The best walks and hikes in Clark County

Step onto the Big 4 Walking Bridge for a truly unique urban adventure, where you'll traverse the Ohio River on a converted railroad bridge. The paved path offers expansive, unobstructed views of the Louisville and Jeffersonville skylines, with river traffic gliding beneath you. It's a smooth, level journey that feels more like a scenic promenade than a traditional hike, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the open air.

This easy 1.3-mile (2.0 km) route, with a negligible 6 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick, family-friendly outing. You can access the bridge from Waterfront Park in Louisville, where parking is readily available. The bridge is open around the clock, so you can plan your visit for any time of day, perhaps catching a sunset or the bridge's evening lights.

Once a "Bridge That Goes Nowhere," the Big 4 Walking Bridge has been transformed into a bustling pedestrian and bicycle pathway, connecting two states and offering a vital link to the Louisville Riverwalk and Indiana's trail systems. This historic structure provides a fascinating blend of engineering marvel and natural beauty, allowing you to walk between Kentucky and Indiana while observing local wildlife like peregrine falcons.

The Chapel Lake Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through a diverse landscape within Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) route, with a minimal 74 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 45 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a quick nature escape. You'll traverse wooded paths, glimpse the serene Chapel Lake, and marvel at the unique Chapel Rock, a sandstone pillar with a tree growing from its top, alongside the picturesque Chapel Falls.

When planning your visit, be aware that the road to the trailhead can be unpaved and may close during winter, requiring alternative access like snowshoes. This easy loop is perfect for families or those new to hiking, offering a rewarding experience without demanding too much time or effort. It's a great option for a relaxed outing, especially during the warmer months.

This trail is a fantastic way to experience some of the Pictured Rocks' most beloved features in a compact package. While the full, longer Chapel Lake Loop (around 10 miles) offers a more comprehensive adventure, this shorter version provides a taste of the region's dramatic cliffs, vibrant sandstone formations, and stunning Lake Superior views, making it a popular choice for a quick, scenic walk.

Hike the moderate 6.8-mile Top of the Rock Loop in Clark State Forest, gaining 1040 feet with expansive views of the Ohio River valley.

The Nine Penny Branch Loop is a true hidden gem in Southern Indiana, offering a refreshing escape into a diverse forest landscape. You'll wander through areas of towering beech and tulip poplar trees, following Nine Penny Run as it carves a scenic ravine with limestone slabs and clear pools. Keep an eye out for the charming small waterfall that flows nearly year-round, a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the natural beauty.

This easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) hike takes about 40 minutes to complete, with a gentle 69 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain. It's a fantastic option for families and beginners, though you'll need to cross the creek twice, so waterproof shoes are a smart choice, especially after rain. Parking is readily available at the trailhead, and the trail's accessibility, including an ADA-compliant section, makes it welcoming for many.

Historically significant as part of Clark's Grant, the preserve also features remnants of an old stagecoach route and stone fences along the stream. The trail is particularly vibrant in spring with wildflowers and offers captivating foliage in the fall. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience a rich natural environment and local history in a short, rewarding outing.

The Knobstone Trail: Deam Lake to Bartle Knob Road offers a rugged hiking experience through dense, old-growth forests in southern Indiana. This 6.5-mile (10.4 km) route, rated moderate, takes you along the eastern shore of Deam Lake before ascending onto the narrow ridges of the Knobstone Escarpment. You'll encounter steep climbs and descents, with 826 feet (252 metres) of elevation gain, making it a solid workout that typically takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes to complete. The Round Knob viewpoint provides a scenic break from the challenging terrain.

To plan your visit, you can park at the Deam Lake State Recreation Area, which serves as the starting point for this section of the Knobstone Trail. The trail is maintained to backcountry standards, meaning you should expect primitive conditions with limited structures beyond basic steps and waterbars. It's wise to carry ample water, especially during warmer weather, as the route's demanding nature and lack of switchbacks can be taxing. This trail is best enjoyed by hikers who appreciate a challenging, natural environment.

This segment is part of the Knobstone Trail, Indiana's longest footpath, often compared to a "Little Appalachian Trail" due to its significant elevation changes and ruggedness. The trail traverses 40,000 acres of forested land, offering a true escape into nature. Its demanding character makes it a popular training ground for those preparing for longer, more strenuous hikes. The Knobstone Escarpment itself is recognized as one of Indiana's most picturesque areas, providing a scenic backdrop for your adventure.

Hike the easy 2.2-mile Clarksville Discovery Trail Loop, a paved path offering scenic views, historical railway remnants, and wildlife.

Hike the moderate 7.9-mile Knobstone Trail from New Chapel to Pixley Knob, featuring rugged terrain and scenic overlooks in Clark State Fore

Hike the easy 3.9-mile Shaw Lake Loop Trail in Clark State Forest, featuring rugged terrain, upland forests, and a vista of Deam Lake.

Hike the moderate 5.7-mile Clark State Forest Cross Country Loop in Deam Lake State Recreation Area, featuring diverse forests and Waggoner