Sections of Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park to reopen to vehicle traffic

Two sections of the Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park will reopen Monday, June 28 following new striping, signage, and pavement work. The loop has been closed to vehicle traffic since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic in April 2020.  

Visitors will be able to enter off Eastern Parkway near the Daniel Boone statue, where the road will be one-way to exits at Dingle Road and Barret Hill Road. This will allow parkgoers to drive directly to the Bonnycastle and Hogan’s Fountain pavilions and nearby amenities.

An additional section of the Scenic Loop will be reopened to allow access to Rugby Field. Vehicles will be able to enter off Lexington Road at Cochran Hill Road and exit at Ledge Road to Lexington Road. Vehicles will also be able to access the northern section of Cherokee Park and the archery range via Beals Branch Road. Those entrances and the associated parking areas are indicated in the map below.

Officials with Louisville Parks and Recreation and Olmsted Parks Conservancy have pledged to continue to study traffic and usage in the park. Previous studies and feedback have shown people enjoyed car-free access to the Scenic Loop. However, considering issues of accessibility and equity, Parks and Recreation agreed to reopen these popular sections of the Scenic Loop to vehicle traffic last month.

Rundill Road in Iroquois Park also was closed due to the pandemic and has already reopened to traffic. Uphill Road in Iroquois Park had been closed before the pandemic due to erosion issues and remains closed to vehicle traffic for safety concerns.

Louisville Parks and Recreation will host a public meeting later this summer to gain insight from the public regarding plans for the Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park.