Mayor Jerry Abramson is encouraging Louisville residents to “hit the trail” on Saturday, October 18 at the fourth Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest. The free event is part of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement, designed to encourage healthy behavior including better nutrition and increased physical activity.
The hike will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Horine Section of the forest, located at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road in the southern portion of Louisville Metro. Five of the forest’s 13 trails will be featured, providing a range of options for hikers of all abilities. The trails range in length from one-fifth of a mile up to five miles, and have terrain varying from relatively flat to rugged. Stroller and wheelchair accessible trails are available. Metro Parks crews have worked to clear the Horine section of the Forest of debris following the Sept. 14 wind event, so hiking conditions will be favorable.
Forest officials will provide a number of guided hikes, including children’s hikes and other hikes describing various forest features. All hikers will be provided maps that identify the trails.
Before and after the hike, the event area will feature children’s activities, hayrides, music and several information booths providing tips on hiking safety, trail etiquette and other healthy-living information. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about a master planning process that will ultimately link the Forest to the Louisville Loop bike trail. For more information on the master plan, click here.