B R O W N C O U N T Y , I N D I A N A

outdoor adventure

A guide to the best places to explore the great outdoors in Brown County, Indiana.

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Brown County's wild side is calling.

Brown County Outdoor Guide 2

Looking for a change of pace?

A place to unwind, re-evaluate, and prioritize?

A chance to reconnect with family and friends?

A respite from cellphones and traffic jams?

An opportunity to stretch your legs, test your

stamina, recharge your spirit, and nurture

your soul?

Welcome to Brown County, Indiana, where

escape comes naturally.

Whether it’s hunting, hiking, mountain biking,

bird watching, horseback riding, camping,

golfing, or canoeing, Brown County is the

perfect place to experience the exhilaration,

refreshment, and down-to-earth perspective

that only the great outdoors can provide.

And the community is supported by an

infrastructure of equipment rentals, shops,

restaurants, and lodging options dedicated to

making your Brown County getaway hospitable

and carefree.

For more information, stop by the Brown

County Visitors Center or find us online

at BrownCounty.com.

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Outdoor Activities

BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK SADDLE BARN1810 EAST STATE ROAD 46, NASHVILLE812.988.8166BrownCounty-SaddleBarn.com

Mosey through Brown County State Park where professionally guided horse rides are a relaxing way to enjoy the incredible beauty that Indiana’s largest park has to offer. Your whole family will have fun on a carefree 35-minute romp down picturesque roads and trails. More experienced riders can go for an hour-long trail ride that will take you deep into the heart of the hardwoods. Every horse is thoughtfully paired with its rider to guarantee the safest and most comfortable ride possible. Just saddle up, sit back, and enjoy!

BROWN COUNTY WILDERNESS CANOE784 NORTH COMBS ROAD, NASHVILLE812.720.4080BrownCounty.com/Listing/Wilderness-Canoe

From April through November, go on an adventure with Brown County Wilderness Canoe. Located just four miles from unique Story, Indiana, Brown County Wilderness Canoe is your go-to for canoe rentals! Explore unidentified tributaries blocked by beaver lodges...or paddle all the way to Lake Monroe. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for cranes, wild turkeys, coyotes, and deer. You may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle during your journey. Bring along your fishing pole while you're at it! All day kayak and canoe rentals available.

COPPERHEAD CREEK GEM MINE & ROCK SHOP 79 NORTH VAN BUREN STREET, NASHVILLE812.988.2422VisitBrownCounty.com/Mine.asp

Gems, fossils, and arrowheads, oh my! Discover hidden treasures while panning at the Copperhead Creek Gem Mine. Take a seat at the flowing water sluice, sift through the mining dirt, and prepare to be dazzled! You can even use a handy identification card to help recognize the rocks you’ll find. After you’ve gathered your riches, be sure to stop by the Rock Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Treasures are awaiting you at Copperhead Creek Gem Mine! Oh my!

DISC GOLF AT BROWN COUNTY COUNTRY CLUB (BC3) 2381 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD, NASHVILLE812.340.9374BrownCountyCountryClub.com

Want to try something fun and new? Then spend a day playing 24 holes of disc golf at Brown County Country Club. The beautifully landscaped course is surrounded by hundreds of acres of wooded hills, creating a setting you won’t soon forget. BC3 is a pay-to-play disc golf course that is open to the public, no matter the level of experience. Whether it’s professional caliber golf or a leisurely afternoon with friends, playing a round or two of disc golf is a game everyone will enjoy. Your next round starts here!

EXPLORE BROWN COUNTY2620 VALLEY BRANCH ROAD, NASHVILLE812.988.7750eXploreBrownCounty.com

Want to add some zip to your Brown County weekend? Then visit eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat, home to 15 of the tallest, longest, fastest ziplines in the area. This adventure park also offers ATV and buggy tours, a lake for canoeing, 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, 80 acres of rock’em, sock’em paintball, hummer tours, and arrow tag. Talk about eXhilarating! And if there aren’t enough hours in the day, stay overnight in a beautifully furnished cabin. You and your family will never want to stop eXploring!

