Cherokee Park is a 2.3 mile scenic loop. Knowing that - or even checking out the basic Louisville Metro website - does not describe how you will experience the park. It's one of a kind and gorgeous, and provides joy for a variety of people. Walking Running trails Biking Picnics Frisbee golf Dog socializing Rentals of the pavilion Playgrounds and More You could visit Cherokee multiple times and it wouldn't feel repetitive. It can be lazy or provide an intense workout. read more

Cherokee is a gem in East Louisville. It has a winding road that is bike and pedestrian friendly. They've carved out half the road for cars and the other half for walkers, runners, and bikers. The full loop is 2-4 miles with lots of trail cut throughs in the woods that are both bike and walker or runner friendly. There are two big hills, each with restrooms, playgrounds, and water fountains. There are gazebos for picnics. The Hogans fountain area has a better playground and a splash pad, basketball court, and a wide open, flat field. Dog Hill is rolling on top of the hill. The hill itself is great for sledding in the winter. On the last Sunday of each month, the park is fully closed to cars, which is great for kids, adults, and pets. The crew that maintains the park does an excellent job keeping it clean, the trails clear, and combating invasive plants. You'll see lots of wildlife - deer, fox, hawks, turtles, etc. read more

We did a walk in a portion of Cherokee Park on a very windy Sunday morning. We noted that cars still travel too fast for comfort when near pedestrians. Plenty of walkers, runners, bikers, dog walkers, recreational users (frisbees and kites), tailgaters, and drivers today. We stopped to catch a break near the top of the hill at Hogan's Fountain. The water fountains and faucets (to fill up dog bowls) were all operational today in mid-March. Restroom facilities were also open. read more

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I had not been to the area in Cherokee park off of Alexander Riad fir years and ended uphiking there two days in a row. Easy access from Cherokee Road with plenty if oarilking and wady access to trails . There were some hills, steps but mostly flat. We did a combination of paved and unpaved trails. Lots of benches, people about and a couple of beautiful hiking days. read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Even in the winter time people flock to this amazing park. The trails are endless and even when there a lot of people it does not feel crowded. Dogs are always in abundance and the usual photography shoots are in the area. Peak season is fall for the leaves to change and get the best pictures but still a great safe place to walk or get exercise. There are bike trails and part of the road is tailored off for pedestrians. read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This is a stunning park featuring hiking trails, large dedicated walking and biking paths, a kids place cape, golf course and much more. It is heavily shaded with lots of woods and impressive hills for those looking for a little incline. It's such a peaceful getaway from the city and if I lived in Louisville, I could see myself here often. It reminds me a lot of of Eagle Creek Park in Indy. During our visit, you could see that it's well used by locals as all of the trails were packed in the heat of the day. The park features a variety of trees, a pond, water fountain and weeping willows to set the mood. Definitely a Louisville treasure! read more

The scenic loop is a great walking path with beautiful views. It's typically populated to the point where I feel safe to walk alone without it being overcrowded. The trail is fully paved with half of the road being dedicated to foot traffic and the other half vehicles. I'd say it's hilly without being difficult. If you're lucky you'll be able to get pretty close to some deer! read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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It's February 3rd and almost 70 degrees! I had to take advantage of this weather after snow storm Blair showed her behind. It looks like I wasn't the only one either. The park was full of walkers, joggers, and bikers. It was a really beautiful day for the park! read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

beautiful park, love taking my family there. i would love play there golf course that's next on my list

