Get your hiking, biking, and paddling thrills at these top Indiana state parks.
During my decade-and-a-half career as an outdoor journalist, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some of the most awe-inspiring natural areas in the world. While my home state of Indiana has a more subtle appeal than landscapes with towering peaks and wild coastlines, the state delivers plenty to explore. These 10 Hoosier state parks showcase the very best of Indiana’s natural beauty.
Brown County State Park
If you asked me to pick the prettiest spot in Indiana, I’d point you to the rolling hills of Brown County State Park. I’ve spent many a night in the park’s campground, watching the sun disappear behind the thick canopy of walnut and cherry trees.
The park’s 20 miles of hiking trails are among the best in the state, but the singletrack ranks among the best in the nation. Having ridden the fast, flowy mountain bike trails through the years, I can attest there are trails for every type of rider, from beginner to expert. (My favorite’s the Green Valley loop.) Equestrian-only trails are open from March to October…