The terrain at Bernheim is varied – from smooth paved walkways and boardwalks to natural, sloping trails and paths of gravel and mulch. We’ve made getting around as safe as possible and are always willing to help ensure your visit is as comfortable as we can offer.
With over 40 miles of trails available, Bernheim offers diverse hiking opportunities for the curious as well as the wildly serious athlete. Enjoy the scenery as you loop through knobs and valleys and along ridges and hollows.
View trail locations on our interactive map and find out more information with the trail descriptions below.
Trail Map:
List of Trails:
Arboretum Loop (1.5 mi)
walk-time
45 minutes
difficulty
Accessible
difficulty
Easy
Enjoy views of the prairie and trees, including crabapples, dogwoods, magnolias, and conifers. This accessible trail utilizes the hike/bike lane of the main road through the arboretum.
Rating: Easy
Width: 138 inches
Surface: Pavement
Slope/Grade: Multiple mild slopes reaching a max grade of 9%
Obstacles: Speed bumps, small hills
Comfort: High sun exposure
Traffic/Popularity: Shared with cars, bikes and pedestrians. Likely to encounter people.
Parking: Designated accessible parking at Visitor Center, Education Center, Arboretum Way, Playcosystem
Bent Twig Trail (0.5 mi)
walk-time
15 mins
difficulty
Easy
Traverse through a pine and cedar forest and view vines and shrubbery undergrowth that provide habitat for wildlife.
Rating: Easy
Width: Avg. 60 inches | Min. 24 inches
Surface: Packed dirt, wooded bridges
Slope/Grade: Mostly flat with a couple of small slopes reaching 17% grade
Obstacles: Roots, small logs
Comfort: Low sun exposure, benches throughout trail
Traffic/Popularity: May encounter 1-2 people
Parking: Designated accessible parking at Education Center
Big Prairie Overlook Path (0.25 mi)
walk-time
5 minutes
difficulty
Accessible
difficulty
Easy
Stroll this paved, accessible path to Let There Be Light, the statue marking Isaac W. Bernheim’s gravesite. Enjoy sweeping views of the Big Prairie and surrounding landscape.
Rating: Easy
Width: Avg. 72 inches
Surface: Pavement
Slope/Grade: Gradual 12% grade to reach flat surface
Obstacles: Small cracks in between stone at base of sculpture
Comfort: Moderate sun exposure, benches along trail
Traffic/Popularity: May encounter 1-2 people
Parking: Located at the base of the path
Bike Hike Trail 🚲 (4 mi) – Temporarily Closed
walk-time
3 hours round trip (out and back)
difficulty
Moderate
This out and back trail follows the course of Long Lick Creek via a paved and gravel trail. It passes through the old Clermont quarry, a section of Old Highway 245, and ends near the Bullitt/Nelson County Line. This trail is handicap accessible. Access from Happy Hollow Road, located across Highway 245 just east of Bernheim’s main entrance.
Canopy Tree Walk (0.1 mi)
difficulty
Accessible
difficulty
Easy
Enjoy breathtaking views of the forest canopy and gorgeous knobs from 75 feet above the forest floor.
Slope/Grade: Gradual 5% grade of pavement to flat wooden structure
Obstacles: Large rocks at trailhead with space for mobility device to navigate
Comfort: Moderate sun exposure, benches along pavement
Traffic/Popularity: Likely to see others
Parking: Located at High Point Loop trailhead (125 feet from path at 7% grade)
Cull Hollow Loop (1.5 mi)
walk-time
1 hour
difficulty
Moderate
Wind through many ridges and view mounds of unknown origin. Look for the effects of logging and iron ore mining along this trail.
Rating: Moderate
Width: Avg. 36 inches | Min. 18 inches
Surface: Packed dirt
Slope/Grade: Multiple varied slopes, reaching a max grade of 34%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, logs, mud
Comfort: Low sun exposure, benches at trailhead
Traffic/Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
Parking: Large parking area at trailhead
Elm Lick Trail (5 mi)
walk-time
2-3 hours
difficulty
Difficult
Journey across the Elm Lick Watershed through many types of landscapes. Hike steep sections and stream crossings, weaving through grasslands, valleys, oak-hickory and beech-maple forests, and an old homesite.
Rating: Difficult
Width: Avg. 24 inches | Min. 12 inches
Surface: Packed dirt, gravel
Slope/Grade: Multiple steep slopes, reaching a max grade of 46%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, logs, creek crossings
Comfort: Low sun exposure
Traffic/Popularity: May encounter 1-2 people
Parking: Located at trailhead
Fire Tower Loop (0.5 mi)
walk-time
20 minutes
difficulty
Moderate
Hike to Bernheim’s historic fire tower. Built in 1929, the fire tower is open to the public based on staff/volunteer availability. This trail has steep sections to traverse.
