BROWN COUNTY, INDIANA
outdoor adventure A guide to the best places to explore the great outdoors in Brown County, Indiana.
Brown County's wild side is calling.
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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. Brown County Outdoor Guide
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Outdoor Activities BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK SADDLE BARN
1801 State Road 46 East, Nashville 812.988.8166 BrownCounty-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!
COPPERHEAD CREEK GEM MINE & ROCK SHOP
79 North Van Buren Street, Nashville 812.988.2422 VisitBrownCounty.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, Nashville 812.340.9374 BrownCountyCountryClub.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!
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Saddle Barn DNK PRESENTS
317.296.4440
DNKpresents.com
DNK Presents organizes and guides empowering adventure retreats for individuals, groups, and businesses. They focus on getting people to step outside of their comfort zones, try something for the first time and, in turn, gain confidence through experiential learning. They host a wide range of Brown County trips and events, including hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain bike clinics, rides, and camps, as well as yoga and wellness retreats.
EXPLORE BROWN COUNTY
2620 Valley Branch Road, Nashville 812.988.7750 eXploreBrownCounty.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!
Quick Stop Bike Shops Q'S BIKES
2620 Valley Branch Road, Nashville 812.345.6212 Facebook.com/BikesQ
Located at eXplore Brown County, Q's Bikes specializes in fat tire bike rentals, the perfect match for the rugged and fun trail system you can find there. Fat tire bikes offer better suspension, more traction, and a smoother ride over rocks and roots. Owner Quincy Robinson rents bikes in a variety of sizes as well as regular mountain bikes, kids’ bikes, and campground bikes. Guided tours are also available by request. Let Q’s Bikes help you explore Brown County on two wheels!
Overlook at Brown County State Park INDIGO BIRDING NATURE TOURS
812.679.8978
IndiGoBirding.com
Q's Bikes BROWN COUNTY BIKES
185 South Jefferson Street, Suite A, Nashville 812.200.1115 BrownCountyBikes.com
Brown County Bikes is the premiere bike shop located in downtown Nashville with a variety of bikes for rent and sale, as well as accessories, merchandise, and repair/service. Professional coaching and guided tours are also available to keep you having more fun on your bike.
GOLD PANNING AT GATESVILLE COUNTRY STORE
4525 Salt Creek Road, Nashville 812.988.0788
BrownCounty.com/Listings/Gatesville-Country-Store
Gatesville Country Store is a little old-school and a whole lot of authentic Americana! Go on an adventure as you pan for gold in Salt Creek right behind the store and grab a bite to eat while you’re there. Who knows…maybe you’ll strike it rich!
Enjoy guided kayak tours, birding walks, and hikes with IndiGo Birding Nature Tours! Guide David Rupp provides relaxing excursions to some of Brown County’s most beautiful locations, including Yellowwood Lake, Monroe Lake, and other hidden preserves away from the crowds. Everything you need will be provided, from kayaks and life jackets to binoculars and snacks. These tours are perfect for all levels of nature enthusiasts, even if you’ve never been in a kayak before! Simply check out the tour schedule and sign up online, or contact David with questions or to set up a private tour for your group. Check out IndiGo Birding on TripAdvisor to find out how much people love these tours!
PATHFINDER OUTFITTERS
812.340.0700
PathfinderOutfitters.com
Whether you prefer water, land, or both, Pathfinder 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! Pathfinder Outfitters will even provide transportation to and from the kayak and Tecumseh Trail backpacking trips. No matter if you’re drifting down a lazy river or grinding over rock gardens, you and your family can have it all at Pathfinder Outfitters. Call to make your reservation.
Brown County Outdoor Guide
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T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE
4220 T.C. Steele Road, Nashville 812.988.2785
IndianaMuseum.org/T-C-Steele-State-Historic-Site
T.C. Steele State Historic Site SALT CREEK GOLF RETREAT
2359 State Road 46 East, Nashville 812.988.7888 SaltCreekGolf.com
Turn 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 STABLES
2282 State Road 46 West, Nashville 812.988.2859 SchoonerValleyStables.com
Family owned for 50 years, Schooner Valley Stables offers horseback riding for children aged 6 and up! 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! Reservations in advance are required.
SIMPLY FITNESS
812.343.3560
SimplyFitnessYoga.com With a lifelong commitment to health and wellness, certified personal trainer and yoga instructor Erica Weddle with Simply Fitness is here for your health needs! While specializing in yoga instruction, Erica’s relationships with other local wellness practitioners bring many unique collaborations with offsite venues—such as wellness retreats, corporate functions, or private parties. Oh, and did we mention Simply Fitness offers SUP paddle board sessions, too? Get on the water for a one-onone or small group lesson, and paddle with Erica at Yellowwood Lake in Yellowwood State Forest! Paddleboard, paddle, and life jacket are provided. Appointments for Simply Fitness private sessions can be made for groups or for individuals. Retreats and offsite options are available as well.
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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!
VICTORY SKATE PARK
1001 Deer Run Lane, Nashville 812.988.5522
BCParksRec.com/Victory-Skate-Park
If you’re a skateboarder, Brown County’s new skate park addition to Deer Run Park is the perfect place to kickflip and boardslide! Victory Skate Park offers many fun (free!) things for kids of all ages. There are hammock swings, tire swings, a GaGa ball pit, and an amazing skate track. Skate Park rules are posted at the park and also online.