Holler Hoppin' Zip Lines at Rawhide Ranch

Brown County Outdoor Guide 4

HOLLER HOPPIN' ZIP LINES AT RAWHIDE RANCH 292 SOUTH STATE ROAD 135, NASHVILLE 812.988.0085bit.ly/HollerHoppinZipLinesRR

Soar over the hills and hollers of Brown County on the zip lines at Rawhide Ranch. Feel the rush as you fly over ravines and through the hardwoods. The Holler Hoppin’ guides will make sure you have the ride of your life. Rawhide Ranch also offers the unique experience of a western-themed vacation even though it’s located in the heart of southern Indiana. Stay on site at The Buck Inn, a two-story guest barn with beautifully furnished rooms that feature handmade quilts and Amish-crafted beds. And after your zip line tour, saddle up a horse and ride through the prettiest scenery this side of Wyoming. Zip on in! Family fun is just a holler and a hop away.

INDIGO BIRDING NATURE TOURS812.679.8978IndiGoBirding.com

Brown County is the epitome of the great outdoors, and David Rupp, owner of IndiGo Birding Nature Tours, wants to help your family appreciate it to the fullest! The combination of natural and human history found in the hills of Brown County present a fascinating backdrop to many tours. South-central Indiana has an array of nesting and migrant birds—the Sandhill crane, a variety of sparrows, and the rough-legged hawk to name a few—and IndiGo Birding Nature Tours will take you to the best locations in the area to view them. If you’re lucky, you might even see a bald eagle. Keep your binoculars and a bird guide handy so you don’t miss a thing!

Quick Stop Bike Shops

HESITATION POINT BICYCLES51 PARKVIEW ROAD, NASHVILLE812.988.4566HesitationPoint.com

Make Hesitation Point Bicycles the one-stop shop for all of your mountain biking gear! It’s the place to go whether you need a bike rental, routine maintenance, or a repair that’s more involved like a custom wheel build. Hesitation Point offers a large fleet of hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes just waiting to grind over the next rock garden. And to top it off, it’s just a half mile from Brown County State Park’s north entrance. Park at Hesitation Point Bicycles and ride in!

Q'S BIKES2620 VALLEY BRANCH ROAD, NASHVILLE812.345.6212Facebook.com/BikesQ

If you’re looking for a personable and easy-going mountain biking tour, look no further than Q’s Bikes! Follow owner, Quincy Robinson, through the hardwoods on his fun, fat tire bike rentals. While Q’s offers all levels of mountain biking, it is the perfect spot for beginners to experience their first ride on a singletrack. Q’s Bikes is located in eXplore Brown County where there are plenty of trails to explore. You can also pick your own route and have Quincy bring the tour to you! For a warm introduction to Brown County, visit Q’s Bikes!

Hesitation Point Bicycles

Overlook at Brown County State Park

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MOST HIGH ADVENTURE OUTFITTERS 6640 NORTH OLD STATE ROAD 37, NASHVILLE812.340.0700 (FOR RESERVATIONS)MostHighAdventure.com

Whether you prefer water, land, or both, Most High Adventure Outfitters can take you on a tour of Brown County you’ll never forget! Those who prefer adventures on the land can ride mountain bikes on the award-winning trails of Brown County State Park. Or, if you love being on the water, you can take a kayak, canoe, or power boat tour. And if you just can’t choose one, extend your excursion to two days and do both! No matter if you’re drifting down a lazy river or grinding over rock gardens, you and your family can have it all at Most High Adventure Outfitters. SALT CREEK GOLF RETREAT 2359 EAST STATE ROAD 46, NASHVILLE812.988.7888 SaltCreekGolf.comTurn your weekend into a golfing getaway at Salt Creek Golf Retreat! Enjoy a round or two on the picturesque 18-hole championship course, and then visit the 19th Hole Sports Bar for a cold beverage and a tasty meal. Take a refreshing dip in the pool or update your apparel in the pro shop. Salt Creek Golf Retreat is also a beautiful space to host your wedding day, personally planned by an event coordinator who will ensure no detail goes unattended! And to top it all off, the course is conveniently located just two miles east of downtown Nashville.

