Mayor's 2023 Hike, Bike & Paddle includes trip through McAlpine Locks

Did you know you can paddle through the McAlpine Locks during the Labor Day Mayor's 2023 Hike Bike and Paddle? That's a pretty big deal.

"It's an amazing way to experience Labor Day, using human power to go through the largest and oldest lock system on the Ohio River," said David Wicks, River City Paddle Sports volunteer. For those not in the know, the McAlpine Locks and Dam are a set of locks and a hydroelectric dam at the Falls of the Ohio River. "Doors to the locks will close at 11:30 a.m. and we'll be lowered down 33 feet in our boats and then proceed to the new Shawnee Park Boat Ramp."

The Mayor's 2023 Hike Bike & Paddle is held at Waterfront Park's Great Lawn on Monday, Sept. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has something for everyone who wants to get outdoors this Labor Day.

The popular event includes a walk with three different distances, an 11.5-mile round-trip bicycle ride or a 5.5-mile paddle.

Beginning at 8 a.m., there will also be free fitness activities including yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba classes. The Hike, Bike & Paddle portion of the event will begin at 10 a.m.

Here's what else to know about the event:

If you choose the 2.2-kilometer or 4.8-kilometer walk you can bring your pet. If you select the 5.2-kilometer route that takes you over the Big Four Bridge, to Indiana and back, pets are not allowed on the bridge. You can check the walk routes and distances at louisvilleky.gov.

This is also where you will find the route for the bicycle ride from Waterfront Park to Shawnee Park and back to Waterfront Park. Helmets should be worn by anyone riding a bicycle.

If you own a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, you can put in at the Harbor Lawn or the Community Boathouse. You'll find those locations on the Hike Bike & Paddle website along with the takeout point at the Shawnee Boat Dock. A shuttle will take you back to your car at Waterfront Park while volunteers watch your boat until you return to pick it up.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].