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Upcoming Events

Day Trip Destinations

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest - Nature Walk/Hiking

Blue River Natural and Scenic River - Canoeing

Clifty Falls - Hiking

Falls of the Ohio - Canoeing/Hiking

Floyds Fork - Canoeing

Hoosier National Forest - Canoeing/Hiking

Jefferson Memorial Forest - Hiking

Twin Creek Valley Nature Preserve - Nature Walk/Hiking

Our Day Trip options are updated periodically with new or seasonal trips, so check back often.


Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest - Nature Walk/Hiking

DESCRIPTION

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest was established in 1929 by Isaac W. Bernheim (1848-1945), a German immigrant who settled in Kentucky. From a humble beginning as a peddler, he became successful in the whiskey distilling business where he established the I.W. Harper brand. Grateful for his good fortune, he gave Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest to the people of Kentucky as a gift.

At 14,000 acres and with a very diverse bio culture, Bernheim Forest serves to meet the needs of research, education, restoration and recreation. One of the covenants of Berheim’s mission is to connect people and nature by providing ample opportunities for quiet, personal experiences with the outdoors. We will do just that.

Our trip includes the Visitor’s Center to learn more about the history and natural features of Bernheim. Our journey then continues on a variety of short loop trails to a variety of ecosystems that allow time for observation, exploration, discovery and reflection. Lunch will be served along the trail or in a scenic picnic area.

SEASON

Year around

PRICE

$50 per person
Group Size: 3 min/14 max
Price includes roundtrip transportation from your residence, your Louisville area hotel, or other suitable location; any required equipment; any admissions; snacks, lunch and beverages; and a professional wilderness guide who provides natural and historical interpretation.  Price does not include guide gratuities or items of a personal nature. 

TRIP RATING

Easy to Moderate. Total walking distance will be between 4 and 6 miles. Some trails are flat and others are sometimes over hilly terrain. Distance and terrain can vary based on the group’s ambition and ability.

Register for this Trip!               Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's


Blue River Natural and Scenic River - Canoeing

DESCRIPTION

The first designated Scenic and Natural Riverway in Indiana and first explored by Squire Boone, Daniel Boone's brother, Blue River flows through one of the most scenic, interesting and diverse areas of Indiana. There is the opportunity to experience the pastoral tranquility of rural farmland, extensive forests, numerous caves, and a wealth of historical attractions.

Our day trip will feature a 6-mile paddle through one of the most natural and scenic areas along the entire navigable length of the river. Our journey takes us along a ribbon of spring-fed water where we will be surrounded by limestone cliffs and hardwood forest where Blue Herons are commonly seen. Depending on the time of year, this trip offers a chance to cool off in the river along it ripples and pools. Wildlife is common with smaller groups. Basic safety and canoe paddling instruction is provided at the start of the trip. A picnic style lunch is provided riverside.

SEASON

April through October-subject to water levels

PRICE

$75 per person
Group Size: 3 min/14 max
Price includes roundtrip transportation from your residence, your Louisville area hotel, or other suitable location; canoes, paddles, PFD’s; shuttle; snacks, lunch and beverages; and a professional wilderness guide who provides natural and historical interpretation.  Price does not include guide gratuities or items of a personal nature. 

To rent canoes for an unguided trip on this river or another waterway, see our Canoe Rentalpage!

TRIP RATING

Easy to Moderate. Total paddling distance is about 6 miles. Depending on water levels, some areas may be low and require portaging or pushing/pulling your canoe.

Register for this Trip!               Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's


Clifty Falls - Hiking

DESCRIPTION

Hearing the words Clifty Falls paints a beautiful picture in one’s mind. Near historic Madison, Indiana, the Clifty Creek traverses the entire north-south length of the state park, dropping 300 feet to the Ohio River. On its way the creeks drops over Clifty Falls (60 feet high), creating a spectacular wonder of nature. Two other major canyons enter Clifty Creek Canyon from the east forming Tunnel Falls and Hoffman Falls, which are even greater in height. Winter and spring hikes show the falls at their best while the rugged splendor of the creek and canyon offer exciting scenery year-round.

Our trip begins with visit to the Clifty Falls Nature Center to learn more about the geology and formation of the falls and the history of the park. We then begin a series of short hikes that take us to each of these natural features where we will enjoy lunch to the splendor and sound of falling water. We end the day with a visit to Clifty Inn for a refreshing drink before returning to Louisville.