SCHOONER VALLEY STABLES2282 WEST STATE ROAD 46, NASHVILLE812.988.2859SchoonerValleyStables.com

Family owned for 50 years, Schooner Valley Stables offers horseback riding for all ages! Whether you’re a greenhorn or an experienced rider, Schooner Valley has a horse to fit your needs. Your family can walk, trot, or canter through the hills of the stunning Yellowwood State Forest. Your tour guide will even lead you down Old Stagecoach Road where the original pioneers of Brown County once traveled!

T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE 4220 T.C. STEELE ROAD, NASHVILLE812.988.2785TCSteele.org

They don’t call Brown County the “Art Colony of the Midwest” for nothing! Prepare to be awed by the beautiful works of one of the first major artists to settle in Brown County at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. You’ll tour Steele’s home and studio where you can admire some of his original artwork. The artist’s home, called The House of the Singing Winds, boasts original furnishings and a unique view of life in Indiana that dates back more than 100 years. The house’s grounds are surrounded by gardens, the historic Dewar Log Cabin, five hiking trails, and the 92-acre Selma N. Steele Nature Preserve. The studios and galleries in Brown County are plentiful, but T.C. Steele State Historic Site is one you just can’t miss!

T.C. Steele State Historic Site

Fire Tower at Brown County State Park

Brown County Outdoor Guide 6

Want to get away from it all? Encompassing nearly 16,000 acres of ravines, ridges, and uninterrupted forestland, Brown County State Park is the perfect place to unwind. Ride 30 miles of award-winning mountain biking trails that weave through the hardwoods. Take a hike through dense forests to meet the skyline. Visit the Saddle Barn and let your horse do the rest. And don’t forget to bring your camera because the hills and valleys are spectacularly beautiful, regardless of the season. After the sun has set, spend your evening eating s'mores around a fire at the campgrounds. Or cozy into a cabin tucked away in the woods. Whatever the adventure, let Brown County State Park help you relax, reset, and recharge!

state B R O W N C O U N T Y

park BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK1810 EAST STATE ROAD 46, NASHVILLE 812.988.6406IN.gov/DNR/ParkLake/2988.htm

Abe Martin Lodge

Limekiln Trail

Saddle Barn

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Forests, Trails, & Parks

BROWNING MOUNTAINCOMBS ROAD, NASHVILLEBrownCounty.com/Listing/Browning-Mountain

High above the ghost town of Elkinsville, on top of Browning Hill, sits Indiana’s mysterious Stonehenge. You are likely to hear locals refer to the hill as “Browning Mountain.” At its peak, prepare to be stunned by the circular arrangement of limestone boulders, a stone that is not native to the area. Though there are countless theories and tales, it is still unknown of how the heavy rocks landed on top of Browning Mountain. While the trek takes a mere 20 minutes, the sight at the top of the hill is worth the climb.

DEER RUN PARK1001 DEER RUN LANE, NASHVILLE 812.988.5522BCParksRec.com

If your kids are cranky and restless from too much shopping and antiquing, spend an hour or two at Deer Run Park! It is located just three short minutes west of the center of town. Play a game of P-I-G at the basketball court. Drift down the river in a kayak. Let the kids unwind and have fun on the playground. Or maybe challenge each other to a volleyball game. Time for a bite to eat? Hop on the grills for an afternoon barbeque. After a visit to Deer Run Park, your kids will be ready to go shopping and antiquing again!

GNAW BONE CAMP1888 SOUTH STATE ROAD 135, NASHVILLE 812.988.4852 (CALL AHEAD)IndyTriple.Tripod.com/GnawBone.html

While Gnaw Bone Camp is best known as a long-standing summer camp for girls, it also has welcomed mountain bikers for nearly 40 years. The camp includes a 25-mile web of raw trails that, back in the day, were the singletrack teaching grounds for dozens of old-school Hoosier bikers. For those looking for mountain biking outside the boundaries of Brown County State Park, this backwoods alternative is heavily wooded with steep, technical climbs and fast descents. After a ride on this track, you’ll leave Gnaw Bone Camp exhilarated and exhausted.

