Support Us Button Widget

5 spots to go sledding in Louisville

We’re going for a new saucer sled land speed record.

A black and white photo shows people sledding on a snowy hill.

If there’s snow on the ground, there’s going to be people sledding on the hills of Louisville.

Image courtesy University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections

When snow falls in Derby City, you might be heading to the back of the attic or corner of the garage for your trusty sled so you can hit the slopes.

Here’s what to know about sledding in Derby City:

Where to go

The Louisville Metro Government has designated five hills as safe sledding spots. These hills are to open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. when there’s at least two to three inches of snow on the ground.

  • Cherokee Park (Baringer Hill, intersection of Alexander Road and Scenic Loop)
  • Joe Creason Park (Trevilian Way, across from Louisville Zoo)
  • George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Ave., behind the playground near McKinley Avenue)
  • McNeely Lake Park (6900 Cooper Chapel Rd., near the Korean War Memorial)
  • Charlie Vettiner Park (5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Rd., near the Easum Road entrance)

Metro asks that you don’t go sledding on golf courses, so leave the fairways to Justin Thomas.

Safety in the snow

Don’t try this at home kids — Metro has some recommendations for staying safe in the snow.

  • Only use devices designed for sledding — leave the garbage can lid at home.
  • Don’t drink and sled. Not only could alcohol impair your judgment, it also causes the body to lose heat more rapidly.
  • Save your “Cowabunga, dude” act for the beach — don’t sled head-first, standing up, or backwards.
  • Stay to the sides when climbing back up a hill. If someone is yelling, “Get out of the way!,” it may already be too late.

We’ll add another rule to the Metro’s list: Leave the non-caloric silicone-based kitchen lubricant to Clark Griswold.

More from LOUtoday
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
The boutique hotel is one of 5,000 hotels in the world to receive a Michelin Key.
If you’re looking for some haunted listening for your fall walks, we’ve got you covered.
Experience Louisville’s autumn magic at ColorFest, featuring vibrant fall foliage, family-friendly activities, and local food.
November is going to be a colorful month in Derby City, and there are plenty of places to look at the leaves before they fall.
Big changes are coming to TARC next year.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Louisville, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Discover the history of Louisville Cemetery — from prominent Black founders to Derby-winning jockey William Walker Sr. — in our latest look at the city’s historical markers.