Your Guide to Understanding Trail Descriptions

The introduction of each trail description includes the same basic information: distance, difficulty, terrain, total ascent and decent, features, location of trailhead, parking, and bathroom availability.  Because every park and every trail is different, this information is provided to help you make decisions to best prepare you for your adventure.

Below, I have provided an explanation for each category to help clarify any inconsistencies you may notice with park documentation or even due to equipment differences.  The information provided here is accurate and up to date, to the best of my ability and knowledge.  If you have a question about anything, please refer to the particular park's website or visitor's center, or contact me.  

Distance:  Determined using Garmin Forerunner 305.  It is possible that this information will not match "official" distance information from park documentation (when available).  However, when possible, the distance information you find reported here will be the "average" distance determined after multiple visits using the Garmin Forerunner 305.  In general, the reporting differences will be somewhat negligible where running is concerned--typically not more than two tenths of a mile.

Difficulty:  Difficulty is a relative term.  In general, you'll find that park documentation (when available) tends to overestimate the difficulty of a trail.   The assumption of Trail Running Louisville is that you are a hiker or a runner with moderate fitness and ability; therefore, the difficulty rating here is geared toward active people in good health and with a moderate fitness level.  All of the attributes of the trail are considered when rating a trail's difficulty, including amount and type of hills, terrain, distance, exposure, and elevation.

Obviously, some people will find some trails more difficult, and others may find some less so.  When in doubt, read through the full trail description and check official park documentation (when available) to make your own decision.  

Terrain:  Trails can consist of one or more of the following: grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips, rocks, roots, bodies of water.  They may be flat or uneven.  In general, trails composed of rocks and roots tend to be more technical (and uneven) than trails lacking them.  

Total Ascent:  Determined using Garmin Forerunner 305

Total Descent:  Determined using Garmin Forerunner 305

Features:  Some highlights to watch for along the trail, including things like footbridges, special plants, historical sites, or wildlife.

Trailhead Location:  General location information and link to trailhead location on Google Maps.

Parking:  Type of parking lot (gravel, paved, dirt, grass), and any fee (if applicable); plus the link to the parking lot location on Google Maps.

Bathrooms:  Type of bathroom facilities, if available

More information:  Information about any special requirements, such as fees or permits; safety precautions such as warnings about poison ivy, insects, wildlife, or special environmental considerations