SEASON

Year around

PRICE

$55 per person
Group Size: 3 min/14 max
Price includes roundtrip transportation from your residence, your Louisville area hotel, or other suitable location; any required equipment; any admissions; snacks, lunch and beverages; and a professional wilderness guide who provides natural and historical interpretation.  Price does not include guide gratuities or items of a personal nature. 

TRIP RATING

Easy to Moderate. Total walking distance between 3 and 5 miles, sometimes over rugged terrain. Distance can vary based on the group’s ambition and ability.

Register for this Trip!               Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's

 

Falls of the Ohio - Canoeing/Hiking

DESCRIPTION

Join us for an exciting day of fossil bed exploration at The Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana and the National Wildlife Conservation Area, which contains over 200 acres of limestone fossil beds along the Ohio River. These beds are among the largest naturally exposed Devonian fossil beds in existence and date back about 400 million years when the region was covered by a salt water sea, rather than freshwater. The fossil remains include corals, brachiopods and sponges, and are exposed only when Ohio River water levels are low. Bett Etenohan, a naturalist with years of experience in the region, will serve as a guide for our journey.

The Full Day Program on scheduled days will feature paddling along the limestone outcrops, then exploring the outer fossil beds on foot. Our experienced guide will introduce us to the wealth of information available at the Interpretive Center, including the movie “400 Million Years at the Falls” and lead us in a fossil lab, a fun, hands-on fossil identification class. Basic safety and canoe paddling instruction is provided at the start of the trip. A picnic style lunch is provided riverside.

Two Full Moon Evening Canoe Hikes in the National Wildlife Conservation Area offer a rare chance to view the beauty of the river and rocky ledges as the sun sets. Our naturalist will share information on birds and other wildlife, as well as local history. The group will gather for fellowship around a campfire for snacks at the end of the evening.

Make plans to join us for one of the scheduled Saturday Morning Fossil Bed Canoe Hikes to explore the geological splendor of the region. We will meet at the George Rogers Clark boat ramp on Harrison Avenue and enjoy the morning in the fossil beds.

Additionally, Half and Full-day Fossil Bed Hikes can be scheduled as requested.

SEASON

August through October

TRIP RATING

Easy to Moderate. Limited paddling distance is about 1 mile. Depending on water levels, some areas may be low and require portaging or pushing/pulling your canoe.

PRICE

Half and Full Day Programs – Scheduled as requested, subject to guide availability and minimum group size.

$30 (Half Day) and $60 (Full Day) per person
Requires a minimum of 3 registrants to operate each scheduled trip

Request Dates for this Trip! 

To rent canoes for an unguided trip on this or another waterway, see our Canoe Rental page!

Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's

 


Floyds Fork - Canoeing

DESCRIPTION

Floyds Fork River (locally just called Floyds Fork) is a tributary of the Salt River in Kentucky, directly south and east of Louisville. It runs for about thirty miles through Jefferson County and drains approximately 122 square miles, making it the largest watershed in the county. It is also the least environmentally compromised watershed in the county. To preserve its natural character, much of Floyds Fork will be managed by The Parklands of Floyds Fork. The Parklands of Floyds Fork will be a system of new world-class parks connected by a beautiful park drive, forming a unique water trail along Floyds Fork. During the Civil War, Confederate and Union forces skirmished on Floyds Fork and what is now US 60 (Shelbyville Road) on October 1, 1862.

Our day trip will feature a 6-mile paddle along this urban tributary with natural and scenic areas sprinkled along the route. Basic safety and canoe paddling instruction is provided at the start of the trip. A picnic style lunch is provided riverside.

SEASON

April through October-subject to water levels

PRICE

$60 per person
Group Size: 3 min/14 max
Price includes roundtrip transportation from your residence, your Louisville area hotel, or other suitable location; canoes, paddles, PFD’s; shuttle; snacks, lunch and beverages; and a professional wilderness guide who provides natural and historical interpretation.  Price does not include guide gratuities or items of a personal nature. 

To rent canoes for an unguided trip on this river or another waterway, see our Canoe Rentalpage!

TRIP RATING

Easy to Moderate. Total paddling distance is about 6 miles. Depending on water levels, some areas may be low and require portaging or pushing/pulling your canoe.

