As Earth Day approaches on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, why not take this time to get outside to explore nature and enjoy this time of renewal and revival. Campbellsville, in Central Kentucky, offers a remarkable blend of outdoor experiences, environmental education and wellness opportunities to not only celebrate our planet, but also jump-start your fitness goals.
Did you know that Campbellsville is a certified Kentucky Trail Town?
Approved by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, this designation means visitors and residents of the Campbellsville community have easy access to a network of trails, historical sites, and natural environments. It is a safe place where trail users can walk or drive to and have access to goods and services they need. With over 50 miles of trails in the Campbellsville, Taylor County and Green River Lake areas, there is an array of trail types, lengths and levels of difficulty. You’ll find plenty of Campbellsville Kentucky outdoor activities to explore.
Clay Hill Memorial Forest – hiking in a natural, sustained habitat.
With four hiking trails covering almost six miles, the trails in Clay Hill Memorial Forest range in difficulty from easy to challenging and are well maintained with clear markings and informational signage. The forest is an invaluable resource for studying many biological habitats including an old pond, springs, streams, native plants and a relatively mature forest.
Managed by Campbellsville University as a regional center for environmental education, Clay Hill is a 305-acre learning and research woodland. The Center includes the Joan White Howell Environmental Education Center, a modern fully equipped teaching/laboratory facility, as well as the Kentucky Utilities Alternative Energy Facility, a hands-on facility for children that demonstrates how electricity is made from solar and wind energy.
Also within the Clay Hill Center, the Ken Weddle Center for Sight Impaired Children features hands-on exhibits including a sculpted bench made of clay, sand, and straw to help impaired students see with their hands.
Homeplace at Green River – Kentucky’s Outdoor Classroom
The trailhead at Homeplace at Green River is the perfect entrance to the seven miles of trails surrounding this 227-acre homeplace that has been a working farm for over 200 years. Trails winding through the adjacent Tebbs Bend Battlefield and nature area and along Green River and the forests surrounding the farm offer a choice of distances and levels of difficulty and varied environments.
The Homeplace at Green River has been farmed continuously since 1803. With its commitment to sustainable farming practices and conservation, The Homeplace works with Kentucky's Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky, The Nature Conservancy, and The Natural Resources Conservation Service and has been designated through a resolution by the Kentucky Senate as Kentucky’s Outdoor Classroom. This valuable education resource focuses on the local agricultural heritage and encourages fitness activities and interaction with nature.
Green River Lake -- A Natural Playground
Not far from The Homeplace at Green River and a short drive from Historic Downtown Campbellsville, Green River Lake provides more than 50 miles of trails for biking, hiking, walking, horseback riding and a bio-diverse paddle trail along Green River -- so many options for tending to your fitness needs while enjoying the natural beauty of Green River Lake and Green River. With more than 200 campsites, cottages, cabins and vacation homes you will have a choice of Green River Lake places to stay during your visit.
Urban Trails -- Fitness in the Heart of Historic Downtown Campbellsville
The Trace-Pitman Greenway offers a 1.8-mile urban trail perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without venturing far from downtown. Walkers and joggers can explore woods, meadows, and creek-side paths, making fitness both accessible and enjoyable.
Why Choose Campbellsville for Earth Day 2025 -- and year-round?
Campbellsville combines the energy of a vital university town surrounded by beautiful countryside, farmlands and natural assets – the perfect environment for keeping your heart, mind and soul healthy and happy. Earth Day isn’t just one day a year, it’s every day.
Come for the day, the weekend, or plan your Green River Lake vacation. There’s plenty to do, with a calendar full of Campbellsville Ky special events and activities (especially the best 4th of July celebration in Central Kentucky). You’ll have no trouble finding great Campbellsville hotels and other places to stay, enticing restaurants, charming shops and best of all -- friendly people.
Campbellsville is a short distance from favorite Kentucky destinations and an easy drive from all directions.
· Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville
· Kentucky Bourbon Trail
· Mammoth Cave National Park
· Lexington, Louisville & Kentucky Bluegrass & Horse Country
· Nashville, TN – 135 miles
· Cincinnati OH – 163 miles
· Indianapolis IN – 200 miles
· Atlanta, GA -- 320 miles
Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about Kentucky!
Header image designed by Freepik
Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about Kentucky.
Taylor County Tourist Commission
325 E. Main Street
Campbellsville, KY 42718
270-465-3786
or 800-738-4719