By Lyndsey Gilpin
1. Bernheim Forest
Somehow, just past the gates of the Bernheim Forest entrance, the air feels calmer. Although the decorations were different on Saturday, Sept. 12, the air felt just as serene and uplifting. Thousands of trees were already in sight, but they were decorated with lights. Fountains sprayed over Lake Nevin, and a fire was lit in the middle of the water. The amphitheater was host to a bagpipe band. Nearby, artwork sat on tree branches and movie screens hung from clotheslines. The event was Connect, a new annual festival that attempts to bring people and the environment together as one.
On a normal day at Bernheim, although there isn’t grilled food and fancy lights, the atmosphere is just as breathtaking. As the leaves turn to yellow and orange in the coming weeks, the forest will provide a quiet, relaxing place to take a break from the stress and weight of schoolwork. With over 30 miles of hiking trails, bike trails and quiet roads, the forest is a new adventure every visit. Bernheim Forest is located right off of the Clermont/Bardstown exit on 65 South. It is open every day of the week, 7 a.m. to sunset.
2. Cherokee Park
Known for its 2.4 mile Scenic Loop, Cherokee Park is located in the heart of the Highlands. Its amenities include a fenced dog park, Big Rock – which is used for picnics and viewing of Beargrass Creek – frisbee fields, horseback riding and many hiking trails. It is rated as one of these best parks in the country.
Allie Porter, a junior at U of L, said that she takes her dog to Cherokee Park at least once a week. “It’s where I go to get away from the chaos. It’s my little happy place!”
3. Iroquois Park
Located between Taylor Boulevard and Southern Parkway, Iroquois Park is famous for an outdoor amphitheater that seats over 2,400 people. Concerts are held in the park throughout the summer and early fall. Iroquois also has a golf course, archery range, disc golf course and scenic trails – popular for both hikers and cyclists alike.
Atop the main hill lies a spectacular view of the city of Louisville.
4. McNeely Lake
McNeely Lake Park is located off of Preston Highway. It is well known for the 46-acre fishing lake in the middle of the park, with an accessible pier and boat ramp. McNeely also has horse stables that host events throughout the year. On Halloween, the park is allowing guests to dress up in costumes and enter the stables for trick-or-treating and horseback riding.
McNeely Lake also hosts the University of Louisville’s intramural event, Canoe Regatta, each September. Sunday Sept. 13, participants raced down a portion of the lake to claim the number one spot.
5. Tom Sawyer Park
Tom Sawyer Park, located right off of Westport Road in Springhurst, is known for its tennis courts, soccer fields and mile-long gravel running track. The park is also popular with dog-lovers, because of the wide fields and trails through small forests. Several shelters are available for public use, for grilling and other outdoor events.