Register for this Trip!               Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's


Hoosier National Forest - Canoeing/Hiking

DESCRIPTION

A popular local destination, Hoosier National Forest in the hills of South Central Indiana, offers an abundance of recreational opportunities from canoeing, hiking, and fishing to name a few. This family friendly trip is the perfect blend of fun, beauty and relaxation. We begin the day loading canoes with our supplies and begin a relaxing paddle along the calm waters of a beautiful forested lake. We take out at a lakeside backcountry site for our lunch, that offers incredible surrounding views from where hiking, exploring, fishing, more paddling, or just plain taking it easy are all available for the remainder of the day. Activities are based on your group’s desire and ambitions.

SEASON

Generally April through October but is available year around.

PRICE

$75 per person
Group Size: 3 min/14 max
Price includes roundtrip transportation from your residence, your Louisville area hotel, or other suitable location; any required equipment; any admissions; snacks, lunch and beverages; and a professional wilderness guide who provides natural and historical interpretation.  Price does not include guide gratuities or items of a personal nature. 

TRIP RATING

Easy to Moderate. Total paddling or hiking distances typically range between 2 and 4 miles each depending on the groups inclination to explore. Water levels are consistent year around so this paddle trip doesn’t require any portaging or pushing/pulling your canoe typically associated with seasonal low water levels.

Register for this Trip!               Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's


Jefferson Memorial Forest - Hiking

DESCRIPTION

The Jefferson Memorial Forest is a forest located in Southwest Louisville, Kentucky. At 6,218 acres, it is the largest municipal urban forest in the United States. The forest was established as a tribute to Kentucky’s veterans, and was designated as a National Audubon Society wildlife refuge. The underlying geology of these hills is primarily siltstone and shale, with the siltstone creating extremely steep hillsides.

There are some fifty types of trees, including ten species of oaks and a rich flora of wildflowers and seventeen species of fern and fern allies. A wide variety of animals can be seen, including bobcats, coyotes, red foxes, white-tailed deer, great blue herons and horned owls. This trip is also great for viewing fall colors.

This trip begins with a stop at the Welcome Center to learn more about the history and natural features of the forest. Our hike will then take us to remote areas of the forest to witness the unique natural features and wildlife that abounds.

SEASON

Year around

PRICE

$45 per person
Group Size: 3 min/14 max
Price includes roundtrip transportation from your residence, your Louisville area hotel, or other suitable location; any required equipment; any admissions; snacks, lunch and beverages; and a professional wilderness guide who provides natural and historical interpretation.  Price does not include guide gratuities or items of a personal nature. 

TRIP RATING

Moderate to Challenging. Total walking distance between 4 and 7 miles, sometimes over steep terrain. Distance can vary based on your group’s ambition and ability.

Register for this Trip!               Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's


Twin Creek Valley Nature Preserve - Nature Walk/Hiking

DESCRIPTION

Twin Creek Valley Nature Preserve, owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy is located in northwest Washington County, Indiana. Twin Creek Valley consists mostly of a large mature upland and floodplain forest that is tucked away in the valley. Several karst geological features including rugged limestone boulders and several aquatic caves are also present. The preserve also has two beautiful cove waterfalls flanked by large boulders and fallen trees covered in bright green moss. Limestone glades are also found on some of the south-facing slopes. Here a diverse mix of prairie grasses and wildflowers can be found. Each season brings out bare beauty of the landscape.

After arriving, our hike will be at a relaxed pace with time to explore the natural features, along with interpretation and history of the area. We enjoy our lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature. Twin Creek Valley is an inspiring place to sense nature and the timelessness of wild places. It is truly a beautiful place to visit no matter what time of the year.

SEASON

Year around

PRICE

$55 per person
Group Size: 3 min/14 max
Price includes roundtrip transportation from your residence, your Louisville area hotel, or other suitable location; any required equipment; any admissions; snacks, lunch and beverages; and a professional wilderness guide who provides natural and historical interpretation.  Price does not include guide gratuities or items of a personal nature. 

TRIP RATING

Easy to moderate. Total walking distance between 5 and 7 miles combined (cave tour and hike) depending on your inclination to explore. Trails in park are over rolling terrain and along creek valleys with several creek crossings. Distance and terrain can vary based on the group’s ambition and ability.

Register for this Trip!               Return to Day Trip Info and FAQ's