My toddler son and I have been using each warm day recently as an excuse to check out a new-to-us park/playground. While I have been to Cherokee Park before, I haven't really taken in its swings. Today, we changed that. We made our way to Hogan's Fountain Pavilion, aka The Teepee. I love that it's easy to find when you enter the park via Eastern Parkway. Cherokee Park can definitely get a bit hard to navigate. We found several bucket swings and sling swings available. The swing area was clean and easy to get to from the parking lot next to The Teepee. And while pushing the bebe on the swing, it was nice to take in the variety of people who had also come out on this mild March day. A few aspiring acrobats were swinging down silks tied into nearby trees. Two guys were practicing lacrosse (I think it was lacrosse at least ... I don't do sportsballs). A few other families were enjoying the playground. Along with the swings, this area has a couple playsets with slides and monkey bars, a sprayground, picnic tables, benches and basketball court. This is of course in addition to the impressive Teepee. This is such a great spot to meet friends for a picnic or celebration. I'm glad this was saved a few years back when the city was debating its care. But anyone who knows of Cherokee Park knows there is so much more to it than this one area. Cherokee Park boasts impressive wooded hiking trails, the Scenic Loop walking/cycling trail, Cochran Hill Dog Run Park, Baringer Hill (best place for sledding), a bird sanctuary, sportsball fields, golf course, outdoor event venues -- and more I'm forgetting. I mean, this was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted! It's evident how much care was put into the design. You feel separated from the rush of the city -- in a park in the middle of the city. Louisville is lucky to be home to this crown jewel of parks. I really hope Louisville continues to take care of this masterpiece. read more

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This is an amazing walking jogging leisure time free access forest area. Every now and then some paths are closed to cars, which expands the trails and roads for people and bikes. Located within the city makes it very convenient. Public rest areas, benches and scenic views make it amazing. read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Cherokee Park is one of my favorite parks in Louisville. There are plenty of trails to hike and there are plenty of amenities to enjoy. I personally prefer the scenic loop where you just walk in a circle and not have to worry about getting lost. There is a lot of room so you don't feel like you're walking right on top of someone or vise versa. This will probably my go to park when someone wants to go walking read more

Beautiful park. In Louisville for the weekend and went to Cherokee Park both days. Easy to get to. Can park in several places around the park. Walk along the scenic loop. Great vibe. Lots of families out taking a walk. Dogs on leashes. Bicyclists. People picnicking on blankets. Perfect. read more

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The local urban park is characterized by a latticework of roads and paved trails leading through some woodsy hills with occasional stonework. The creek isn't wildly impressive, and I struggled to find any sort of facilities, but as urban green space goes, you'll definitely feel like you're not in a city any more. The park was quite well attended by pedestrians, bikers, and dogs. The roads seemed somewhat limited for cars, either because of pandemic changes in the rules or because they could use some work. But it is a pleasant enough place to walk through. read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Great Sunday Funday and new fave spot! We decided to go on a park adventure today and so glad we did. We parked by the golf course clubhouse and just kind of started venturing along the trails. I've only been here twice and never really explored. The Scenic Loop is good for bikes and running/walking. They blocked it off to cars so one side of the road is for pedestrians and the other is for bicycles. Careful! Those bikers move quick! We only spent some time on the scenic loop. Anytime we saw a trailhead, in we went. A lot of them aren't too long but watch your step! It rained last night so some spots were a little slick. One of the trails near the bird sanctuary ran parallel to the water. It was so pretty. We also came across a couple deer and a hawk, along with the normal birds, squirrels and butterflies. The pavilions by the basketball court looked really nice too, with picnic tables and grills scattered around the area, also near the bathroom. Basketball court still had no nets and swing sets were tied up but Cherokee Park is a great place to social distance and enjoy nature right in the middle of the Highlands. We ended up getting a little lost since we were just winging it but as long as you have your phone on you, you'll be fine. It also helped the weather was perfect today, nice breeze and once you get on the dirt trails you're in the shade. We can't wait to go explore more of this place! read more

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Recently, Mayor Fischer announced that several Olmsted parks will be car-free for the foreseeable future. This necessary action is an effort to reduce the number of people gathering in the parks. I'm quite happy about this new order because Cherokee Park was getting way too crowded and I didn't see a lot of safe physical distancing going on. In fact, I saw a man and a woman meet each other in the park to workout together (they obviously didn't live together) and then another man joined them later on and SHOOK HANDS with the first guy, as they were meeting each other for the first time. I mean, come on. Anyway, it might've been the time of day or the cooler weather, but there was significantly fewer people at the park yesterday when I went for a walk. There are barricades at several entrances, preventing cars from entering the park. If we buckle down now, we can get through this quicker. read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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My fiancé and I go here all the time with our dog , very beautiful area Sometimes it's busy , but never crowded read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Hands down my favorite park in Louisville. Whether your out for a run, picnic with tends for need to let your dog loose in the dog park the is the perfect place. My favorite gem would have to be the trails. Go check them out read more

