(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
There is something about southern Indiana. Driving south from the Indianapolis airport, vast stretches of blue sky and golden fields give way to gently rolling hills covered in deciduous trees. Brown County State Park is the perfect base from which to explore those hills, especially in autumn.
With its scenic vistas, rustic cabins, and miles of uninterrupted forestland, there’s so many reasons to fall in love with this place. Visitors love to explore the park on foot, but kayaking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are favorites, too. And we’ve tried them all. Here’s everything you need to know.
[lwptoc]
NO TIME TO ENJOY THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
Brown County SP Outdoor Adventures
Brown County is the ultimate autumn vacation spot for both hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors will adore the miles of trails that snake through the wooded hills.
Brown County SP Hikes
Trails like Hesitation Point provide jaw-dropping views (that will make you more than just hesitate!) along with steep hills (that will definitely make you hesitate for a breath or two!). Other pathways lead visitors through claustrophobia-inducing narrow ridges and fog-shrouded ravines. The family is sure to emerge from the trails feeling like courageous explorers!
While wandering the park, don’t forget to look out for local wildlife – white-tailed deer and wild turkeys seem to be around every turn this time of year.
Brown County SP Biking
Want to hit the mountain bike trails but didn’t bring wheels? Brown County Bikes has you covered, offering rentals and the most expert of expert advice for tackling the best mountain biking routes in the area. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, they can get you ready to take on Brown County’s famous terrain.
They even offer group lessons and group-led rides, which my family LOVES.
Brown County Bike’s Kate Nolan is an incredible instructor and guide. ©Michael McCourt
Brown County SP Horseback Riding
If my family can’t be on bikes, then horseback riding is our next favorite way to see the park. The park offers bridle trails through the acres of rugged hills. (For those bringing their own horses, the Horsemen’s Campground is an ideal spot to stay.)
Brown County SP Lake Activities
Anglers can plan a day of fishing at Strahl Lake or Ogle Lake.
To maintain the tranquility of the lakes, only non-motorized boats or boats with electric trolling motors are permitted. This also ensures an eco-friendly experience, which means that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will get to enjoy the park one day, too.
My family did a paddle boarding excursion with Simply Fitness. We loved seeing the park from the water! Simply Fitness, based in Nashville, Indiana, is the perfect spot to find a unique activity that combines wellness and nature, like paddleboard yoga.
DON’T MISS! 7 Unforgettable Fall Festivals 2024
Brown County’s Historic & Scenic Spots
History buffs and art lovers will want to stop by the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, where guests can explore the home and studio of one of Indiana’s most celebrated painters. Don’t worry, this is a kid-friendly, and kid-approved spot. Visitors enjoy the beautiful gardens (including a lily pond), immersive tours, and art workshops.
For unbeatable panoramic views, a climb up the Fire Tower is well worth the effort. And believe me, it is an effort. But that bird’s-eye view of the park is unmatched.
Be sure to stop at the historic covered bridges at one of the park’s entrances – they are probably Brown County’s most iconic landmarks, and they are the perfect backdrop for a family picture.
Beautiful vista of Brown County State Park in early Autumn. ©Visit Indiana
Visit Nashville for a Stroll
Just outside the park, downtown Nashville is the perfect place to return to civilization. There, visitors will find an eclectic scene filled with live music, delicious dining options, beautiful art galleries, and quaint shops.
Don’t miss The Old Bartley House Coffee and Doughnuts for a hot cup of joe and a French Americana layered doughnut. It’s kind of like a croissant and a cinnamon bun got together and made some sort of amazing doughnut baby. This place is gorgeously decorated, and guests are encouraged to find a cozy spot and stay awhile.
When You Go
Planning Your Visit
The fall season is the best time to visit Brown County State Park. The park’s traditional fall color transforms the landscape into a vibrant display of crimson, orange, and gold. While it does attract quite a few “Leaf Lookers” as the locals endearingly call them, it also makes for an unimaginably beautiful setting for photographers and nature lovers.
Getting to Brown County State Park from LA
Getting to Brown County State Park from Los Angeles may seem like a trek, but the journey is worth it. Book a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is the closest major airport to Brown County. From Indianapolis, rent a car and drive around 1.5 hours south to Brown County State Park.
This is an excellent discount site for rental cars! We’ve literally saved hundreds using it.
WayAway is a flight search engine that looks for the best deals for destinations you’re visiting with the possibility of earning cash back on your purchases. Have you tried them yet? If not, give them a spin and see how much money you’ll save on flights.
Where to Stay in Brown County State Park
The park’s main lodge has a restaurant and a giant indoor water park! ©Visit Indiana
DON’T MISS! 7 Memorable Midwest Winter Family Getaways
Brown County State Park’s Abe Martin Lodge offers several accommodation options that will provide the perfect spot for a variety of visitors to land after a day of exploring. Abe Martin Lodge itself has an onsite restaurant, a quiet room for reading or playing board games, a water park with a hot tub, and a state park shop.
While many guests enjoy the state park’s hotel rooms at the lodge because it puts them right in the center of all the fun, there are other options to choose from that still allow guests to make use of the amenities.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”_41k4″ via=”no” ]Rolling hills with miles of uninterrupted forest make Brown County State Park the perfect family escape for autumn. Here’s what to do there.[/ctt]
Personally, my family loved staying at Abe Martin Lodge’s deluxe family cabins. Although this is the most pricey of the four options at the state park, it is still quite affordable, especially considering the luxurious updates. They were only just renovated in 2024. Guests can look forward to a fireplace, flat screen television, full bathroom, private deck with comfortable outdoor furniture, a fully stocked kitchen, and incredibly comfortable beds and linens.
DON’T MISS! Bloomington Indiana’s Best Wineries
For visitors who want to play Thoreau – shedding all traces of civilization, stay in one of the park’s rustic cabins. While guests will be met with the bare minimum in terms of comforts – air conditioning, heat, a bed or two, and a private shower and toilet, these cabins do offer an uncommonly peaceful retreat.
And for the more adventurous, and budget-minded, the park features large campgrounds, ideal for families who love to socialize with other outdoor enthusiasts. There are clean showers and restrooms, which is always a huge win for tent campers. A camp store is near the entrance, and it has everything that campers could possibly need and then some. There are also campgrounds for more niche interests, like the separate Horseman Campground, which is specifically designed for those who bring their own horses.
Pro-Tip: Make your first stop Brown County Bikes. They will set you up for the most awesome Brown County State Park two-wheeled adventure. ©Michael McCourt
Brown County State Park is one of my favorite places in the whole world to visit in the autumn. It’s often called the “Little Smokies,” but here is a secret- it is a whole lot less busy than The Great Smoky Mountains, and it is truly just as lovely. My family will definitely be some of the Leaf Lookers there this fall!
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!
