Trail reports and gear guides for hikers
Hiking to the incredible Gray’s Arch in Red River Gorge is a reasonably short out-and-back affair, but if you want to extend the hike and add a breathtaking overlook that is often bypassed, this four-mile loop is a must-do at the park.
Continue reading “Hiking To Gray’s Arch and Beyond at Red River Gorge”
Think you’ve seen everything at Brown County State Park in Indiana? This multi-use trail is often overlooked by hikers, which is just fine by the mountain bikers who flock to the park.
Continue reading “Hiking Aynes Loop at Brown County State Park”
If you’re not sure where to dive in to Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, Double Arch Trail #201 is a great introduction to your day hiking getaway. Be advised that Double Arch is a popular destination, so if you want this incredible geological feature all to yourself, you’re going to have to start out early. Also, don’t literally dive into the gorge. That would end badly.
Continue reading “Double Arch Hiking Trail, Red River Gorge”
In the fall, Brown County State Park is inundated with leaf peepers who snarl traffic bumper-to-bumper from Nashville to Gnaw Bone and beyond.
At Trail D on the far southwest corner of the park, you’ll avoid it all and find the hiking escape you’re looking for. In fact, you probably won’t see another soul.
Continue reading “Hike Trail D in the Fall, the Best Kept Secret in Brown County State Park”
We’ve compiled the ultimate hiking guide for Brown County State Park in Indiana, complete with interactive maps, detailed trail reports and helpful photos. With 21 miles of dedicated hiking trails and 37 miles of multi-use trails, the biggest state park in Indiana is a Midwest hiker’s dream.
Continue reading “Best Hiking Trails in Brown County State Park, with Maps and Rankings”
Hike through land wooded with oak, hickory, sassafras, beech and maple on this easy .9 mile trail in the Abe Martin Lodge hiking trail network.
Continue reading “Hiking Trail 1, Lodge Trail, Brown County State Park”
This accessible quarter mile loop is the perfect introduction to hiking for the little ones as well as it is a route for hikers of all abilities to enjoy. Many who pass up this trail may not realize that it also contains one of the best views in the park.
Continue reading “Friends Trail, Brown County State Park”
This 2.75 mile lollipop hiking trail begins at Taylor Ridge Campground and follows the hilltop for a mile and a half before descending into Wise Hollow and looping back along a small stream. As there is no parking for non-campers at the trail head, this hike is best accessed via Trail 11 (Vollmer Trail) from Ogle Lake.
Continue reading “Hiking Trail 9, Taylor Ridge, Brown County State Park”
Formerly known simply as the Trail 9 extension, Trail 11 ascends quickly from the Ogle Lake valley to the Knobstone Escarpment and leads deep into the western section of the lush forest of Brown County State Park in Indiana.
Continue reading “Hiking Trail 11, Vollmer Trail, Brown County State Park”
Trail 2 at Brown County State Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the grounds, passing beautiful family cabins, the North Lookout Tower and the rustic Lower Shelter. With its quaint stone bridges, retaining walls and stairways, this trail serves as the perfect introduction to Indiana’s largest state park.
Continue reading “Hiking Trail 2, CCC Trail Loop, Brown County State Park”