(Photo: donmfish / Flickr)Bernheim
Clermont, Ky.
You might call Bernheim the park that whiskey built.
This huge arboretum and research forest was founded by Isaac W. Bernheim, a German immigrant who made his fortune in the distillery business and gave the 14,500-acre park to the people of Kentucky as a gift.
Swing along the Canopy Tree Walk, 75 feet above ground; stroll through the flowers in a 600-acre garden; catch a fish in the calm waters of Lake Nevin. In all, there are 32 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of paved roads for biking, picnicking, fishing and other outdoor fun.
Another plus for visitors: it's just down the road from the Jim Beam Distillery, which offers tours and tastings.
Located near Bardstown (south of Louisville and west of Lexington), Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a non-profit educational and recreational preserve.
