10
March/April 2014 • 10
h i k i n g s p o t s
you shouldn't miss
Story // Jenna Esarey
S
pring is a great time to hit the local hiking trails. The bitter
cold of the winter is past, and the blazing heat of summer
is still something to dread. With our varied topography,
a nice walk in the woods can take you past scenic views
of the Ohio Valley, into water-carved canyons, near waterfalls of
various sizes and through old-growth forests. The following list
ofers something for every level of hiking enthusiast, from chal-
lenging multi-day excursions to short afternoon rambles.
1. Ohio River Greenway
The still under construction, seven-mile long multi-use path
for pedestrians and bicycles follows the banks of the Ohio River
from Jefersonville to New Albany.
Completed sections hug the Ohio River in places, follows the
top of the foodwall in others and leads visitors to the historic
George Rogers Clark Cabin in Clarksville.
Visit ohiorivergreenway.org
2. Knobstone Trail
Indiana's longest hiking trail at 58 miles, Knobstone Trail
passes primarily through state forests in Clark, Scott, and Wash-
ington Counties.
Eight trailheads provide access, with the primary starting
point being the Delaney Park Trailhead near Salem at 8215
North Delaney Park Road.
Visit www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/4275.htm.
3. Big Four Pedestrian Bridge
The shortest of the bunch (pictured at right), but arguably the
most scenic — ofering panoramic vistas of southern Indiana and
the Louisville skyline, the repurposed Big Four Bridge crosses the
Ohio River, joining Louisville's Riverfront Park with downtown
Jefersonville.
Accessible only from the Louisville side for nearly a year, the
Jefersonville ramp is due to open this spring.
4. Charlestown State Park
With six trails from 1.2 to 2.9 miles in length and ranging
from moderate to rugged, the Charlestown State Park ofers
dense foodplain forest, rock outcrops and waterfalls.
Several of the trails follow or overlook Fourteenmile Creek
and visitors can spy the remains of a footbridge that once led
to Rose Island, a 1920s amusement park. The park occasion-
ally ofers guided tours to the remains of the park, destroyed
in the 1937 food, or special 'Full Moon' hikes after dark.
Visit www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2986.htm.
// Top 10
Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. Photo by Abby Laub.
MarchApril 2014.indd 10 2/23/14 8:32 PM