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 Reporter |
Summary: Bernheim has long been known as a great spot to meander on short trails along ponds and the arboretum. But the creation of the Millennium Trail has provided one of the longer loop hikes in the Louisville area. At 13.3 miles this trail is a great way to spend a day putting up some serious trail miles. We've hiked this trail several times, and prefer it as a cool/cold weather hike. It can be pretty steamy in the summer time, with our infamous humidity. The heavily wooded hike provides little chance for a cooling breeze. The loop is full of ups and downs, with several sections of nice ridgeline hiking. You're nearly guaranteed to see wildlife on the trail; we've seen deer, turkey, hawks, a skunk and your usually small furries and feathered friends. The trail crosses several roads, which provide you the oppurtunity to cut the hike short if you wish. Trailhead: From Louisville, take I-65 to exit 112. Turn east onto Highway 245 in Clermont. Turn right into the entrance after approximately 1 mile. The trail can be accessed at several locations where the trail intersects a road. The official beginning of the trail is at the west end of the Guerilla Hollow Picnic Area. Admission is free on weekdays, $5 per vehicle weekends and holidays. (Lat:37.90961 Lon:-85.66623) Trail Guides for Millennium Trail, Bernheim Arboretum: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest - (502) 955-8512 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Ron Long, who has posted 22 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Amy on 9/12/2009 My husband & I tried hiking the trail today, but we could not find it. Every trail option took us back toward the lake but we were trying to follow the map that showed the trail going AWAY from the lake. It was very frustrating. We started at the millenium trail sign but never saw any trail markers after the first one. I guess we will try again next week.
Reviewed by Charlotte on 6/10/2009 I frequently use this trail to train for Ultramarathons. It does offer some challenging terrain. As has been said, there aren't really any spectacular views or waterfalls or anything of that ilk just plenty of wooded solitude. There is a lot of poison ivy, and lots of chiggers but I have yet to come out with any ticks as someone else mentioned (and I do this trail at least once a month). It does get a little overgrown in high summer but is still easy to follow. It is a great place to trail run and you can add some distance by tacking one some of the shorter trails around the visitor center. 
Reviewed by A on 12/3/2008 I like the Arboretum. It's beautiful. Another wonderful park is Otter Creek Park. The city of Louisville (KY) is closing Otter Creek Park as of Jan 1. They are doing all these budget cuts because they can't pay their bills. There is a possibility Meade County will try to take it over on the condition that they can turn at least part of the park into commercial development. Hopefully the Army won't let them do that. See the Army gave that land to Louisville under the condition that it only and always be used for a recreational park. Meade County is even talking about logging out the timber. Is there anything I can do to stop it? Annalee
Reviewed by Scott on 7/20/2008 The Millenium Trail in Bernheim is a very challenging trail for the moderately conditioned hiker. If you have little or no experience/conditioning you will no doubt have a difficult day with the nummerous 'ups and downs' this hike offers. However if you are a seasoned and well conditioned individual, you will probably find nothing here that will throw you for a loop (no pun intended). This trail does offer a lengthy (almost 14 miles) and representative 'slice' of Kentucky's knobs, ridges and 'hollers'. We hiked the trail today, July 20, and got a real taste of hiking in temps in the upper 90's. It was stifling hot, and due to thick foilage, very little breeze. The Millenium Trail is great and should be hiked by anyone interest
Reviewed by Keith & AmyBeth on 7/10/2008 Great exercise if you hike a good pace. Not much scenery to stop to see, so we did the trail in 5 hours flat. LOTS of ticks, some poison ivy, a deer sighting, and a nasty yellow-jacket sting were the only notable things on this hike. We agree that this trail would be better in early spring or late fall before/after foliage is in. We may do it again then for exercise and distance, but thats a BIIIIG maybe.
Reviewed by Michael W. on 6/30/2008 Hiked this trail over the weekend and was more than impressed by its seclusion, beauty, and difficulty. To echo others, the intensity of this trail can catch you off guard. Both steep uphills and long distance uphill grades are numerous on this trail. As the previous reviewer has stated take plenty of water. Upon reaching the halfway point, I realized that 3 of my 4 liters of water had already been consumed, forcing me to shorten the trip by taking the blacktop to the starting point. Also allow yourself an entire day to do the whole trail or you wont have time to enjoy the beauty the arboretum has to offer.
Reviewed by Matt on 6/8/2008 This trail quite honestly caught me off guard. It was much tougher than expected. When people tell you to bring water on this trail they mean it. Definitely take plenty of water. I brought 3 bottles of water and could have used at least another one or maybe two. The trail was excellent and I plan on tackling it again in the very near future. The real killer about this trail is the steep uphill climbs. They are much more numerous and frequent than I expected. Overall the trail was great. Got lost a few times trying to find the trail, but once on the trail it really was well marked. And also be prepared to be sore the next day. I just hiked it yesterday and feel like I was run over by a truck. Make sure to wear proper hiking boots, important.
Reviewed by Tony on 7/22/2007 This isn't the trail for you if you like a flat clear path. There's plenty of up and down, some deadfall, and some weeds. There's nothing here to challenge an experienced hiker, other than the obvious. There is an occasional nice view, nothing spectacular. In the spring, expect to cross some water, especially on the southern loop. The path crosses over a few roads so you can cut it short. Our scout troop has too many old guys so we always do it in 10 mile segments. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Kentucky Hiking, Kentucky Trails, Kentucky Hikes, Bullitt County Hiking, Bullitt County Trails, Bullitt County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||