Had a great time with the grand kiddos. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because of the mess in…read morethe latrines.

I like hiking. A lot. And I like hiking at new and different places…read more Charlestown State Park is....okay. They have some really nice trails, spread out and across a large area. There is plenty of parking. And I believe that camping is an option. You have to pay to get in, which is fine. But I am highly annoyed that out of state cars have to pay more. Once when I went though, it was in the off season and there was no one working at the entrance gate. We were hoping to pay with a card, and it appeared to be an honor system for paying the $9 on days when the park is open, but no one is working. I was enticed by the promise of Rose Island ruins (a former amusement park/resort. Not actually an island). But as interesting as it sounds, it was disappointing. It has been all cleaned up and sign-ified and it is more meh than I had hoped. I would probably come back more often if it was more like $5 to get in. But with Louisville's copious parks, state and otherwise, and Bernheim about the same distance drive, I'm inclined to stay on my side of the river.

This is a great park! Lots to do for all ages. A huge fenced in playground, several swings, a…read moresplash park and a nice walking path! An amazing addition to the community!

My parents are staying at the camp ground. It's very nice and clean. We went and spent the…read moreafternoon hiking with them at Rose Island. It was really neat! It's a very steep walk down and then back up. My dad and I both have bum knees and the walk down was hard on our knees. It says in several places that trail 3 is longer but not as hard, so we decided to take trail 3 back. I don't know who decided to play a mean trick on people and say trail 3 is easier to take but man they have a sick sense of humor! The mail trail is about a mile down a wide paved road. You could easily drive down it. Trail 3 is a windy, steep up and down, rocky, rooty, dirt trail that is also very narrow. It is not in any way shape or Form easier than the main trail. Oh and did I mention it is about a mile and a half or more? So it's harder and longer than the main trail . See the pictures. We did see more cool stuff on trail 3 than the main trail though. Rose Island itself was really cool. It would have been an amazing place in its hay day!

Extremely rude at the gate really bad attitude just because I'm not from Indiana Indiana State…read moreresidence. What a pitiful way to encourage tourism.

My sister came across this Forest by reading through a book about hikes in Indiana. Our first visit…read morehere was in April and we hiked along trail 7 which was a rugged 1.7 miles and took us up along a number of overlooks. We then hiked along Knob Lake- trail 5- only .25 miles but beautiful views of the lake. Plenty of people were fishing here. There are 10 trails overall and most range from 1-3 miles. We noticed that there were primitive camp sites and someone told us that it is very rarely full. We decided to come camping here in September after Labor Day. It is only $13 a night and self registration. The camp sites have plenty of room for car and tents. The sites each have a fire pit and picnic table. There are only pit toilets but they all had plenty of toilet paper. There were a handful of people camping so it was a very quiet evening. This time we hiked trail 2 which was 1.75 miles moderately rugged. This takes you up 985 feet above sea level. There are horse trails, hunting, archery range and plenty of picnicking spots. If you enjoy the outdoors- this is only about an hour and 30 minutes from Indianapolis.

Found this park by way of AllTrails app, and I'm so happy I did! My sweet spots are national and…read morestate parks, but I'm so happy I stumbled upon this state forest. Being a state forest, it's free entrance, for one. It's about 1.25 hours from downtown Indy, so not too far of a trek and about the same distance to Brown County area. I came for the purpose of a day hike on the Knoblake and Pinnacle Loop Trail. It's labeled "hard" on AllTrails. As with most Indiana "hard" trails, if you're an experienced hiker, it means they're "easy-to-medium" challenge. However, I will happily say that this trail kicked my booty. It was a challenge. The elevation gains/descents are no joke. Bring hiking poles if you can! The final views were incredible and a great place to feel the spring sunshine and breeze to reward our hard work. It meanders through some creek area as well. I can't wait to come back and take advantage of their buddy camping system. $13 a campsite - an absolute win compared to other nearby campsite prices. Would highly recommend for camping, fishing, hiking and general nature time!

It's been 10+ years since I last visited Locust Grove, so I was excited to recently, when I stopped…read moreby for their annual book sale fundraiser. First, what a beautiful spot! I only got to see a sliver of its many acres, but my blood pressure dropped just from driving up to its main building. And if you are a bibliophile, don't miss this annual book sale! The proceeds benefit Locust Grove, and it boasts an awesome, overflowing selection of used books. I got there right when it opened at 10 a.m., and by 10:15, everyone was shoulder to shoulder. I came away, though, with a box of books for my and my family, costing just $30. The volunteers were great too, taking everyone's stacks of books to set aside while they shopped for more. I would love to come back for a proper tour and to bring my kids. Can't believe this site is just 10 minutes from my house and that I haven't properly enjoyed it yet. I'm excited to learn more about it!

Before heading out, we checked Locust Grove's website and it listed tour times with no indication…read morethat the main house was closed for installation of new HVAC. Nothing on their website made any indication that tours were not available. The house and museum are normally open Tuesday to Sunday in February but with the HVAC work, the house has been closed for two months (January and February). It is scheduled to reopen on MARCH 1st. Obviously, others must have known the house/museum was closed as we only saw 3 or 4 other non-staff visitors while we were there. That said, we did enjoy a 12 minute video presentation in the visitors center and did have a chance to see exhibits detailing the site's history - also in the visitors center. After the visitors center, we did a walking tour of the site and read all the signs explaining the purpose of each building. The walking tour was interesting. We need to return sometime after March 1st and actually get a tour of the main house and museum.

Wonderful spot! I'm happy that it's coming along. Currently at 4 stars, but I can't wait as the…read moregardens continue to build out the place. I've been to botanical gardens in other cities where the community and local officials don't dedicate resources to it. I'm not sure of the entire breakdown here for funding but I do know they'll obtain a round of funding, build out, and repeat. In the future, this botanical garden will rival some of the best in the country. I don't even think 25% of this place has been developed yet. On the last visit, it was for the holiday light decorations. We got super lucky, arrived, and within 20 minutes it started snowing. It made the experience so worth it. Out of other holiday happenings around town, (Light up downtown, the mega caverns, etc etc), I much preferred this even over all the others. The light decoration isn't the largest but I still think it's worth it. Kids will love it and as long as you're not a grumpy gus(No offense Gus) of a human being, you should have a good time. The gardens part through the spring and summer is also fun but limited. Again, it's going to take time as the years go by but the botanical gardens definitely adds something to the city of Louisville.

Went for Christmas lights. It's beautiful. It's a quick stroll, maybe 20 min, longer if you have…read morekids or want to take pictures. There's no definitive path. Make your own. Many dead ends. Loved the indoor and outdoor part. Was surprised to see Santa and Mrs claus. They were in separate areas, doing photo ops for free! How wonderful. We got a photo w Santa. Enjoyed the wreath display. The indoor Christmas tree with recycled ornaments was fun. You can get hot cocoa to keep your hands warm- not sure of the cost. Parking is free. Would recommend a ticket, believe it's $10. Great date spot :)

This is such a hidden gem! There are many photo opportunities in this beautiful Nature preserve…read more If you're having a picnic or want an areas you can rent for events! I this is the place! I highly recommend Saunders Springs! I recently took my sister's maternity photos there! Great photo opportunities.

We stopped here on our way through this area and discovered this hidden gem. We didn't have the…read moretime or energy to do much of the available hiking, but they have several trails with varying degrees of difficulty. It was a beautiful area, green and lush, with several areas for picnicking and wading into creeks. There was a lake that people were fishing in. Several old cabins were on the property that added a fun dimension to the area. If we're ever in the area again, we might stop and take advantage of more of the hiking trails.

Fairmount falls is a hidden and very well kept Louisville treasure. This is a walking trail located…read morein the fern creek/zoneton areas of Louisville. For whatever reason it is owned by Jefferson memorial Forrest which is in Fairdale a good 20 min away. The park area is blocked off by rope and a lock. To get the lock combo you have to call 502-368-5404 and hit "0" for the operator. At that time either someone will pick up and you tell them you want to reserve a spot for Fairmount falls and the date you need it. Or you can leave a voicemail and they will call you back ASAP. If available (only 3 cars a day) they will get your vehicle make and color and license plate number and give you the code. They will tell you to enter the home address of 9601 thixton lane but the entrance is actually across the street. How hidden and unknown is this place? I live literally a mile from here for the last 3 years. I had no idea it even existed. I've probably drove by the hidden entrance 20 good times with no idea. The woods and creek that it attaches is literally the same woods and creek in my actual back yard. If I was grizzly adams I could probably find a way to navigate or kayak my way there. But I'm not about that life. It's the 21st century and I have no problem calling a phone number, reserving a day and driving myself here. As alluded to the entrance is very small and tight (large vehicles may have to adjust a few times) and hard to miss. When you take the rope off you have a tiny parking area and a nice picnic table area. From there you start the trail. The trail is 1.1 miles round trip and it is a loop. First part of the trail has a variety of beautiful mossy rocks and fallen trees in a well beaten out and carved out nature trail. You will come up to a normal road and have to cross it to continue the trail. At that point is where you approach the breathtaking and beautiful Fairmount falls. They have a few side trails to get closer looks and photos. However you will be cross over the falls shortly while staying on the trail. When on top of the falls your feet will get a little wet. There is no barricades so you have to be careful of you dare get closer to the edge for a look see. It's pretty much straight rock in what I'd say is well over a 50 foot drop. So there is not walking it off if you slip. So proceed off trail with extreme caution. The trail continues through more beautiful natural Forrest areas. Including some nice random spots that had yellow water Lilly's that popped up. That second half also has a couple bench areas to sit and relax in the woods. The second half of this trail once you cross the waterfall has some very muddy spots. It is flat Ground and you can trek around them in the woods. Which you can tell has been done before as a second path is starting to emerge. Eventually you loop back around to the waterfall and head back to the beginning. Fairmount falls is Breathtaking, peaceful and quiet. You feel like your in on a top secret place when going there because you will likely be the only ones there and upon arrival you have to take a lock off the rope then lock it behind you and do the same when leaving. Being a mile away from my house I'll reserve this a bunch moving forward. It's an easy well shaded walking trail and relaxing. My family and I have done majority of Louisville walking trails. There isn't another waterfall like this nearby. So it is unique too. Overall extremely glad to have found this hidden gem. I would highly recommend for any nature lover!

We went hiking here last week my daughter and I with my buddy and his kids. And my friend called…read moreGod is the code to get into the Fairmont Falls cause only allow three vehicles at a time I believe that not here by far is that rules though because we saw Alyssa good for five when we were there but we were legit we had correct place in line and we put our names in I don't know if they did or not and I don't know I guess you can just use the same code every time I'm not sure. But besides the point we got there had a lot of cool photo ops had a lot of cool little waterfall things going on and just saw lotta good things good big hiking loop going across the whole thing is like a mile long and easily marked And easily accessible for all of us and we had a really good time I will definitely be back to this place and I bet he's already giving back the same day with the rest of his family so he really enjoyed it so I will definitely be back it's a fun little hiking trail if you like woods and you like hiking you'll like this place