HITZ-RHODEHAMEL NATURE PRESERVE996 FREEMAN RIDGE ROAD, NASHVILLE 1.855.812.4453bit.ly/Hitz-RhodehamelNaturePreserve

Want to know a secret? Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve has a hike that is a hidden gem. In the spring, hikers can trek through blankets of wildflowers. And come October, the forest puts its spectacular autumn colors on full display. While only three miles long, the trail offers a variety of challenges for everyone in your family. But be sure to take a map and watch the trail markers closely, as the route crisscrosses a variety of old and unused paths. After you experience the beauty and solitude at Hitz-Rhodehamel, you, too, will want to keep this special place all to yourself!

HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST 811 CONSTITUTION AVENUE, BEDFORD812.275.5987fs.USDA.gov/Hoosier

This magnificent forest is more than a Hoosier landmark; it’s a national treasure. With over 200,000 acres of lush, mature forest and 27 well-maintained trails to explore, Hoosier National Forest features outdoor adventure for nearly everyone. Its tranquil woods are home to countless species of wildlife and rare ecosystems. You can reconnect with nature by backpacking Hickory Ridge Trail, fishing on a river, mountain biking on Nebo Ridge, or nesting into a campsite. After you’ve spent a day or two in Hoosier National Forest, you’ll agree that its name says it all.

Deer Run Park

Brown County Outdoor Guide 8

KNOBSTONE TRAIL CLARK, SCOTT, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES317.232.4200 HoosierHikersCouncil.org/Knobstone-Trail

Named after the unique mound of land over which it runs, this 48-mile trail is Indiana’s longest natural-surface footpath. While the hills are relatively low in elevation, the ruggedness of the region offers an excellent opportunity to get in shape for trips to more mountainous areas. Knobstone is a popular backcountry hiking trail that follows high ridges to incredibly scenic vistas. And keep a watchful eye! On a clear day, you might be able to see all the way to Louisville and the Ohio River. Visit the website to learn more and find a trailhead. LAURA HARE NATURE PRESERVE VALLEY BRANCH ROAD, NASHVILLE812.336.5382SycamoreLandTrust.org/Downey-Hill

Hike through undisturbed Brown County forestland at the Laura Hare Nature Preserve. This incredible old growth forest has almost 600 acres of protected habitats that are home to a variety of songbirds, raptors, and box turtles. The preserve features a picturesque 6-mile trail that strategically weaves past mossy wells, scenic ponds, and non-native rock formations brought to the region by glaciers. The Laura Hare Nature Preserve welcomes hikers of all levels of experience; even your furry, four-legged family friends!

NEBO RIDGE TRAIL HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST 1.855.812.4453bit.ly/NeboRidgeTrailHNF

Get back to nature on the challenging Nebo Ridge Trail. Located in Hoosier National Forest, this ridge-top trail is quite a rollercoaster. Featuring long climbs and some gratifying downhills, Nebo Ridge Trail is the perfect backcountry trek to get your heart racing. This in-and-out, up-and-down path consists of almost nine miles of rolling terrain, and is shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike. Visit the website to learn more and find a trailhead.

SALT CREEK TRAIL 1001 DEER RUN LANE, NASHVILLE812.988.5522BCParksRec.com/Salt-Creek-Trail

Stroll to and from downtown Nashville with ease on the Salt Creek Trail. The path is Brown County’s first paved trail and is great for casual walking, running, or biking! While the path is only three-fourths of a mile long, it is lined with scenery so beautiful, you’ll stop every few steps to soak it all in. No matter if you’re three or 83, you’ll love the short, but oh-so-sweet, Salt Creek Trail.

