Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure Set for October 15 from 9am-2pm

5K Race, Outdoor Adventure, Guided Hikes, Food Trucks & Music Highlight Event

Families can enjoy fall color at Jefferson Memorial Forest during the Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants can get a pumpkin, take a hay ride, and hike trails of various lengths through the Forest at the height of fall color. The event is free to the public.

Activities include a children’s nature exploration area, Alpine Tower climbs, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, archery, and fishing. The Forest’s volunteer trail team and staff will lead hikes at various skill levels and introduce visitors to the native plant gardens, bird blind and animal exhibits.

The event will also feature a 5K trail run through the forested knobs starting at 9 a.m.

“The annual Forest Adventure is the perfect opportunity for families to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at Jefferson Memorial Forest, which is thirty minutes away, or less, no matter where you live in Louisville,” Park Administrator Bennett Knox said.With 6,600 acres, Jefferson Memorial Forest offers many opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy and explore the outdoors. The Forest features more than 35 miles of marked hiking trails, fishing, and primitive camping.  It is also home to one of Louisville’s most exciting new attractions, the Go Ape treetop adventure course.

Theresa Zawacki, Chair of Wilderness Louisville, the non-profit supporting Jefferson Memorial Forest, stressed the importance of Louisville’s community forest and the general role natural areas contribute to the city’s quality of life.

“All of us, young and old, benefit from being outdoors,”Zawacki said.  “Being active in nature benefits us in so many ways from helping us manage stress, to creating opportunities for families to bond, and of course, just plain fun.”

The hiking Saturday will be through the Horine Reservation of the Forest, located at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road. Nine different trail routes in four sections of the Forest will be featured, providing a range of options for hikers of all abilities. The trails range in length from one-fifth of a mile up to five miles, and have terrain varying from relatively flat to rugged.

The Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure is presented by Quest Outdoors.