The One Place In Kentucky That's Basically Heaven On Earth
By Rachel Shulhafer|Published November 02, 2016
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Rachel Shulhafer
Author
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
Kentuckians know that there are little slices of heaven all over the Bluegrass State. Bernheim Forest in Clermont, KY is definitely one of those slices. Located just outside of Bardstown in the heart of bourbon country, Bernheim Forest is only about 30 minutes away from Louisville, and an hour and a half from Lexington. Check out why this natural getaway is unique, and why you should drop everything and go there right now.
Welcome to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
The 14,738 acres of property that Bernheim Forest now sits on was purchased in 1929 by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim. Much of the land had already been logged and derived of resources by humans, but Bernheim's goal with the purchase was to let the land recover so that future generations would have a place to enjoy a natural setting. Bernheim is managed by a nonprofit organization to keep it flourishing, making Isaac Bernheim’s initial idea a reality. Even though more than 200,000 people visit the forest every year, the land has restored itself in the last eight decades, and now boasts clean air and water and a healthy biological diversity.
When you enter Bernheim Forest, you'll come across this little building to welcome you.
Admittance is free Monday through Friday, but there is a small environmental impact fee on weekends and holidays. The fee is $5.00 for cars, and $10.00 for vans and RVs.
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The Visitor Center at Bernheim is a work of art itself.
The Cafe offers a seasonal menu with food from local farmers. They also have box lunches you can take on the trails with you, and catering for small groups.
Part of what makes Bernheim unique is all the art and sculptures that are located throughout the grounds.
The Canopy Tree Walk immerses you right into the leaves of the forest. The boardwalk juts out into the canopy of trees and is elevated 75 feet above the forest floor.
There are also opportunities to explore lakes and creeks at Bernheim.
There are over 35 miles of trails for both hiking and biking at Bernheim, so there is something for everyone. The trails range in both length and difficulty. They have trails that are short and level and therefore kid-friendly, and they have longer ones that are more strenuous. The Millenium Trail is a difficult 13.75 mile hike. You must register at the Visitor Center if you're planning on hiking it.
For more information on Bernheim Forest, including hours, hiking trails, and special events, check out their website. The main entrance to Bernheim is on Highway 245, one mile east of Exit 112 on I-65.
Has anyone ever been to Bernheim before?
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