E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, in Louisville, has scheduled two hikes to close out February. The Explore Central State Hike will take place beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 23 and the Winter Birding Hike will be held on Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m.
The Explore Central State Hike will begin at the Sawyer Hayes Center parking lot off of Lakeland Road and explore the remnants of the old Central State Hospital, formerly known as the Lakeland Asylum. The hike will also include some of the history of the area and especially the hospital.
The hike will be about two miles long and will take about two hours to complete. This is an easy hike and suitable for most.
Cost of the Central State Hike is $3.00 per person; children three and under are free.
There are many birds that winter in Louisville. The Winter Birding Hike will allow walkers to spot several species along the Goose Creek Nature trail and other areas of the park.
The hikers will meet prior to leaving at the Ping-Pong table, upstairs in the Activities Building; the hike will last about two hours. It is also a short, easy hike and will last about two hours.
Cost of the Winter Birding Hike is $3.00 per person; children three and under are free. Participants should bring birding identification books and binoculars, if they have them.
Both hikes will proceed in almost any weather conditions so hikers should dress appropriately.
For more information about the Explore Central States Hike or the Winter Birding Hike, call the park at (502) 429-7270.
As the only state park within Metro Louisville, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is an oasis in the urban landscape.
The 580-acre E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park was once a farm worked by the former Central State Hospital, a mental health facility. Many remnants, such as barns and cemeteries, still remain on park property.
Recreational facilities at the park include hiking and fitness trails, an outdoor swimming pool, indoor gym, lacrosse and soccer fields, softball fields, archery range, and a BMX track. The Sawyer Hayes Community Center is available for group meetings and can be reserved by calling the park.
Located in eastern Jefferson County between Westport Road and LaGrange Road on Freys Hill Road, the park is convenient to the residents of Louisville and surrounding counties and easily found using Google Maps.
E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park
3000 Freys Hill Road
Louisville, KY 40241-2132
Business Office: (502) 429-3280
Recreation: (502) 429-7270
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