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others you encounter on the trails.
Never spook wild animals or pets. An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most critters, and a surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to itself. Give animals plenty of space.
Observe the YIELD signs around the region’s trailheads and backcountry. Typically they advise hikers to yield to horses, and bikers to yield to both horses and hikers. Observing common courtesy on hills, hikers and bikers yield to any uphill traffic. When encountering mounted riders or horsepackers, hikers can courteously step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. So that horses can see and hear you, calmly greet their riders before they reach you, and do not dart behind trees. Also resist the urge to pet horses unless you are invited to do so.
Stay on the existing trail, and do not blaze any new trails.
Pack out what you pack in, leaving only your footprints. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an excellent resource (visit lnt.org for more information).
Think Global, Hike Local: Tips for Enjoying Hiking in Greater Louisville
Think inside the circle. Hiking opportunities abound inside both I-265 and I-264 (also known as the Henry Watterson Expressway). For quick lunchtime power-walks, consider the Olmsted Parks, such as Cherokee and Iroquois, as well as the paved multiuse trails along the riverfront. The other urban trails listed in this book are within easy reach of most Louisville residents, so they’re good for parents when the kids are in school or for family outings after school.
Think outside the circle. Just outside I-265 are a handful of trails perfect for after work, particularly when the days are a bit longer. Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Blackacre State Nature Preserve, Fairmount Falls, and all of the Jefferson Memorial Forest are just minutes outside the beltway. Even Mount St. Francis, in southern Indiana, is just 20 minutes from downtown Louisville.
Think social. Friends in town for the weekend? Family coming to visit? Not everyone wants to sit on the living-room couch all afternoon. Looking for an inventive (and cheap) date idea? A first-run movie and popcorn may set you back more than you care to spend. So head out to an urban trail or catch a cascading waterfall. Enjoy the natural beauty around you, pack a picnic or maybe a kite, and you’ve got instant fun.
Think indoors. Weather too cold or wet to hit the trail? Are the kids driving you absolutely crazy? Check out one of the many free nature centers around Louisville. Blackacre State Nature Preserve, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, and Salato Wildlife Education Center are free to enter, although donations are always appreciated. Spring Mill State Park, Patoka Lake Nature Center, and Falls of the Ohio State Park charge nominal admission fees.
If you’re feeling brave, bring boots and a raincoat and let the rugrats stomp every puddle from one end of the trail to the other. Tuck in a change of shoes and maybe some clothes for the ride home, and everyone will sleep well tonight.
Think winter. During the cold months, bugs and crowds vanish and nonstop views take their place. Cliffs and waterfalls become a winter wonderland as icicles sparkle like stalactites in the sun. Even a light snowfall can turn a simple walk in the woods into a gorgeous adventure.
Think intellectual. If asked “Hey! Wanna trudge 3 miles, swat mosquitoes, and get sore feet?,” how many people would say yes? Only the hardcore among us exercise purely for fun. But each trail on this hike can offer an exploration into history, geology, biology, photography, art, and more. Once you’re mentally engaged, the miles can fly by.
Think adventure. To keep your hikes fresh, try new trails, new hiking partners, new seasons for discovering the natural world around you. Bring your maps, your raingear, even the entire contents of your favorite local outdoors store. But don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure and your smile. You’ll be sure to come back for more.
Louisville: Inside I-265
BEARGRASS CREEK BUBBLES MIRTHFULLY AS IT FLOWS DOWNSTREAM TO THE OHIO RIVER. (See Hike 3, Cherokee Park Loop.)
1 BEARGRASS CREEK STATE NATURE PRESERVE: WHITE OAK NATURE TRAIL