We walk this park almost every single day of the year. There is the paved road, or many hiking paths, which are also used for running and biking. The park is full of outdoor lovers all year round in all types of weather. Rain, heat, freezing, etc. We have witnessed amazing wildlife in the park. Owls, deer, wood peckers, hawks and snakes. The leaves in the autumn are glorious. It is even beautiful in the middle of the winter. People greet one another on the road. It is a bit of a 2.5 (more or less) mile utopia. Lots of dog walking, yoga, sun bathers and people watching! This park is an awesome experience. read more

I recently visited Cherokee Park on a beautiful fall day to enjoy the colors of leaves and some fresh air. I cannot believe that right in the middle of a bustling city one can find this serene park! Of course I was only able to see a small part of the park in one day and will certainly be returning to experience all that it has to offer. Hubby and I walked the 2.4 mile paved, scenic loop and it was so beautiful and pleasant. The loop has just enough rolling hills to make it more than a simple 'stroll through the park' and yet it did not overwhelm. The loop was enjoyed by walkers, runners and cyclists. There are benches scattered throughout and large grassy fields for picnics, soccer, and Frisbee. The park is dog friendly and has much more than the scenic loop. I can't wait to return and experience more of the park's offerings! read more

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Hands down my favorite park in the Louisville metro. There's so much space right in the middle of the city. It's extremely impressive how you can feel so lost and be literally a quarter mile from Bardstown road in the highlands where all the action is happening. It's safe, VERY quiet, has a ton of walking and biking trails, mountain bike trails too which is very important to me as I do like complex trails with jumps and berms. The creek-sides are perfect for setting up a hammock or even a little tent to hang out in all day long. Picnics? Oh absolutely. There are grills in certain areas too. There's a few places that offer rain shelter which is great too. I highly recommend that everyone hangs out at " Dog Hill " for awhile, especially in the fall. It's crazy how nice the colors get. The entire park is free and friendly for anyone. Make it a point to go visit! read more

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Awesome park in Louisville. My wife and I went here for a 5 mile run/walk on Sunday morning. It was my first time being at the park and we had a great time. It has great hills, trails, and sights. I am excited to go back and visit again soon. Great park with a great atmosphere. 5 out of 5 read more

What a fun place! Some of the features of this park are: * pavilions to rent for events - or that can be used on a first come, first served basis * beautiful scenery * trails for walking, hiking, biking, and running * it is a dog-friendly park * there is playground equipment for miniature humans This is the crown jewel of the park system here in Louisville. It's large, beautiful, and well-kept. I enjoy coming here to write, be away from loud people, and enjoy being outside. read more

Everything is growing again at Cherokee Park. The trails are busy with people exercising and enjoying the outside after being in quarantine for so long. Everything is back to life with activity and I'm living it! Get up here soon and check it out. The scenic loop is still not open to vehicle traffic unfortunately. read more

Cherokee Park - Everything is growing again at Cherokee Park. - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I love, love, LOVE Cherokee Park. The scenic loop is one of my favorites. Best place I've found to park is on Beargrass Rd. The loop is about 4 miles and paved. There are tons of dirt trails and paths, a bird sanctuary, creeks, etc. The park has been a lot easier on walkers and bikers now that cars aren't allowed. I'm not sure if they will keep that permanently or not (started during COVID to keep number of visitors down). The park is dog friendly (and cat, too -- I saw someone walking their cat on a leash). Lots of open space, too, for picnics or frisbee. read more

No clue how I haven't written a review on Cherokee Park up to this point. Either way, I echo everyone else. * Lots of trails * Great place for kids to play * Great Park for cycling and running * Great Park for walking dogs * Open spaces and wooded areas and streams * Clean * Centrally located Does it tick all the boxes for you? Well, it should. If it doesn't, then you're doing it wrong. Cherokee Park wins all the things. read more

