TRAVELER'S DELIGHT - BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK

Just over an hour south of Indianapolis is Brown County State Park sometimes known as the "Little Smokies." 
Now, compared to the Smokey Mountains, Brown County is a smaller, beautiful state park filled with activities for each reader. 

The park is the largest state park in Indiana with 15,696 acres to explore on bicycle, horseback or by hiking trails. 


The west entrance to the park is the park to be used by those with motorhomes, fifth wheels and trailers.




The east entrance has a covered bridge that has low clearance as well as a weight limit. 







The first landmark beyond the entrance will be an enjoyable location that enables great vistas, the West Lookout.  






Leaving the West Lookout, continuing into the heart of the park, you will come to intersections.  Just turn right.  Follow the well marked signs to the campgrounds.  


Our only complaint with the campgrounds is the parking spots are closer together than we would like in Buffalo Ridge.  If you continue past that smaller campground and follow the road, you will be in a more wooded campground sporting larger sites.  The drawback?  If you have a larger rig, I would recommend that you use the park map and make reservations for the site that fits your needs. 

A plus is there is a paved section entirely for disabled / handicapped.  It is in this area that in the summer of 2012 that we met the child, Amanda, who just had her last chemotherapy for brain cancer.



This is the latest photo, taken from her Caring Bridge site.

She is healthy, happy and growing.  She is also thankful for the readers of this blog that have prayed for her complete recovery.   

Amanda is a straight A student, participating in many activities.  

Back to Brown County State Park.  There is a four mile loop throughout the park as well as being able to ride on the road and even ride into Nashville, where you can shop till you drop.  

There are twelve miles of hiking trails with some starting from the campgrounds.  

The shortest trail, a half mile loop starting at the nature center is the first trail John walked after being released from the hospital.  What a happy day that was.  












The Fire Tower is another place to visit.  Do you feel like climbing? Add that to your hikes to have a great workout!





The seventy mile equine trail takes you through parts of the park that is only found on horseback.  You can find the perfect horse that meets your needs at the stately Saddle Barn.  







Brown County is a mecca for artists.  Bring you sketch book, oils, water colors and even your camera to capture outstanding views.  

Hesitation Point is just one of the terrific views that are calling for artists to capture.

When you are ready for some open air after being in the City of Indianapolis, hook up and move south to the Brown County State Park, our favorite state park in our home state of Indiana!   

Thanks for joining me today.  I sure hope it is warmer where you are!   It is thirty-three degrees, falling to twenty-six tonight.  

Your comments are a delight!  

What am I thankful for?  Each and every one of you.