City Running Spotlight: Ohio River Greenway

With a non-vehicular path and great views of downtown Louisville, the Ohio River Greenway is a perfect place for a run of any distance.

Yes, our name is Louisville Running Company. But like a lot of people in our area, we like to think of our city as Kentuckiana. And while I don’t cross the river all that often, Southern Indiana is home to one of my favorite running routes in the city: the Ohio River Greenway. Spanning from New Albany to Jeffersonville, the Ohio River Greenway offers nearly 8 miles (one way) of uninterrupted running paths, making it perfect for a run of any distance.

My favorite route for the Greenway actually begins in Louisville. Park near the base of the Big Four Walking Bridge at Waterfront Park, using the Big Four to carry you over to Indiana. When you make your way off the bridge, head down towards the water and west (toward downtown Louisville) to get onto the Greenway. There are a few short spots off the path and on the roadway, but luckily it’s wide enough to run, walk, or bike there safely.

A lot of the Greenway is on top of the Ohio River flood wall, beginning right next to the Ohio River. It’s fairly flat once you get up on top of the wall, but doesn’t have much shade (which can be brutal on a sunny summer day). If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wildlife. (Fun story: one time I was running on the Greenway just after sunrise and a family of deer was blocking the path. We made eye contact, and I knew it was time for me to turn around and find somewhere else to run.) There are a few spots where you have to cross roadways, but traffic is always minimal. And while it’s a popular spot for cyclists, the path is wide enough for everyone to share.

The Greenway lives up to its name with lots of scenic landscape along the path.

If you’re looking for a new running option with a dedicated pedestrian path, nice scenery, and views of Louisville, the Ohio River Greenway is perfect for you!