This park is by far my favorite park... ANYWHERE! It's a great size. Not so big that you get lost, but not so small that varying activities are on top of each other. Whether you want to run, cookout, play ultimate frisbee, picnic, partake in role playing, biking, basketball, walking, meditate, read, playing with your dog, playing with other dogs, taking your kids to one of the playgrounds... the list really goes on & on. It's definitely one of my favorite places in Louisville. Whether you're a resident or a tourist, Cherokee Park is a must visit! When I lived close by, I was in this park almost every day. I moved a little further away from this park recently, but that still hasn't kept me away! My main use for this park is for running. It's a great place to train as long as you love hills. The scenic loop is right around 2.4-2.6 miles long, but with a paved path through the middle of the park & multiple trips around the loop you can easily create a longer path. Add that to parts of neighboring Seneca Park & you can really have a great workout. The park is always clean & beautiful. I've been there as early as 5:30 AM & as late as 12 AM. Whether it's watching the sun come up, experiencing the relaxation & excitement from people through the day, or enjoying the calm of the night... I can't say enough great things about this park. read more

This is Louisville's finest park! On any day it's a great place to go walk the dogs or bike or just walk on your own. I used to go everyday when I lived in phoenix Hill and miss it like a good friend! This is a park you must visit on a trip to louisville and have a picnic! read more

Cherokee Park - A cool tree! - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I've been to this park many times, but it had been a little over a year since my last visit - until two weeks ago. The location of this park, has to be my favorite. Right in the center of the highlands in a secluded, but not too secluded area full of trees, nature, and silence. You almost forget that you're minutes from major streets. Its a wonderful park, full of walking/biking trails, and full of beauty. It features an easily accessible golf course, archery area, tennis area, and a lovely walking trail. During my most recent visit, i noticed the playground next to the golf course is gone? Only the swings remain. I was slightly disappointed, because i had hoped my son could play. We still had a great time, i was just unaware of that change. read more

Cherokee Park - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

What an incredibly magical park full of trails, walking paths, bike paths, dog-friendly people, creeks, native plants and trees, and a playground with public restrooms! You will need to park nearby and walk to the park as they have the roads blocked off from cars. read more

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This park is one of the special places that makes Louisville a city you can fall in love with. The paved and unpaved jogging trails, the vistas, and the vast green spaces make it a pleasant place to get some exercise, especially the 2.5 mile loop - if you walk it, it feels like a quick 1/2 mile, but the hills really give you a workout! I remember picnics at the Teepee shelter as a kid, and winding through the scenic greenway on our way to swim at Lakeside. Even if walking the dog or taking a jog along the loop is not your thing, you can tee off at the golf course that separates the park from Cherokee Parkway. This is a place I like to bring people when I'm "selling" them my city. I think you'll find it's a little slice of heaven that you can fall in love with too! read more

Olmsted, you marvelous bastard! Gorgeous park! Lovely. Well maintained. Walking paths, hiking trails, golf course, dog hill. It doesn't get much better...until spring *really* springs and its green and lovelier! I'm so excited I live so close to the park! read more

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Today was such a beautiful day that Charlie and I decided we needed to get into the wild and hike! So, first we swung by Quills to get my cappuccino and then we headed off to the park. This place is huge if you have never been. Bring comfy shoes and wear layers because there are spots that can get pretty chilly even on a sunny day! Ad for your pup- always bring bags. Don't be that person who "forgets" to bring your furbaby its essentials. No one likes to step in poop!!! Okay, now the hike is pretty amazing with some stellar visuals. I can see myself having a lively pick-nick as soon as this chill is finally over! Oh, and Charlie loved it! read more

Love that it's so close to Bardstown Road! Great mix of trails and walking paths, plus beautiful trees, water, and scenery

I love this park! Either for a morning hike or a cute picnic date. The park itself is huge so you can easily come several times and be in a completely different place the whole time. It has taken my husband and I at least five visits and hours of walking to get through only about 3/4 of the park not to mention all the trails. There's tons of great places to picnic and lots of space for pick up soccer or frisbee. If you want to stay out of the sun there's great trees all over to shade you or there's these peaceful little creeks that run through the park with shaded trails alongside them. My husband and I are in love with this park and it's amazingly close to downtown! Not to mention there's some awesome restaurants nearby. read more