Rating: Moderate
Width: Avg. 48 inches | Min. 36 inches
Surface: Loose gravel
Slope/Grade: Multiple moderate slopes, with grade up to 30%
Obstacles: Stairs, roots
Comfort: Low to moderate sun exposure, benches at trailhead and fire tower
Traffic/Popularity: May encounter 1-2 people
Parking: Large parking area at trailhead
Forest Giants Trail (2 mi)
walk-time
1.5 hours
difficulty
Easy
Start this out and back trail at the Visitor Center to see all three of the Forest Giants in a Giant Forest. Enjoy views of native grasses and habitat as you cross the Big Prairie. Wind through parts of the Sun and Shade Loop to Lake Nevin, and see magnolias and the cypress tupelo swamp. Allow extra time for strollers and accessibility devices. For an easier trek, park on Arboretum Way to walk to Mama Loumari.
Rating: Easy
Width: Avg. 96 inches | Min. 36 inches
Surface: Pavement, pea gravel, packed dirt, grass, loose gravel, mulch
Slope/Grade: Multiple short and mild slopes reaching a max grade of 16%
Obstacles: Small washouts on gravel and dirt sections
Comfort: High sun exposure, benches located along trail
Traffic/Popularity: Likely to encounter other people
Parking: Designated accessible parking at Visitor Center and on Arboretum Way
Guerilla Hollow Loop (1.2 mi)
walk-time
45 minutes
difficulty
Moderate
Weave through mature wooded areas, and climb steep slopes. The trail is named due to activity during the Civil War.
Rating: Moderate
Width: Avg. 24 inches | Min. 16 inches
Surface: Packed dirt with a small section of gravel
Slope/Grade: Multiple short steep and mild slopes, max grade reaching 43%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, sticks, logs
Comfort: Low sun exposure, picnic tables at trailhead
Traffic/Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
Parking: Small area at trailhead
High Point Loop (0.5 mi)
walk-time
15 minutes
difficulty
Easy
Cross Bernheim’s highest elevation of 927 feet. Wind through streams and beech and maple woodland with some gentle slopes.
Rating: Easy
Width: Avg. 36 inches | Min. 24 inches
Surface: Packed dirt
Slope/Grade: Multiple varied slopes reaching max grade of 28%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, logs, creek crossing
Comfort: Low sun exposure
Traffic/Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
Parking: Located at trailhead
Iron Ore Hill Loop (1.5 mi)
walk-time
1 hour
difficulty
Moderate
Hike moderate to steep slopes, overlooking a valley and weave through the forest. Access to the Canopy Tree Walk, a must-see at Bernheim. Iron Ore Hill derives its name from the iron industry that flourished in the area in the mid 1800s.
Rating: Moderate
Width: Avg. 36 inches | Min. 18 inches
Surface: Packed dirt
Slope/Grade: Multiple slopes reaching max grade of 34%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, logs
Comfort: Low sun exposure
Traffic/Popularity: May encounter 1-2 others
Parking: Located on Paul’s Point Circle across from trailhead
Jackson-Yoe Loop (2 mi)
walk-time
1 hour
difficulty
Difficult
Cross diverse lowland and uphill terrain in a oak-hickory forest. Named for two families that lived in the area in the 1800’s, the trail includes the Jackson family cemetery.
Rating: Difficult
Width: Avg. 24 inches | Min. 12 inches
Surface: Packed dirt
Slope/Grade: Multiple slopes reaching max grade of 32%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, logs, creek crossing
Comfort: Low sun exposure, benches and picnic tables at trailhead
Traffic/Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
Parking: Located at trailhead on Old Forest Rd
Knob Top Trail (.5 mi)
walk-time
30 minutes
difficulty
Difficult
Hike to the top of Inspiration Knob for a panoramic view of Lake Nevin. The trail connects Lake Nevin Loop and Two Ponds Loop, and provides access to crabapple and maple collections.
Rating: Difficult
Width: Avg. 36 inches | Min. 18 inches
Surface: Packed dirt
Slope/Grade: Long and moderate slope reaching max grade of 28%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, creek crossing
Comfort: Low sun exposure
Traffic/Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
Parking: Located on right side of Visitor Center Dr. just before trailhead
Lake Nevin Loop* (1.3 mi)
walk-time
1 hour
difficulty
Easy
Stroll around 32-acre Lake Nevin through beautifully landscaped gardens and plant collections. View the cypress-tupelo swamp and redbud trees in ACRE. This 32-acre lake was part of the landscape design created by the Olmsted Brothers in 1948.
