Seeing the Forest Giants at Bernheim Forest, or the Giant Forest Trolls as my kids called them, is perfect family day trip to hike and explore, just south of Louisville. BONUS: Bernheim Forest is a dog friendly day trip, so bring the pup along too!
Family Day Trip from Cincinnati
Whether you’re starting out from Cincinnati (about 2 hours), Indianapolis (just over 2 hours), Lexington (1.5 hours) or Nashville (just over 2 hours), make the trip a fun surprise for the family. Don’t tell them where you’re going and give them these clues as you drive to see if they can figure it out!
- Play the song ‘Fixer Upper’ from the movie Frozen because there are great moss covered rocks on the trails that look like the trolls from the movie.Ā
- Let the kids watch the movie Frozen II on the way down there and tell them ‘we’re getting warmer’ when the Giant shows up in the movie.
- Hand them this The BFG word search on a clipboard to do in the car.
- Give them a snack that giants eat like gummy worms or gummy bugs. Or make a butterfly snack bag like this one from Raising Little Superheroes.
Besides watching a movie on the trip, we LOVE to listen to podcasts on roadtrips. Check out my favorite Podcasts for Kids that parents actually want to listen to also.Ā
Seeing the Forest Giants at BERNHEIM FOREST
It costs $10/car to enter Bernheim Forest – this is a suggested donation. You get a map when you enter, but follow the signs directing you to the Forest Giants. Park and follow the yellow giant feet painted on the path to start the hike. The trail is along a gravel or dirt path, with parts of it through the woods. It leads to 3 HUGE Forest Giants constructed of pieces of wood. The detail is truly fantastic. One of the giants is a treasure collector, so you get to view all the treasures ‘she made’ and collected.Ā
Bernheim Forest is open during Covid, but they have fencing around the giants so you can’t touch them like you used to be able to.Ā
Bernheim Forest Hiking Trails
The land is truly gorgeous with so many trails, streams and ponds. You can spend hours here hiking, playing, relaxing and exploring the forest giants. Check out all the hiking trails at Bernheim Forest.
Fun facts: Did you know Bernheim Forest has about 16,000 acres of land? It produces 102 billion pounds of oxygen per year. WOW!Ā
Bernheim Forest | More than just giants
Trails: There are over 40 miles of trails. Several are family friendly and moderately easy. Sections of both the Nursery Loop Trail and the Two Ponds Loop are paved, so strollers or bikes are welcome. We took the Sun and Shade loop on the way back from seeing the last giant and all 3 kids did well with it.
Enjoy a picnic: There is a gorgeous natural amphitheater there that looks out on the pond. This is a great place to have a snack or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Camping: Just behind the amphitheater and lake are camping spots with electric hookups! During normal times, there are camping events available to the public.Ā
Canopy Tree Walk: Walk above the trees! Check out the boardwalk canopy tree walk that allows you to view the land from above the forest canopy.
Play areas: Coming soon, the Playcosystem will be a 10-acre natural playground for all ages.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant: The restaurant is currently closed, but Isaac’s Cafe focuses on LOCAL food, including edible flowers and kid-friendly meals.Ā
Going without kids? Stop by the nearby Forest Edge Winery afterwards, or even a spot on the Bourbon Trail.Ā
Want to stay closer to Cincinnati? Check out the Top 10 Things to do at the Cincinnati Nature Center.Ā
Note, the visitors center is currently closed due to Covid restrictions, but there are portable restrooms available all over the property and hand sanitizing stations outside the restrooms.
