Paw Paw Trail to Chinkapin Trail Loop is a 4.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Louisville Metro, Kentucky that features a great forest setting. The trail is rated as moderate offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
trail running
walking
forest
views
Nice trail but very busy with bikers.
Clearly marked and well-maintained, but not very scenic. Would definitely be more fun on a bike with its many short ups and downs and hairpin turns.
Well maintained path with minimal elevation. Lots of shade as you wind thru the forest. Not too strenuous. Great for the dog and even smaller kids. We added a loop and did 7 miles in less than 3 hours. You do have to share the quite narrow path with cyclists which there were quite a few today since the bike park was closed but all were courteous. Saw one pretty green snake.
Paw paw was nice, but chinkapin meandered with no purpose, no views, and no places to drop your pack and have lunch. I followed paw paw’s lavender blazes 1.2 miles to chickapin after two days of rain- wish I had worn gaiters- trail was very muddy. Took chinkapin’sorange blazes the 2.2 mile loop back to paw paw at 1.5 miles, which was best place for a picnic. Saw two deer, wild turkey, a cool tree frog, a wood pecker, and maybe 10 orange/black caterpillars. This trail has probably 10 stream crossings, so wear waterproof boots. Although it’s rated moderate, I never had to breathe hard nor did my heart elevate into fat burn zone, much less cardio, despite carrying a 10lb daypack. I brought 52oz water but only needed 32- temps were near 80 but trail completely shaded from the clear-sky sun. I do not recommend this trail except for a solo stroll just to get out- kids will probablynot like the lack of vistas and couples will not be able to stop and rest.
Nice day for a hike :)
One of my favorites!