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I fell in love with this park! I have traveled all over the US and this has to be in the Top 5 parks. So relaxing, So clean and green. We walked by the trails until we found some willow trees. I wish I lived closer, I would come all the time. read more

Cherokee Park - Beautiful! - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I love this park. The land is vast and spacious which allowed for me to attend a picnic and socially distance from other visitors to the park. I love that the mayor blocked off the car drive paths which allows for even more space to social distance. I loo forward to returning when the weather is warmer. read more

Cherokee Park - Uno dare! - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Beautiful, spacious park. The scenic loop is a genius design. Feels like you would get lost if it weren't for the simple, circuitous design with plenty of exits spoking outward, so it's never a question of which direction takes you where. I'm happy that the park is accessible to all again, not just those fortunate to be able-bodied enough to walk, bike, jog through the vast park. In March 2020, the mayor imposed a park-wide ban on cars, blocking drivers from even entering to access a parking lot. His intention was to restrict the number of visitors in effort to slow the spread of COVID. But what I and many others had issue with was the fact that this restriction forced the exclusion of those with disabilities or health conditions that hinder their ability to walk long distances, as well as many elderly people and families with small children. So able-bodied people had a grand time exercising in the park and loudly rejoicing the lack of vehicles, while the rest of us had nowhere to go to enjoy nature, get fresh air, relax, etc. I had gained weight after a year of staying at home due to COVID, and desperately wanted somewhere scenic and safe to exercise outdoors. But it was impossible for me to enjoy the park due to the fact that I could only access the park by driving there, finding street parking, then walking who knows how long to an entrance. I'd be lucky if I still had energy by the time I got inside the park enough to have the nice walk I came there for. The mayor's ban lasted for a year and a half, long after we knew that COVID was extremely less likely to spread out in the open air. I can't believe the Olmstead Parks Conservancy even tried to permanently block vehicle access. I watched their livestream discussion about it, in which they mentioned being avid cyclists, rubbing elbows with other cyclists hating on drivers, highlighting the benefits they enjoyed during the ban, overlooking the underlying ableism in their perspectives, and I felt disgusted by their obvious cronyism. Luckily the Metro Council put a stop to that and now everyone can enjoy the park again, as it should and was meant to be! read more

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The best place in town for a run, an outdoor skate, a HIIT workout or just to chill with a great book. Have a dog? Visit Dog Hill (Baringer Hill if you prefer proper names). Have an event? Book one of the two pavilions, either the one on Dog Hill or the neat Tee Pee shaped one further down the road. There are also play grounds, athletic fields and that bike/skate/run left lane that runs through the park is really fantastic for all manner of athletic endeavors as the hills in the park provide a nice challenge and a great workout. Just a beautiful and conveniently located place and one of the things I miss the most about Louisville. read more

Cherokee Park - Dog hill. - Parks Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

What a great space. It's hard not to love mother nature though, right?. This is a really tranquil space, somewhere I am quite sure I will return to again and again. There's a small little playground area for kids. The big rock that's in the children's play area is fun for the littles to climb up and around. The stream that runs through the park is lovely, so perfect and peaceful. There are rock stacks along the stream, if you try hard you might be able to imagine people and/or animals in the stacks. Honestly I could have stayed here for hours, I can imagine myself sitting creekside some days for hours working on my writing or what not. For some this would make a great sketching space. Near the playground area there are facilities. In the grassy area near bye there are picnic tables and a bench or two scattered about. This would be a great place for a picnic. This was my first visit, I walked along the stream with my family. I would highly recommend being ready to watch your children closely as you help them along the stream, some paths along the water are quite rocky and just a little unstable do to falling folliage. I understand there are trails for hiking, biking and running here too. I will definitely be returning, as this is one of my fav. spots in the area so far. I love you Cherokee Park, I do! (a new found kinda love, but LOVE non the less!) ;) read more

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