When people think of the most stunning places in the United States, National Parks often come to mind. They are some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders, yet what is usually overlooked are state parks, with Indiana’s Brown County State Park a prime example.
Located in the southern half of Indiana, just outside the town of Nashville, this park offers incredible views, and adventure is just waiting for you.
The park’s forests, hills, and valleys, often shrouded in fog, have even earned the nickname: “The Little Smokies,” a nod to the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.
We know the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is significantly larger—covering more than half a million acres—however, bird’s-eyeBrown County State Park is the perfect place to relish in nature, without traveling over 500 miles.
According to Travel + Leisure, Brown County State Park has 26 miles of roads and 17 scenic vistas that offer breathtaking views of the forest below. There is a plethora of outdoor activities, everything from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
A guide to Brown County State Park
As Indiana’s largest state park, Brown County offers a wide range of activities for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers.
One of the park’s standout attractions is Hesitation Point, the largest vista, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the northern end of the park and beyond. For even more impressive views, you can climb the historic 90-foot-tall fire tower.
Besides picturesque photo opportunities and fascinating architecture, Brown County State Park features 70 miles of bridleways, more than 18 miles of hiking trails, and 30 miles of mountain biking trails.
How far is Brown County State Park from Chicago?
By car: It’s about a four-hour drive from Chicago via I-65 S.
