3/20/2010 @ 10:30

3/20/2010

Postal code 40205, US
Louisville, KY 40205

How about some new trails to kick off Spring 2010? On the first day of Spring, this Saturday March 20th, I'm game and I'm looking for anyone with a little familiarity with Vernon Douglas to co-host this hike with me. Since the drive will be about an hour or more, I think maybe twice around the loop is called for? Here's a little info about the Vernon Douglas State Nature Preserve: Dedicated Aug. 12, 1992, Vernon-Douglas State Nature Preserve is located within a rugged, steep, forested section of Hardin County. This 730-acre preserve protects one of the most mature second-growth forests in the Knobs physiographic region. Hall Hollow, a north-facing valley in the preserve, supports a rich array of spring wildflowers. A trail system passes through the valley bottom to the dry ridges above Hall Hollow. A spur trail takes hikers onto a narrow point locally known as "the pinnacle," which provides a bird's-eye view of the Younger Creek valley. * Features - stands of sugar maple, beech and tulip poplar; spring wildflower display * Access - 4.5 miles of trail over uneven terrain, moderate to strenuous Directions - Hardin County. From Elizabethtown, take the Bluegrass Parkway east 9.0 miles to KY 583. Exit right and turn right at the stop sign. Immediately turn right again onto Audubon Trace Road. Drive 0.5 mile to the preserve and park in parking lot on left. (Here's Google Map's directions) There is only one trail in the preserve that according to the brochure here http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship/vernondouglas.htm is 4.5 miles total. Send me an email if you've hiked here before and would like to join us. Carpooling will be encouraged! Let's meet to carpool at 9 AM in Oxmoor Mall parking lot in the west corner near the light on Shelbyville Rd. (closest to I264)