CHAPTER 3
Louisville Loop System
Cornerstone 2020 , Louisville Metro ’ s comprehensive plan , identified five physiographic regions as a unique element to be enhanced in Louisville . Physiographic regions are defined by their distinct topography , geology , native flora and fauna , and history . These regions have provided both a palette of materials for the Loop that can be used to distinguish the regions , as well as oppor ¬ tunities to provide educational interpretation of those regions . Those regions include :
• Ohio River Valley - Much of Louisville exists within this valley which “ is characterized by level , to sloping alluvial soils on terraces and bottoms along the Ohio River .”
• Knob Hills - Found mostly in the southwestern portion of the City , these areas include the ridges and steep hills adjoining the Ohio River Valley . The Jefferson Memorial Forest and Iroquois Park are examples found within this region .
Legend
• Shale Lowlands - This is an area of level , poorlydrained soils which occur on the former site of an
Louisville Loop Physiographic Regions Ohio River Valley ancient lake bed to the north and east of the Knob
The Knobs Shale Lowlands
Hills region .
Limestone Belt Floyds Fork
• Limestone Belt - This region is characterized by level to steeply sloping soils formed from limestone and covers a major portion of Jefferson County . Included in this region is Cherokee Park .
• Floyd ’ s Fork - this region is characterized by “ diverse landscape of gently sloping to steep uplands in the extremely eastern portion of the County .”
These regions educate the user of each region , they create awareness of the unique landscape character of Louisville and Jefferson County . While the regions define the design and
Lousville Loop Master Plan 31