Paul Yost Recreation Area

In 1946, Jefferson County, Kentucky, established a working forest preserve in the southern part of the county. The Jefferson County Memorial Forest was originally envisioned to be 10,000 acres and was named as a memorial to the area’s dead of World War II. Since then, the forest has been re-designated to remember all who served in the armed forces. The original purchases were guided by Paul Yost, who was appointed as the county forester.

Jefferson Memorial Forest is located just 15 miles from downtown Louisville, and the wilderness covers more than 6,191 acres including the Paul Yost Recreation Area which has a combination of hiking and horse trails within its boundaries. This hike along the Blue Trail starts at the parking area next to the picnic pavillion and follows the path in a clockwise direction cliimbing steeply but rapidly to the ridge. It then loops around a creek at the valley floor and returns to the parking area which may be visible below in winter or spring conditions. Watch the intersecting trails on this hike as their are numerous crossings with the horse trails in the park.