STONE HEAD NATURE PRESERVE 4645 WEST BELLSVILLE PIKE, NASHVILLE812.340.5077bit.ly/StoneHeadNaturePreserve

This 122-acre, privately-owned property is home to nearly 200 species of birds, including a magnificent bald eagle! Begin your adventure at the Zimmerman Wetland where a variety of mammals, insects, and amphibians share the same habitat. Then venture to the north edge of the property where you’ll hike through wide open meadows punctuated with wildflowers and diverse plant life. If the natural beauty alone doesn’t take your breath away, the preserve is sprinkled with unique art sculptures that contrast with the trails.

TECUMSEH TRAIL MORGAN AND BROWN COUNTIES812.988.7945HoosierHikersCouncil.org/Tecumseh-Trail

You won’t need the same courage and resolve that distinguishes the career of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh when you hike the 42-mile trail that bears his name. But you will need to climb ridge tops, cross several creeks, and wind in and out of ravines and hollows to explore one of the most beautiful and remote hardwood forests in the Midwest. Built by hikers, for hikers, Tecumseh is the signature trail of Brown County. Visit the website to learn more and find a trailhead.

Hoosier National Forest

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TREVLAC BLUFFS NATURE PRESERVEIN-45, NASHVILLE81.336.5382SycamoreLandTrust.org/Trevlac-Bluffs

Named after the steep bluff that protects a rare stand of eastern hemlock trees, Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve will soon become one of your favorite destinations. Outdoor lovers from near and far come to Trevlac Bluffs to hike through the grove of hemlocks nested above beautiful Beanblossom Creek. You can follow the historic, 11-mile Yellowwood Trail through the property, or take a shorter loop through the bottomland that offers a remarkable upward view of the bluff. No matter the time of year, visiting the mighty hemlocks is essential to your Brown County experience. Visit the website to learn more and find a trailhead.

YELLOWWOOD STATE FOREST772 SOUTH YELLOWWOOD ROAD, NASHVILLE812.988.7945IN.gov/DNR/Forestry/4817.htm

Hikers of every age always feel welcome at Yellowwood State Forest, located seven miles west of Nashville, just north of State Road 46. For a day you won’t soon forget, take a hike on the 4.5-mile loop around Yellowwood Lake. It’s one of the most popular and aesthetically rewarding hikes in the forest, offering spectacular views down the steep ravines that border pristine Yellowwood Lake. And don’t forget to bring your fishing rods! Yellowwood Lake is known near and far for its excellent fishing. If you enjoy camping out, your family can pitch a tent at a traditional camp site. And if they ride horseback, they can explore over 23,000 acres of beautiful forest. Get back to the roots of southern Indiana at Yellowwood State Forest.

Lakes

LAKE LEMON7599 NORTH TUNNEL ROAD, UNIONVILLE812.334.0233 LakeLemon.org

While other lakes in the county are more popular, Lake Lemon offers visitors a more serene experience. This 1,650-acre fresh water lake, located in northwest Brown County, is one of Indiana’s top bass fisheries. For the best view of the lake, hike the loop that surrounds it. The trail can be accessed from Riddle Point Park, which also has a beach, shelter house, and bathhouse. If you’re looking to get away from it all, a great place to relax and unwind is Lake Lemon.

MONROE LAKE 4850 SOUTH STATE ROAD 446, BLOOMINGTON812.837.9546IN.gov/DNR/ParkLake/2954.htm

Say hello to your favorite new family vacation destination! Discover a little slice of Midwestern paradise at Monroe Lake, a beautiful place to spend sunny summer days tubing, water skiing, and fishing. The lake is home to a number of bait shops, boat rentals, and beautifully-groomed beaches to accommodate all of your lake life needs. Monroe is Indiana’s largest inland lake with almost 11,000 acres of cool, fresh water surrounded by nearly five miles of picturesque hiking trails. And to top it off, restaurants and shops are just a stone’s throw away. Pair all of that with the area’s 300 campsites and you’ve found the perfect spot for a family getaway!

Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve

Monroe Lake

Brown County Outdoor Guide 10

Yellowwood State Forest

Visit browncounty.com to plan your outdoor adventure today,

or call 800.753.3255.

BROWN COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

211 SOUTH VAN BUREN STREET, NASHVILLE, IN1.800.753.3255 812.988.7303

BrownCounty.com