Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

Clermont, KY

Our destination is a 90-year-old foundation-owned nature preserve just south of Louisville, KY covering over 16,000 acres. Bernheim is a cornucopia of natural and man-made beauty. In addition to the extensive arboretum and forest trails, there are permanent and ephemeral outdoor art installations, several small lakes, a LEED-platinum visitor center, and a farm-to-table café. This year’s new project – Forest Giants in a Giant Forest – is not to be missed. As we explore all of this and more, we’ll encounter 3 members of this family of giants who have been constructed solely of recycled materials and are only expected be around for about 3 years.

We’ll walk roughly 3-1/2 miles of easy trails in the arboretum area. After lunch in the café we’ll explore the forest with about another half mile of walking / hiking, mostly on easy to moderate trail. We plan to be back by mid evening, and we’ll likely grab dinner somewhere near the meetup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwb-C0B0DZg&feature=youtu.be

Details

You won’t need to bring food for this OUTing. We’ll spend most of our time outdoors, so you’ll want to wear weather-appropriate clothes. Most of our hiking will be on what are typical of paved and unpaved greenways, but we will venture into the forest where natural trails may be a bit muddy. While you might not need hiking boots, you’ll need shoes that are reasonably sturdy and which will remain comfortable through a full day. Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and perhaps insect repellant. Definitely bring your camera! 

We plan to hike unless heavy storms or sustained rain is forecast. 

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Middle Tennessee OUTsiders is an all-inclusive group inviting gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer, and straight folks to enjoy hiking, camping, wading, swimming, rafting, and other outdoor activities together.

Our priority is to provide opportunities to explore and experience nature and the great outdoors via affordable activities with a down-to-earth, laid-back sensibility. We also promote and participate in these kinds of opportunities when they are organized by others.

We strive to create fun, safe, non-competitive, nature-focused recreational outings that promote healthy living and appeal to participants who are diverse in terms of age, experience, and ability.

We'll gather at J Murphy’s at 7:45 for a prompt departure. Plan to have eaten before we leave; we’ll have a late-ish lunch (about 1 PM Nashville time.) Don’t forget to gas up your car if you might be driving. If you’re able, please plan to help your driver cover their expenses (say 15 or 20 bucks.)