Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Clermont, KY
A large forest preserve with an arboretum, lakes and miles of trails south of Louisville. Pick a loop from the visitor centre, and come in spring or autumn when the trees are at their best.
Bernheim is in Clermont, about 40 km (25 miles) south of Louisville, and covers more than 16,000 acres, or roughly 6,500 hectares. Isaac W. Bernheim, a whiskey businessman who had emigrated from Germany, bought depleted land in 1928 and founded the forest in 1929. The Olmsted firm began the landscape design in 1931, and the grounds opened to the public in 1950. The 600-acre arboretum displays more than 1,900 labelled species and cultivars, and there are four lakes. The trails add up to more than 60 km (40 miles); the paved Hike-Bike Trail is 5.1 km (3.2 miles) long and the Millennium Trail 21.4 km (13.3 miles).
Among the best-known features are the three "Forest Giants", sculptures made of recycled wood by the Danish artist Thomas Dambo (2019). The visitor center, built in 2005, is eco-friendly and has green roofs. Plan half a day to a full day for a loop walk and the arboretum.
- Nearest town
- Clermont, KY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.9156, -85.6544
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Grandma's RV CampingMotorhome stopover5 mi from Bernheim Arboretum and Research ForestMotorhomes
- Louisville South KOACampsite6 mi from Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
- White Acres CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
- Brooks RV ParkMotorhome stopover11 mi from Bernheim Arboretum and Research ForestMotorhomes
- Horine Reservation CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Bernheim Arboretum and Research ForestTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Etown RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Bernheim Arboretum and Research ForestMotorhomes
All campsites in Kentucky · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest?
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is in Clermont, KY, at GPS 37.9156, -85.6544. It is about 13 mi from Bardstown.
Can you camp near Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Site 1, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bardstown Historic Downtown (13 mi), Kentucky Derby Museum (21 mi), Muhammad Ali Center (24 mi) and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (24 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)