Brown County State Park, located in Nashville, Indiana, is the largest state park in Indiana, covering an area of 15,776 acres. It is known for its scenic hills, ridges, and ravines, earning it the nickname “Little Smokies” due to its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains. The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and swimming.
Size and Location
Brown County State Park is situated in the southern half of Indiana and is one of the larger state parks in the United States, covering an area of 15,776 acres.
History
The park was established in 1929 and dedicated in 1932 as a memorial to Indiana humorist Frank McKinney “Kin” Hubbard. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s.
Natural Features
The park is known for its scenic hills, ridges, and ravines, which feature nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoon, fox, and gray squirrel, as well as a wide range of trees, including oak, hickory, sassafras, beech, and maple.
Recreational Activities
Brown County State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors:
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking and Biking Trails | Over 18 miles of hiking trails and 30 miles of mountain biking trails |
| Horseback Riding | 70 miles of bridle trails, with guided trail rides and pony rides available at the Saddle Barn |
| Fishing and Boating | Two lakes, Strahl and Ogle, with fishing and boating opportunities (electric trolling motors permitted on Ogle Lake) |
| Swimming | An Olympic-size swimming pool and an indoor water park at Abe Martin Lodge |
| Camping | Large campgrounds with electric and non-electric sites, as well as a horseman campground |
Amenities and Services
The park offers various amenities, including the Abe Martin Lodge (accommodations, dining, and conference facilities), a Nature Center (exhibits, displays, and scheduled interpretive naturalist services year-round), and multiple picnic areas with shelters, fireplaces, drinking water, restrooms, and playground equipment.
Rules and Regulations
- RVs and vehicles towing trailers must use the West Gate Entrance (off S.R. 46, west of Nashville). The North Gate Covered Bridge has a 9-foot height and 3-ton weight limit.
- Users of the Horsemen’s Campground should enter through the Horsemen’s Campground entrance off S.R. 135 South.
Operating Hours and Contact Information
- Phone Number: 812-988-6406
- Swimming Pool Hours: May vary depending on weather and staffing; contact the property office for exact times.
References:
– https://www.browncountystatepark.net
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_County_State_Park
– https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/brown-county-state-park/
– https://browncounty.com/do-list/brown-county-state-park/