E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park Louisville
A 550-acre urban oasis in Louisville, offering trails, a pool, BMX track, archery, and historical intrigue.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park Louisville
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 550-acre urban oasis in Louisville, offering trails, a pool, BMX track, archery, and historical intrigue.
"Great place for a relaxing time with something for just about everyone."
Muddy Trails After Rain
Trails can get very muddy after rain, but the creek sounds are worth it! :athletic_shoe:
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The park offers open fields and wooded areas, and is great for couples' sessions with dogs. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Fitness Trail
Throughout the park
Enjoy a refreshing walk, run, or bike ride on this picturesque trail, perfect for a dose of nature.

Aquatic Center
Pool area
Beat the heat at this spacious pool, a popular spot for families and individuals during warmer months.

BMX Track
Designated BMX area
Thrill-seekers can hit the ramps and turns at the park's dedicated BMX racing track.

Archery Range
Archery range area
Test your aim at the park's archery range, offering a unique recreational opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Park Amenities and Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Muddy Trails After Rain
Trails can get very muddy after rain, but the creek sounds are worth it! :athletic_shoe:
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The park offers open fields and wooded areas, and is great for couples' sessions with dogs. :dog:
Rib Tip Saturdays
Don't miss the delicious rib tip dinners with two sides on Saturdays at the pool concession stand! :ribs:
Explore Beyond Main Trails
While Goose Creek Trail is the main path, other unmarked trails connect and offer more exploration. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Muddy Trails After Rain
Trails can get very muddy after rain, but the creek sounds are worth it! :athletic_shoe:
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The park offers open fields and wooded areas, and is great for couples' sessions with dogs. :dog:
Rib Tip Saturdays
Don't miss the delicious rib tip dinners with two sides on Saturdays at the pool concession stand! :ribs:
Explore Beyond Main Trails
While Goose Creek Trail is the main path, other unmarked trails connect and offer more exploration. :hiking_boot:
Check for Events
The park hosts various events like picnics and air shows. Check schedules to plan your visit. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park for its diverse amenities, offering something for everyone from playgrounds and trails to sports facilities and a pool. The natural beauty, especially during fall, and the historical intrigue of the former hospital site are also frequently highlighted. Some note that trails can become muddy after rain.
"Great place to go for relaxing time. They have something for just about everyone, a playground for the kiddos, small outdoor gym for adults, tennis courts soccer fields, a 1 mile gravel walking loop, a 1.25 mile trail to hike that is absolutely gorgeous, archery targets, and an okay pool for the hotter days.
I would say try to avoid the trails shortly after a rain due to how muddy they can get, but if you can handle the mud, the creek is an absolute delight to listen to from the trail"
Michael Werkmeister
"Tom Sawyer park is a "must see" with a lot of scheduled activities. The Fluke Airfield in the Park hosts the annual Wings for Kids model RC Air Show every June."
Scott Jones
"From a photographer's perspective, this is a great place for couples sessions! Parking lot is easy to find and meet up with clients. Different areas of open fields and wooded areas, and you can bring your dog! Pretty colors in the fall and beautiful sunset views. Always enjoy seeing the deer roaming around as the sunsets."
In the Shade Photography
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is located at 3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40241. It's easily accessible by car and is conveniently located near Springhurst and The Paddock Shops.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots available throughout the park, making it easy to access different areas and amenities.
Information on public transportation routes to E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park.
Yes, the park has multiple entrances, offering flexibility in how you access its various facilities and trails.
While an urban park, it's a short drive from downtown Louisville, making it a convenient escape for a nature walk or recreational activity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is free to enter and enjoy its outdoor spaces. However, specific facilities like the aquatic center may have separate admission fees.
Park hours can vary, but it is typically open from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Kentucky State Parks website for the most current hours.
While park entry is usually free, the aquatic center may require tickets or passes, especially during peak season. It's recommended to check the park's official website or call ahead for pool access information.
Pets are generally allowed in E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, but they must be kept on a leash. Some specific areas, like playgrounds or buildings, may have restrictions.
Yes, the park has a pavilion equipped with electricity, bathrooms, and is available for rent for parties and events.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a 1.25-mile hiking trail that is described as gorgeous and winds through wooded areas. While Goose Creek Trail is the main one, other unmarked trails connect and offer further exploration.
The park offers a wide array of activities including a fitness trail, tennis and pickleball courts, a dog park, an aquatic center, a BMX track, soccer fields, an archery range, and walking paths.
Yes, there is a playground area that provides plenty of room for children to play and enjoy themselves.
The park's natural setting with open fields and wooded areas makes it a good spot for birdwatching and observing wildlife, with deer often seen around sunset.
The park is situated on the former site of Central State Hospital, and its history is described as intriguing and evoking compassion.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Tom Sawyer Pool Concession Stand offers rib tip dinners on Saturdays. Additionally, the park is near various dining options, including Jucy's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q.
Absolutely! The park has picnic areas, including a pavilion equipped with electricity and bathrooms, available for rent for parties.
The concession stand at the Tom Sawyer Pool offers rib tip dinners with two sides on Saturdays, while supplies last.
The park is close to various dining establishments. Jucy's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q is a recommended local spot, and The Paddock Shops also offer numerous dining choices.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the park's picnic areas or on the trails.
📸 📸 Photography
From a photographer's perspective, the park offers diverse settings with open fields, wooded areas, and beautiful sunset views, making it ideal for couples' sessions and nature shots.
Yes, the park's wooded areas provide pretty colors in the fall, making it a great location for seasonal photography.
The park is known for its wildlife, including deer that are often seen roaming around sunset, offering opportunities for nature photography.
Late afternoons and evenings are particularly good for photography due to the beautiful sunset views and the chance to see deer.
The combination of open fields and wooded areas provides a variety of natural backdrops suitable for portrait photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
These interconnected trails make the park explorable without the fear of getting truly lost, as it's described as landlocked. The trails are ideal for hiking, walking, and biking, offering a refreshing escape into nature within the city. However, be prepared for muddy conditions shortly after rainfall, which, while potentially challenging, can enhance the experience with the creek's ambiance.
Recreational Activities for Everyone
Thrill-seekers can head to the BMX track, which has hosted racing events, or test their precision at the archery range. For a refreshing dip during warmer months, the park boasts a large aquatic center with a pool. The park also hosts various community events, including picnics and an annual model RC Air Show at the Fluke Airfield, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit