By Bernheim
Winter is a quieter season at Bernheim, but it is one of the best times to slow down and really notice the forest. With fewer leaves on the trees and the occasional mild Kentucky winter day, familiar places feel new again. Whether you are walking a favorite trail, visiting a sculpture, or spotting birds, winter offers a fresh way to experience the landscape.
Hit the Trails
Winter hiking gives you a whole new perspective on the forest. Without dense foliage, the landscape opens up with longer views, visible hills and hollows, and animal tracks left behind after snow or rain. Cooler temperatures make it easier to explore at your own pace and stay outside longer. Staff favorites include Rock Run, recommended by Kelly Vowels; Cull Hollow, picked by Ida Brown; and Elm Lick, suggested by Evan Patrick. Discover more trails.
Explore the Holly Collection
Winter is the perfect time to visit Bernheim’s holly collection, when berries are at their most vibrant. The Buddy Hubbuch Holly Collection features more than 140 cultivated varieties of American Holly, showing differences in leaf shape, growth habit, and berry color. Many berries remain through late winter and provide an important food source for birds while adding bright color to the landscape. It is a great opportunity to walk through the collection and see the variety that exists within a single species.
Get to Know the Trees
When leaves fall, trees tell their stories in other ways. Bark patterns, branching shapes, and growth habits become easier to see, making winter an ideal time to learn tree identification. Take a walk through the arboretum and turn it into a simple guessing game by seeing how many trees you recognize without their leaves.
Visit the Tin Man
Take a drive up Forest Hill Drive to visit Heart of the Forest, Bernheim’s newest permanent art installation, often called the Tin Man. Winter’s open views make the sculpture feel even more connected to the surrounding landscape. It is a peaceful stop for photos or a quiet moment to take it all in.
Go Birding
Birding in winter can be especially rewarding. With fewer leaves, birds are easier to spot as they forage in the understory or visit feeders throughout the arboretum. Winter also offers a closer look at how birds rely on berries and forest habitats during colder months.
Plan Your Visit
Winter at Bernheim is all about seeing the forest a little differently. Bundle up, pick a trail, and take your time. There is plenty to discover in the quieter months. Plan your visit.
