Spring is in the air!

I don't know how long this good weather will last, but it seems to me that spring is definitely in the air! It makes me think of all the wonderful times we spent camping, hiking and backpacking during past spring and fall months! Since we live in KY, spring definitely comes earlier than I am used to, but I'll take it! Even if the temperatures dip back down below 50 degrees, it seems as though the cold frigid months have been left behind for good.

Photo: Brown Park, Louisville KY

I love hiking in the early spring and witnessing all the little wonders of life poking through the previously barren ground. We're planning a short daytrip out to Jefferson Memorial Forest tomorrow, to really get a good hike in and make use of our new child backpack carrier.

We are still searching for a carrier we can take with us on a backpacking trip, but we got a great deal on a used daypack from craigslist. The Kelty Kids 2.1 Carrier:

After we bought it, we realized it was missing the front removable daypack piece, but we figured we would hardly need it anyway. It will just force us to pack light on trips! After trying it on with our daughter inside, we found it was really comfortable, and for only $50, you can't really beat that! Since we saved so much money on the daypack, we can now invest more into a quality backpacking carrier that will last us through the years.

Has spring started to arrive in your neck of the woods? If so, have you got out to enjoy it yet?

Louisville Area Day Hikes

As a new resident of the Louisville, KY area, I can't wait to discover the new trails that exist within the city! Here are a few I plan on reviewing. As soon as a post is up, the link will become active.

E.P. Tom Saywer State Park (Goose Creek Nature Trail)- Inside the city, this is a different type of state park, but it still affords many recreational opportunities. My husband and I have visited once, and discovered there are a couple miles of nature trails in the park.

Brown Park - Although there aren't any hiking trails in this nature park, there is a nice paved walking trail that winds along a stream. It makes for quick and convenient access to nature when time is limited.

Jefferson County Forest Trail

Charleston State Park (IN)

Knobstone Trail (IN)

Hayswood Nature Reserve Trail

Hike and Bike Trail

Cull Hollow Trail

Guided Nature Hikes Offered in January

Cold weather turns many people off from hiking, but the key to winter trekking is staying warm by dressing in layers. For some, winter is the best time to hike since the trails are deserted, meaning peace and quiet is easy to find.

If you're itching to get out and enjoy some of the fresh air, consider joining a free guided nature hike. Campbell County in Northern KY is offering 4 hikes this month that offer opprotunities to watch wildlife in their natural setting while also learning how they stay warm and how to identify plant and animal tracks.

The hikes are free and may temporarily cure the cabin fever that has set in among many outdoor enthusiasts.

Click here for more information on these hikes, as well as where to register.

Tuesday's Trail: Twin Creek Metro Park

Today's trail is located just outside of Dayton and is about an hour drive from downtown Cincinnati. Located in the newly established Twin Valley Backpack Trail, Twin Creek Metro Park is a quaint and enjoyable area full of trails to explore. The largest of the trails, the orange trail, measures about 6 miles in length and traverses through fields and forest in a scenic loop.

The trail is easy to moderate in terrain, with a few challenging climbs and descents. Be sure to wear good hiking boots since mud buildup in some areas is unavoidable. Also bring plenty of sunscreen and water, since about a quarter of the trail is out in open fields. Poison Ivy is abundant in this area of the US, so wear long pants if you have trouble identifying the plant.

Park at the trail head off Chamberlin Rd, and begin your trek by traversing through a natural Ohio prairie. Take the trail leading to the left for a more challenging course with plenty of uphill climbs. Stay to the left at each major intersection to complete the orange trail loop. This park does an excellent job in marking the trail, making it both easy to understand as well as see without imposing too much on the natural habitat. You'll soon descend into the forest where you'll remain for the first half of the hike. Before long, you'll pass a Hopewell Earthwork off a side trail from the main orange loop. Be sure to check it out either at the beginning or end of your hike. The forest is quiet, and you'll likely see several species of birds, squirrels, frogs and perhaps a mouse or two.

Rising out of the forest and passing a horse farm on your right, you'll hike uphill towards the High View picnic area and parking lot. This makes for an excellent rest stop. If you packed a lunch, sit here and enjoy several panoramic views of the countryside. A portapotty is also loacted here should you need it.

Descend back into the forest, continuing on the orange trail to the left. You'll reach the flattest portion of the trail here, which will continue until the end. Paralleling Twin Creek, you'll likely spot the river from time to time as the trail winds through the forest. Coming out into the prarie again, climb another hill or two and you've reached the parking area where you started.

If looking for a loop hike, do the whole orange trail. If you have small children or limited phsyical capabilities, take the orange trail that leads to the right towards High View, then double back on the same portion. For those wishing to backpack, park at the High View parking area, then hike to the backcountry sites just pass the Chamberlin Rd parking lot, circling back the next day to make it a loop.

The Twin Valley Backpacking Trail actually goes through another park besides Twin Valley MetroPark. I'll be hiking the other half soon and will post a review. For a day hike, however, or even a quick overnight getaway, the orange trail certainly is great for the location and variety of terrain. 4 stars.

Tower Park: Urban Hiking in Northern KY

I live in Northern KY, because to me it offers a sense of serenity that the bustling and hustling of Cincinnati doesn't offer. Imagine my surprise to discover hiking trails within a few blocks of my apartment!

Tower Park in Ft. Thomas has more than 6 miles of mountain biking trails, but these can be used as hiking trails of course. The terrain is surprisingly rough and rugged, giving you a good workout. You can click here to see a map of the park and its trails (on the left tab, click on MAP). Be sure to bring a compass and a copy of the map if you're heading out for the first time, since the trails are roughly marked and intersect quite frequently. Views of the Ohio River can be seen at several points.

I highly recommend these trails for locals who just need to 'get out there' but don't have the time to drive a couple of hours where the best trails are.