Cool mornings, crisp air and colorful leaves make fall one of the most rewarding seasons to get outdoors. If a hiking trip is on your list, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is close to home base. From Comfort Inn Louisville South, at 191 Brenton Way in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Bernheim is just a short 10-minute drive.
This guide helps you plan a relaxed fall hiking weekend, from an early breakfast and smart packing to the best room for your group and where to eat afterward.
Discover true comfort and hospitality at Comfort Inn & Suites – Louisville South
BOOK NOW VIEW ROOMS AMENITIESWhy Bernheim Forest Belongs on Your Fall List
As our attractions page puts it, Bernheim is the place to escape into nature. Spanning over 16,000 acres, the arboretum offers miles of hiking trails, stunning gardens and educational exhibits. That makes it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Whether you want a long walk among the trees, a slower stroll through the gardens or a family-friendly outing with educational stops, Bernheim gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
How Close Is Comfort Inn Louisville South to Bernheim Forest?
Comfort Inn Louisville South is about a 10-minute drive from Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. With easy access to the I-65 interstate and parking at the hotel, it is simple to head out in the morning and be back for a rest in the afternoon.
That short distance is what makes our hotel a convenient hotel near Bernheim Forest. You spend less time in the car and more time on the trail.
Plan Your Hiking Day
A little planning makes your day on the trails more enjoyable. Here is a simple plan to follow.
Start With a Free Hot Breakfast
Fuel up before you go with our free hot breakfast, including our famous waffles. A filling breakfast gives you energy for the trail and saves you from searching for food first thing in the morning.
Pack Smart Before You Go
Your room includes a mini-refrigerator and a microwave, so it is easy to prepare for a day outdoors. Before you head out, consider packing:
- Water and snacks, kept cold in your in-room mini-fridge
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- Layers for cool fall mornings and warmer afternoons
- A light rain jacket in case the weather changes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A fully charged phone (charge it overnight in your room)
Before you leave, check the forest’s official website for current trail information and visitor details.
Explore the Trails, Gardens and Exhibits
With over 16,000 acres to explore, choose a pace that suits your group. Mix time on the hiking trails with a walk through the gardens, and stop by the educational exhibits to learn more about the landscape around you. Take breaks often, and enjoy the fall scenery at your own speed.
Wind Down Back at the Hotel
After your hike, return to a comfortable room with plush bedding, a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Use the coffee maker for a warm drink, or stop by our fitness center if you still have energy to spare. Daily housekeeping keeps your room fresh for the next day’s adventure.
Choosing the Right Room for Your Group
Our Shepherdsville hotel offers rooms for every kind of outdoor trip:
- King Suite: Spacious and ideal for couples or anyone who wants extra room to relax after the trail.
- One King Bed: Designed for ultimate relaxation and a peaceful night’s sleep.
- One Queen Bed: A cozy retreat for solo travelers or couples after a day of exploring.
- Two Queen Beds: Ideal for families or groups who want ample space to stretch out.
- Two Queen Beds & 2 Single Beds: Four beds for larger families or hiking groups.
- Accessible rooms: An Accessible Queen Room with Roll-In Shower and an Accessible King Room with Tub.
Every room includes plush bedding, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer and an in-room safe. For a family hotel in Shepherdsville, the four-bed room is especially popular with groups traveling together.
Discover true comfort and hospitality at Comfort Inn & Suites – Louisville South
BOOK NOW VIEW ROOMS AMENITIESWhere to Eat After Your Hike
A day on the trails builds an appetite. Fortunately, good food is just minutes from the hotel:
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, conveniently located next door, for classic American comfort food
- Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar, about 2 minutes away, for fajitas and nachos
- Hometown Pizza, about 5 minutes away, for pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads
- T & T Steakhouse, about 6 minutes away, for a hearty steak dinner
Round Out Your Fall Weekend
If you have extra time, our attractions page lists more ways to enjoy your outdoor getaway in Kentucky:
- Brooks Hill Winery, about 8 minutes away, a family-owned winery with views of the vineyards
- Jim Beam American Stillhouse, about 10 minutes away, with interactive tours, tastings and exhibits
- Kart Kountry, about a 5-minute drive, featuring a go-kart track, miniature golf, bumper boats and an arcade
- Louisville Zoo, a short drive away, with over 1,700 animals
- Louisville Mega Cavern, an underground attraction with zip lines, ropes courses and underground bike trails
Conclusion
Fall is a beautiful time for fall hiking near Louisville, and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is one of the best places to do it. With Comfort Inn Louisville South just a 10-minute drive away, you can start with a free hot breakfast, spend the day exploring miles of trails and gardens, and come back to a comfortable room and great dining nearby. It is an easy, relaxing way to enjoy the season.
Ready to hit the trails? Book your fall stay at Comfort Inn Louisville South online, or call (502) 955-5566 for help choosing the right room for your group. We look forward to welcoming you to Shepherdsville.
FAQs
How far is Comfort Inn Louisville South from Bernheim Forest?
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a short 10-minute drive from Comfort Inn Louisville South in Shepherdsville, KY.
What can I see at Bernheim Forest?
Bernheim spans over 16,000 acres and offers miles of hiking trails, stunning gardens and educational exhibits.
Does the hotel serve breakfast before an early hike?
Yes. Comfort Inn Louisville South offers a free hot breakfast, including its famous waffles.
Which room is best for a family or hiking group?
The Two Queen Beds room and the Two Queen Beds & 2 Single Beds room are ideal for families and groups who want space to stretch out.
What else is there to do near Bernheim Forest?
Nearby options include Brooks Hill Winery (8 minutes), the Jim Beam American Stillhouse (10 minutes) and Kart Kountry (5 minutes) from the hotel.
