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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail is located in the Paul Yost section of the Forest. This section contains a network of loop trails including the Mitch McConnell Loop (5.4 miles), and a series of horse trails. No matter which direction you start, the Blue Trail immediately climbs out of the valley of the parking area. The profile was made by taking the loop in the southern direction. This offers the steepest initial climb, but allows for a mostly downhill hike after the first mile. The entire trail is through mostly open, hardwood forests. There is very little undergrowth, which gives great views, even through the woods. The surrounding area can be steep in places, but the trail is nicely carved into the hillside, avoiding the steepness and maintaining a nice flow through the forest. Towards the end of the loop, there is a final climb, which gives great views to the north of downtown Louisville, about 15 miles away. Trailhead: The trailhead is located in the Paul Yost area of the Jefferson County Memorial Forest, south of Louisville. From I-65 take the Snyder Freeway west, for 2 miles. Take the exit for Fairdale/National Turnpike, turning left onto National Turnpike. Take a right at the first light onto Fairdale Road. In 3/4 mile, turn right onto Manslick Road, then take an immediate left onto Mitchell Hill Road. In 1 mile, take a left onto Holsclaw Hill Road. Turn left into the Paul Yost area. (Lat:38.0855 Lon:-85.75395) Trail Guides for Blue Trail, Jefferson County Memorial Forest: Hiking in the Louisville Area by Richard & Steve Hollos (RSH Media) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Jefferson County Memorial Forest (502) 368-5404 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Ron Long, who has posted 22 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by KAM on 4/27/2008 This hike is strenuous! It is definitely not moderate. For instance, about 1/3 to 1/4 of a mile of trail was on a slanted, narrow trail on the side of a ridge. A real ankle killer for older folks like me! PLEASE, don't think you can wear sneakers and feel confident just because they deem it a moderate trail. Otheriwse, the trail was a good workout and pleasant to experience. Alot of up and down, ridgey hiking though, so take lots of water and, yes, do avoid the poison ivy. Thumbs up! (Except for the trail rating...bad little park rangers, for shame!)
Reviewed by RSB on 5/9/2007 Great hike but pretty difficult. Lots of poison ivy along the trail but trail is wide enough to avoid it most of the time. 
Reviewed by C.M.S. on 10/29/2006 I live there for 23 years and know every inch of it! You got to know what to look for to love it... 
Reviewed by Hikerman on 9/9/2006 We just hiked this today and followed the blue marked trail throughout. It is a pretty hike, but beware. EXCESSIVE growth over the trail in spots. Poison ivy lines the trail for about 60%, very hard if not impossible to avoid at times. The difficulty level is moderate for persons in average condition. Not recommended for persons less than average or truly out of shape. Also beware, it is a thin trail at times and follows the edge of steep ridges. Wear appropriate shoes. Definitely not a hike for someone wanting to look around a lot while walking for sake of missteps or lost footing. But very good exercise!
Reviewed by DER on 7/26/2006 Notice the trail markers have changed.
Reviewed by Holly on 9/3/2005 I hiked this with my husband and his guide dog. It took us a little longer than most, but it was a good hike. We would do it again, but in a little cooler weather. It's important to bring lots of water for you and any pet.
Reviewed by Kevin R on 5/30/2005 Nice hike. It was a little tougher than I thought, a lot of ups and downs. I recommend this one if you prefer seclusion, as we didn't see any other people the whole time we were on the trail. Nice scenery overall.
Reviewed by Flyingfishman on 1/3/2005 I have done the McConnell loop twice. I highly recommend it for locals. It gives you the feel of being in a true wilderness area...all in the confines of Louisville city limits. This is a very well maintained trail. Only one gripe: Certain shared sections with horses make for a muddy mess. 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, Jefferson County Hiking, Jefferson County Trails, Jefferson County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||