12 Natural Hidden Gems In Louisville Most People Don't Know Even Exist
If you’re not from the city, you may not realize that Louisville is filled with such beautiful scenery. We’re lucky to be able to drive 15 minutes to visit an amazing park rather than over an hour, as we have so many natural gems tucked away in every corner of the city. Read this list below whether you’re from Louisville or just looking– you may learn about a few hidden gems in Louisville, KY you couldn’t imagine existing right here in the city.
1. Broad Run Park

Head to Broad Run Park in Louisville, KY for a peaceful nature getaway in this video from @WiRoadtrippers:
2. McNeely Lake Park

3. Bernheim Forest

4. Iroquois Park

5. Fisherman's Park

6. Falls of the Ohio State Park

Learn more about the Falls of the Ohio State Park in this video from Adventures with Roger:
7. Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park

8. Louisville Mega Caverns

9. Cherokee Park

10. Henry's Ark Zoo

Meet incredible animals in this small zoo surrounded by Kentucky nature! Henry's Ark is a free zoo, and the perfect outdoor place to enjoy with your family. Donations are encouraged and vegetables should be packed to feed the animals.
11. Falling Rock Quarry

12. Big Rock Park

Learn more about Big Rock Park in Cherokee Park near Louisville, KY and why we need help keep our parks clean in this video from Olmsted Parks Conservancy:
Have you visited all of these hidden gems in Louisville, KY, or were some a surprise to learn about? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook! If you liked this article about Louisville’s nature, you’ll love these incredible waterfalls found right here in the city.
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More to Explore
Hidden Gems In Louisville And Beyond
What are the best hidden gems in KY?
There are many wonderful natural areas in Kentucky. We hear a lot about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Mammoth Cave, but there is more to discover. Here are a few of the best hidden gems in KY that you may not have heard about:
- Louisville Mega Cavern, Louisville, KY: Mammoth Cave gets a lot of attention in Kentucky, but there is another cave system near Louisville that is just as fascinating to explore. A journey through Mega Cavern isn't your typical cave tour - this one lets you zoom through the cave on a zip line! There is also a unique ropes course that is the only underground aerial ropes course in the world.
- Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Crestwood, KY: This wonderful hidden gem in Kentucky started as a private nursery and garden owned by Theodore Klein in the 1940s. It is now a leading arboretum for plant study and research that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens are a beautiful location to enjoy a walk or even hold a special get-together at the "castle" and castle-like building used for weddings and special events.
- McConnell Springs, Lexington, KY: Another quiet place to escape in nature is this oasis in the heart of Lexington. If you have an afternoon to spare, take some time out of your busy day to enjoy a walk in this very special spot. One of the highlights is the Blue Hole, one of two natural springs in the area with a striking blue color due to the unique blend of minerals in the soil and the shallow depth of the pool.
One of the best ways to discover new hidden gems in Kentucky is by taking a road trip. Grab an RV from RVShare and check out some of the best little-known places in Kentucky with this pre-planned itinerary.