This Gorgeous State Park in the Midwest Is Called the ‘Little Smokies’—How to Visit

• Brown County State Park offers scenic vistas, hiking, biking, and horseback riding across nearly 16,000 acres of forested hills known as the “Little Smokies.”
• It’s a popular fall destination thanks to its vibrant foliage and panoramic views from spots like Hesitation Point.
• The park stands out for its variety of trails, historic structures, and year-round outdoor adventures just an hour from Indianapolis.

National parks may have the name recognition, but some of our country’s most beautiful natural wonders and sights are tucked away in state parks. Case in point: Indiana’s Brown County State Park. Located in the center of the southern half of the state, just outside of the Indiana town of Nashville, the park is filled with all sorts of incredible outdoor adventures and scenic views. The forests, hills, and valleys, often foggy, have even garnered an affectionate nickname: the “Little Smokies,” comparing them to the ever-popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.

“First-time visitors to the park are often impressed with the size of Brown County, at almost 16,000 acres,” Scott Crossley, the park’s property manager, tells Travel + Leisure. “The park has 26 miles of roads and 17 scenic vistas that offer a bird’s-eye view of the forest below.” While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is significantly larger—covering more than half a million acres—Brown County State Park is similar in the fact that it’s a hub for recreation. Visitors can enjoy everything from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing. 

No matter how you choose to spend your time in the park, Crossley has a few pieces of advice, starting with the proper preparation. “If you plan to hike, mountain bike, or ride horses, download one of the trail apps like Trailforks or AllTrails before you arrive. We have limited cell service in the park, and it can make maps difficult to use while hiking,” he says. “I personally like to use Trailforks, as once it’s downloaded, it does not require internet or cellular service to use.”

Second, keep in mind that Brown County State Park is home to timber rattlesnakes, an endangered species in Indiana. “They can be very large snakes, but they are not aggressive and will warn you with a rattle if they are feeling threatened. As long as you keep your distance, they will not harm you; we have no record of anyone ever suffering a bite from a rattlesnake,” he explains.

With that information in mind, read on to discover how to plan a trip to Indiana’s Brown County State Park.

People enjoying the view at Hesitation Point.

Indiana Destination Development Corporation

Best Things to Do

Brown County State Park, the state’s largest park, has a roster of fun things to do, whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent visitor. “One of the most impressive attractions at Brown County State Park is Hesitation Point. This is our largest vista, with an expansive panoramic view of the northern end of the park and beyond,” says Crossley. For even more stunning views, you can choose to climb the historic 90-foot-tall fire tower.

“We have some of the most unique structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC),’” he adds. “Visitors should admire the two-story large stone shelter near the north entrance that is home to weddings year-round. Other CCC structures that are still in the park include: North and West Lookout Towers, Upper Shelter, and the West Gate.”

Outside of photo ops and architectural interests, there are 70 miles of bridleways, more than 18 miles of hiking trails, and 30 miles of mountain biking paths. “We have some of the best trails in the Midwest for mountain biking. Trails range in difficulty from beginner through expert; we have trails for all levels of riders,” says Crossley. Those interested in the equestrian activities can either bring their own horse or take a guided horseback or pony ride from Brown County Saddle Barn.

Before setting off on a grand hiking adventure—more on that below—be sure to stop in the park’s nature center to learn more about the area’s history and see some of the local reptiles. “While there, check on our daily programs that are led by our interpretive naturalist staff,” Crossley says. 

A bench at a lookout point along a hiking trail.

Indiana Destination Development Corporation

Best Hikes

There’s a hike for every level of adventurer in Brown County State Park, and we asked Crossley to share a few of his top picks. Trail 7, he says, is one of the most popular among visitors. “The trail stays close to Ogle Lake, and you can generally see some water birds and turtles as you are hiking. This is a moderately rated trail and is about 1.5 miles long. If you want a longer hike, this trail also connects to Trail 11 for the more adventurous hiker,” he tells T+L.

Other relatively short options included the rugged Trail 5 (which is under a mile). “This trail starts by going straight down a series of staircases and enters the Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve. Once you are down in the nature preserve, it can be very cool and moist. This area is one of the few places the rare yellowwood tree is found,” he says. 

“We also have a very short paved trail next to the park office called the Friend’s Trail,” he says. “It’s an accessible trail that was funded by the Friends of Brown County State Park. This trail is less than a half mile and features an overlook that is great for taking pictures.”

Ahead of any hike in Brown County State Park, be sure to do your due diligence. “Many of our trails are rugged, with steep inclines. There are lots of bugs and ticks when hiking. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes with socks and tuck your pants into your shoes to prevent ticks from crawling up your body,” Crossley warns. “Come prepared with a good tick repellent that is high in DEET, and make sure to apply it in good quantities. We have several people every year who do not bring water with them while hiking. It’s always a good practice to have plenty of water, especially when the temperatures are high.”

Fall foliage in Brown County State Park.

Indiana Destination Development Corporation

Best Time to Visit

Like the Smokies, Brown County State Park is an absolute dream in the fall. “The most popular time to visit the park and the area is definitely October. Visitors come from all over the Midwest to see the beautiful fall colors,” says Crossley. That said, he also recommends spring, “when the creeks are flowing and the wildflowers are blooming.” This time of year, he notes, is ideal for seeing the “topography throughout the park before the vegetation covers the hills.”

Aerial view of the road leading into Brown County State Park.

Indiana Destination Development Corporation

How to Get There

Brown County State Park is located about an hour south of Indianapolis. While you can certainly explore it as a day trip from Indy, another option would be to stay at either the park’s Abe Martin Lodge or camp. The lodge has an indoor water park, an on-site restaurant (The Little Gem), and a variety of accommodation styles, ranging from classic rooms to family cabins and seasonal rustic cabins.

Those who want to immerse themselves even further into nature can reserve a campsite. “We have one of the most unique campground systems in Indiana State Parks,” says Crossley. “We have camping for horseback riders only, a family campground, and rally or group camping.” The family campgrounds are called Buffalo Ridge and Taylor Ridge. “Taylor Ridge stretches out for around five miles, and all of the campsites are on ridge tops,” he says.