Rating: Easy
Width: Avg. 60 inches
Surface: Pavement, pea gravel, loose gravel, wooden bridges
Slope/Grade: Multiple short and mild slopes reaching a max grade of 12%, threshold of concrete dam bridge reaches 15% grade
Obstacles: Some washout sections of gravel
Comfort: High sun exposure, benches located along trail
Traffic/Popularity: Likely to encounter others
Parking: Accessible parking at Garden Pavilion
Meditation Trail (0.5 mi)
walk-time
15 minutes
difficulty
Easy
The Meditation Trail, created in memory of Lily Banerjee, invites you to connect with nature along the peaceful Bent Twig Trail. This serene path features six spurs, each offering a unique meditation prompt inspired by the qualities of nearby trees. Thoughtfully placed signs introduce you to each tree’s positive attributes, such as abundance (persimmon), generosity (tulip poplar), and strength (red oak), while guiding your mindfulness practice.
Handcrafted wooden benches and decks, built by Bernheim’s skilled staff, provide ideal spots to pause, breathe, and reflect on nature’s gifts. As you walk the trail, you’ll feel a deeper connection to the forest, which Dr. Mark K. Wourms, Bernheim’s President and CEO, hopes will offer visitors a sense of peace and restoration.
Meditation Trail Highlights
Traverse Divine by Justin Roberts
At the trail’s entrance, you’ll pass through Traverse Divine, an archway designed by artist and 2019 Artist in Residence, Justin Roberts. Inspired by sacred geometry, the structure mirrors natural patterns found in snail shells and pinecones, welcoming you into a contemplative space.
Traverse Divine by Justin Roberts
Wind Phone
Introduced in 2024, the Wind Phone is a meaningful installation designed for those experiencing grief. Modeled after a classic rotary phone, it provides a quiet place to dial a loved one’s number and share your thoughts, allowing the wind to carry your words skyward. This special feature, located at the Sanctuary Stop, offers comfort and emotional release in a tranquil setting.
Wind Phone on Bernheim’s Meditation Trail
Trail Details
Rating: Easy
Width: Avg. 60 inches | Min. 24 inches
Surface: Packed dirt, wooded bridges
Slope/Grade: Mostly flat, occasional slopes up to 17%
Obstacles: Roots, small logs
Comfort: Low sun exposure, benches available
Traffic: Light (1-2 people)
Parking: Accessible parking at the Education Center
Take a moment for yourself along Bernheim’s Meditation Trail—an opportunity to immerse in nature, reflect, and find inner peace.
Millennium Trail (15 mi)
walk-time
6-7 hours
difficulty
Difficult
Wind through ridges of oak-hickory forest to valleys and streams of beech-maple forest. This trail is the longest and most difficult at Bernheim. Recommended for experienced hikers only. Registration is required. Please sign in at the Bernheim entrance kiosk or at the trailhead. The halfway point is located off Paul’s Point Loop. From November through March, begin your adventure before 9:00 a.m.
Rating: Difficult
Width: Avg. 24 inches | Min. 12 inches
Surface: Packed dirt
Slope/Grade: Multiple long and short slopes reaching a max grade of 41%
Obstacles: Roots, rocks, logs, creek crossings
Comfort: Low sun exposure, one bench on trail
Traffic/Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
Parking: Located near trailhead
Nursery Loop* (1 mi)
walk-time
40 minutes
difficulty
Easy
Trek to the Edible Garden, Research Building and Mac’s Lake. Enjoy bird watching, wildflowers and moss.
Slope/Grade: Multiple short and mild slopes reaching max grade of 12%
Obstacles: Cracks in pavement, bridge reaches 9% grade
Comfort: Moderate sun exposure
Parking: Accessible parking at Visitor Center
Overalls Loop (0.25 mi)
walk-time
10 minutes
difficulty
Easy
Take this flat and upland trail through the forest and connect to one of Bernheim’s fire roads.
Rating: Easy
Width: Avg. 48 inches | Min. 24 inches
Surface: Gravel, packed dirt
Slope/Grade: Mostly flat with mild slope with max grade of 2%
Obstacles: Log
Comfort: Low sun exposure
Traffic/Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
Parking: Located along Paul’s Point Circle at trailhead
Rock Run Loop (0.5 mi)
walk-time
30 minutes
difficulty
Moderate
Traverse slopes along Rock Run Creek to view limestone and shale outcroppings and search for wildflowers.
Rating: Moderate
Width: Avg. 24 inches | Min. 20 inches
Surface: Packed dirt and gravel
Slope/Grade: Multiple moderate slopes with max grade of 39%
Obstacles: Rocks, roots, steps, creek crossings
Comfort: Low sun exposure
Traffic/Popularity: Likely to encounter others
Parking: Located on Forest Hill Dr. across from trailhead
Seasonal Prairie Trails (1-2 mi)
walk-time
1-2 hours
difficulty
Easy
Stroll through mowed pathways across the grassland prairie over mostly even terrain. Use Big Prairie trails to connect to other trails in the Arboretum.
Parking: Accessible parking at Visitor Center and Education Center
* Partially accessible trail. Please ask the Visitor Center for details. 🚲 Biking is welcome on any of Bernheim’s paved roads that can be accessed from within Bernheim’s main roads.
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