Review Date
May 7, 2011

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Joshua ,  Racer

Summary:
When I first came to Louisville, I didn't know the freeze/thaw cycle and rode these trails in January. I wouldn't recommend it--I've done plenty of muddy rides, but this one was up there in the unrideable category.

Came back yesterday (after riding Waverly Park a few weeks ago and being disappointed with the lack of flow), and was blown away. When the trails are dry, the are really a pleasure to ride. Yes, there are climbs, but if you struggle up the climbs, the downhills make it worth it. Banked corners, flow--this is what mountain biking is.

Recommended Route:
Clockwise from near the top of the hill on the Scenic loop where "Cherokee Park" is on google maps. It's hard to find trails when you cross the road sometimes, but once you know where you are going it is amazing!

Here's a general idea of the trails--also check out the other reviewer's gps map. Seneca's section of trails are decent, but nothing compared to Cherokee. They are so tight with overgrowth that it's difficult to get speed.

http://app.strava.com/rides/522515

Review Date
June 29, 2010

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: tshulthise ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
The Cherokee/Seneca trails are the best in Louisville in my opinion. I like Waverly but there's just more variety and challenge at Cherokee. If you find someone to show you the way around you can make a 12 mile loop that will take you through about 700 feet of climbing total. This includes 4 relatively steep climbs (if you include Dog Hill) of about 100' each. For the beginner to moderate level mtb'r these hills will challenge your cardio as well as your technical skills as you navigate roots, rocks and logs while going up and down hills. Adding the climb up Dog Hill makes the cardio workout most excellent.

The trails are almost impossible to follow even with a map. Its best to go on a group ride (see this site for beginner to intermediate level group rides http://www.meetup.com/Louisville-Mountainbikers/about/). Once you've been through 4 or 5 times you will know your way around pretty well.

There are a few sections where you will reach approximately 20 mph on some nice sweeping downhills with banked curves. There's one section a mile or two past Hogan's Fountain that is fairly technical with some tough large root crossings going uphill and some slow but steep rocky drops. Something for everyone.

A beginner should plan on taking over two hours to make the 12 mile loop. Intermediate riders can do it in 90 minutes. Racers can probably make it in an hour or so.

I give it a 5 because its very close, pretty well maintained and it offers enough variety that I don't get tired of riding it over and over.

Recommended Route:
See this site for a GPS route of the trails... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/37756920

Taking this path counter clockwise will give you the best experience.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Waverly Park, Fort Duffield, Briar Hill, Younger's Creek

A little drive away...
French Lick (awesome trails), Brown County (very good trails and 30+ miles of very well marked trails), Capitol View (Frankfort, KY... hard to follow)

Review Date
May 22, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: nonparrishable ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I really enjoyed the trails...once I found people that knew their way around. The trails are very poorly marked and are very broken across roads and fields.
The trails themselves were great, everything from speed sections to technical sections. There are a lot of trails, if you know where to find them. I was unable to find any real trail maps anywhere.
I would certainly recommend these trails. The only thing that needs changed is the total lack of trail markings. This is a simple detail to fix, it is just a matter of someone actually doing it. Marking is the only reason I gave it four stars instead of five.

Occasional hikers, but not often enough to hinder a good ride.

Recommended Route:
Whatever you can find. Trails are poorly marked.

Review Date
October 2, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: Di Kerrigan ,  Downhiller

Summary:
I LOVE the trails in Cherokee. I can be on the trail within minutes of my house. The single track trails are technical in some sections, and other sections are fast and fun. You can go forever. I have a shorter route that is about 40 minutes, but this can be extended to hours when you include the Wilderness trail and the trail that is behind the golf course.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Waverly Park

Review Date
September 1, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: LouMTB ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Please be advised of the recent signage from the Local Metro Parks Department. Do to the unusual amount of Rouge trails spurting up they are closing many of them. They have also made everything South of the Creek (Including Hogans Fountain) OFF LIMITS. DO NOT RIDE as you could jeprodize the remaining access.