Over The River

Over the river and through the woods…to Clarksville!

I used to go camping in the woods to escape the city. But now that I live in the country, I want to visit a place that has something interesting to offer. Preferably somewhere I can get around on a bicycle and not have to rent a car.

Clarksville, Indiana – just over the bridge from Louisville – fits the bill.  It’s on the path of the Ohio River Greenway, a paved bike and walking trail that runs from Jeffersonville to New Albany.

Clarksville is famous for the giant Colgate Clock – which is larger than Big Ben. It faces Louisville so those folks know the time of day.

George Rogers Clark, of Lewis & Clark fame, lived in this area and the town is named after him. Also in Clarksville is the Falls of the Ohio state park with a museum and hiking trails along the river.

When the water level is low at the Falls, you can climb around the fossilized mud flats along the banks of the Ohio River.

Heading east, the bike trail goes to Jeffersonville. The Big Four Bridge, formerly a railroad track, is now a pedestrian walkway that crosses over to Louisville.

But the more interesting ride was west to New Albany. Here the path winds along the top of the levees, through enclaves of river homes and past several parks.

The path ends at New Albany’s pretty waterfront park, with an excellent view of the curving river.

I was pleasantly surprised to find downtown New Albany vibrant and bustling with shops and restaurants. The surrounding neighborhoods are filled with stunning historic buildings.

I stayed at a campground in Clarksville, which I will dub Planes Trains & Automobiles. Because that’s what I heard all night! It’s right next to the interstate, a train bridge, and on the flight path.

Overall, it was a nice getaway – just across the river.

Visit Clarksville. Bring your bicycle. And if you stay at the campground – bring earplugs!