Louisville, Ky., – Families can enjoy the fall colors in Jefferson Memorial Forest at the Mayor’s Fall Hike and Outdoor Adventure Sat., Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants can get a pumpkin, take a hay ride, and hike trails of various lengths through the Forest at the height of fall color. The 11th annual hike is part of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement, encouraging better health and wellness by highlighting opportunities for increased physical activity.
The event is free to the public and the first 500 participants receive a T-shirt.
Activities include a children’s nature exploration area, Alpine Tower climbs, pumpkin decorating for the kids, hayrides, archery, and fishing. The Forest’s volunteer trail team and staff will lead hikes at various skill levels and introduce visitors to the native plant gardens, bird blind and animal exhibits. The morning will start with a fundraising brunch, hosted by Wilderness Louisville Inc. with proceeds toward construction of shelters to support the Forest’s environmental education programs.
For the first time, this year’s schedule of events will feature a 5K foot race on the trails of the forest at 9 a.m. Participants in the race will get a 25% discount on the Go Ape Zipline and Outdoor Tree Adventure, which opened to the public this summer at the Forest.
“The annual Fall Hike is the perfect opportunity for families to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at Jefferson Memorial Forest. You can literally have an adventure just a few minutes away from where you live,” Mayor Greg Fischer said.
With 6,500 acres, Jefferson Memorial Forest offers many opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy and explore the outdoors. The Forest features more than 35 miles of marked hiking trails, primitive camping, fishing, and picnicking.
The hiking Saturday will be through the Horine Section of the forest, located at 12400 Holsclaw Hill Road in Fairdale. Nine different trail routes in four sections of the Forest 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.
The Mayor’s Fall Hike and Outdoor Adventure is presented by Quest Outdoors and supported by Go Ape, Forcht Bank, DQ Grill and Chill, and Wilderness Louisville, Inc.
About the Jefferson Memorial Forest:
Jefferson Memorial Forest is a woodland tribute to those Kentucky veterans who have served our nation during times of war. It offers a full range of recreational amenities, including weekend education and adventure programs, hiking trails, camping, fishing, Horseback riding trails and picnic areas. For more information or to volunteer, go towww.memorialforest.com.