ZOO’OPOLIS BIRD PARK
5718 State Road 46 West, Nashville 812.764.4980
Zoo-OpolisBirdPark.com
Looking for a special animal encounter? Zoo'Opolis Bird Park offers a unique experience for any age! Experience first-hand the amazing world of rare and exotic birds. Guests will interact, hand-feed, and hold rare, brightly feathered exotic birds. Hold a parrot from the Amazon…dance with a cockatoo… see pheasants, rare chickens, beautiful white swans, Egyptian geese…and so much more! Snap plenty of pictures and make memories for a lifetime! Experience the fun and visit our 30+ habitats. Reservations are required.
Simply Fitness
state park BROWN COUNTY
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!
BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK
1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville 812.988.6406 IN.gov/DNR/ParkLake/2988.htm
Abe Martin Lodge
Limekiln Trail
Are you up to this unique Brown County challenge? The Seven Vista Challenge in Brown County State Park is the best way to experience nearly 16,000 acres of unparalleled beauty— any time of the year! Visit all seven vistas and capture the moment by posting a photo with each of the seven picture frames set up throughout the park using the hashtag #BC7VistaChallenge. After you complete the challenge, visit the Brown County Visitors Center in downtown Nashville for a special gift! You can view maps and learn more at 7VistaChallenge.com.
Brown County Outdoor Guide
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Deer Run Park
HITZ-RHODEHAMEL NATURE PRESERVE
996 Freeman Ridge Road, Nashville 855.812.4453
HoosierHikersCouncil.org/Hitz-Rhodehamel-Nature-Preserve
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
812.275.5987
fs.USDA.gov/Hoosier
Forests, Trails, & Parks BROWNING MOUNTAIN
Combs Road, Nashville
BrownCounty.com/Listings/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 PARK
1001 Deer Run Lane, Nashville 812.988.5522 BCParksRec.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. Practice fun skateboarding tricks at Victory Skate Park. 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!
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This magnificent forest is more than a Hoosier landmark; it’s a national treasure. With over 200,000 acres of lush, mature forest spanning nine counties 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.
KNOBSTONE HIKING TRAIL
Monroe, Brown, Jackson, Washington, Scott, and Clark Counties KnobstoneHikingTrail.org
The Knobstone Hiking Trail is a beautifully scenic trail system between Indianapolis and Louisville, with trailheads located throughout. It consists of four sections, including the Tecumseh Trail and Hoosier National Forest, which run through Brown County; the Pioneer Trail; and the Knobstone Trail—Indiana’s longest natural-surface footpath. This 160-mile trail is ideal for day hikes, backpack camping, and anyone looking for an excellent opportunity to get in shape through the rugged hills and scenic vistas! And keep a watchful eye! On a clear day, on the southern end of the KHT, you might be able to see all the way to Louisville and the Ohio River. Visit the website for trailhead locations, maps, and more!
LAURA HARE NATURE PRESERVE AT DOWNEY HILL
Valley Branch Road, Nashville 812.336.5382
SycamoreLandTrust.org/Explore
Hike through undisturbed Brown County forestland at the Laura Hare Nature Preserve. This incredible 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 812.275.5987
BrownCounty.com/Listings/Nebo-Ridge
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. Shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike, this in-and-out, up-anddown path of rolling terrain is 8.6 miles point-topoint, or 17 miles out-and-back. Visit the website to learn more and find a trailhead.
SALT CREEK TRAIL
105 Willow Street, Nashville 812.988.5522
BrownCounty.com/Listings/Salt-Creek-Trail
Stroll to and from downtown Nashville with ease on the Salt Creek Trail. The path is the Village of Nashville’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, Nashville 812.340.5077 StoneHeadConservancy.org
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 5.4 miles of trails through wetlands, meadows, and forested ridges interspersed with deep ravines.
TECUMSEH TRAIL
Morgan and Brown Counties 855.812.4453
HoosierHikersCouncil.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.
TREVLAC BLUFFS NATURE PRESERVE
IN-45, Nashville 812.336.5382
SycamoreLandTrust.org/Explore
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. Among the 260 acres of land, you can follow a 2.6-mile portion of the historic Yellowwood Trail that crosses through the nature preserve, or take a shorter 0.7-mile 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.
Hoosier National Forest Brown County Outdoor Guide
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YELLOWWOOD STATE FOREST
772 South Yellowwood Road, Nashville 812.988.7945
Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve
IN.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. Experience the lake by renting a rowboat and single-person sit-in kayak. 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
MONROE LAKE
4850 State Road 446 South, Bloomington 812.837.9546 IN.gov/DNR/ParkLake/2954.htm
LAKE LEMON
7599 North Tunnel Road, Unionville 812.334.0233 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 9
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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!
Visit browncounty.com to plan your outdoor adventure today, or call 800.753.3255.
Yellowwood State Forest Brown County Outdoor Guide
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BROWN COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 211 SOUTH VAN BUREN STREET, NASHVILLE, IN 1.800.753.3255 | 812.988.7303 BrownCounty.com