There’s something magical about chasing trolls across the country — the kind that don’t live under bridges, but rather rest peacefully among trees, reminding us to slow down, listen, and reconnect.
My second troll visit took me to Bernheim Forest in Kentucky, home to the enchanting Forest Giants — part of artist Thomas Dambo’s worldwide series. Over sixteen thousand acres of trails, ponds, and whispering pines, Bernheim feels less like a destination and more like a sanctuary.
The Forest Giants at Bernheim Forest, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, live quietly here. Crafted from reclaimed wood, they stand as guardians of the forest — enormous, gentle, and wise in their stillness. There’s Mama Loumari, resting protectively among the trees, her hand cradling a piece of earth. Nearby are Little Elina and Little Nis, her curious children, full of wonder and mischief.
This time, it felt more like a hunt to find the trolls. Even with a map and signs posted near the sculptures, I got a little turned around and had to backtrack a few times — but that only added to the adventure. Each twist in the trail brought new anticipation, a childlike excitement that made finally spotting the trolls feel all the more rewarding.
The two-mile trail that winds between them feels like a storybook come to life — each turn revealing another glimpse of artistry and imagination intertwined with nature. Children laugh, couples pose for photos, and solo wanderers like me pause often, just breathing in the beauty of it all.
As I walked beneath the canopy of oaks and maples, I thought about the balance between strength and gentleness — how these wooden giants, though silent, speak volumes about sustainability, creativity, and our connection to the earth.
I left Bernheim Forest with a full heart and the quiet reminder that art and nature are often speaking the same language — we just have to listen. The Forest Giants Bernheim Forest trail is more than a sculpture walk; it’s an invitation to notice the whispers among the trees and the calm that comes when we let ourselves slow down.
If you enjoyed this reflective journey, you might also like my post about Anthony Chapel and the Carillon Tower in Hot Springs.
— Kari
