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Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, Clermont, KY
Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily FavoriteLocal Gem

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

2075 Clermont Rd · Clermont, KY

Why you should go…

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum covers more than 16,000 acres south of Louisville, founded in 1929 by whiskey maker Isaac W. Bernheim. You can walk 40 miles of trails, step out onto the Canopy Tree Walk 75 feet above the forest floor and let kids loose in the 17-acre Playcosystem. Look for the Forest Giants by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and the holly collection of more than 700 specimens, then stop at Isaac's Cafe.

  • #arboretum
  • #hiking trails
  • #canopy walk
  • #nature preserve
  • #sculpture

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    James B. Beam Distilling Co.

    $25–$50

    Tour the Clermont distillery where Beam bourbon is made, from grain to barrel, and finish with a guided tasting.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    My Old Kentucky Home State Park

    Under $25

    Tour Federal Hill, the Rowan family mansion tied to Stephen Foster's ballad, where a singing guide performs My Old Kentucky Home.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Louisville Mega Cavern

    Under $25

    A former limestone mine under Louisville where you ride a guided tram, zip line or climb a ropes course entirely underground.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Kentucky Kingdom

    $25–$50

    A theme park with six roller coasters, family rides and the Hurricane Bay water park beside the Kentucky Exposition Center.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Louisville Zoo

    Under $25

    A 134-acre zoo where you see polar bears, gorillas, orangutans and snow leopards across themed zones from Africa to the arctic.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Churchill Downs

    Under $25

    Watch Thoroughbred racing beneath the Twin Spires at the track that has hosted the Kentucky Derby since 1875.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing