Brown County SP
Rightly nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the area’s resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains (complete with the nearby quaint town of Nashville, IN), Brown County boasts nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges, and fog-shrouded ravines. Not exactly the terrain you’d expect from Indiana, especially if you’ve never wandered south of Crown Point.
Glaciers from the most recent ice ages stopped short of the region, but their meltwaters carved the narrow ridges, steep slopes, and deep gullies of Brown County State Park. This State Park, Indiana’s largest, is a traditional destination for fall-color viewing, with nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland. I can personally attest to their breathtaking beauty, having driven over the winding hillside in and around the park roads at peak leaf-turning season.
But what brings many cycling adventure enthusiasts here is the network of mountain biking trails, which are definitely some of the best in the Midwest. Brown County SP encompasses 30 miles of trails ranging from fast, flowy singletrack to purpose-built directional jump trails, and advanced technical challenges, the park definitely has something to offer for riders at every level.
Since there’s camping on-site, you can easily turn your mountain biking trip into an overnight, or even a bikepacking adventure.
Permits Required: State Park entrance permit and DNR Off-Road cycling permit. In addition to camping, the State Park offers amenities including restrooms, water sources, cabins, and a pool to cool off in.
Nashville, IN is a town you don’t want to miss. Known for its thriving art community and several great restaurants, it’s a great breakfast stop on your journey back to Chicago.
Summary:
Indiana’s largest state park.
Nicknamed “Little Smokies”, the Brown County topography is a startling and dramatic surprise in an otherwise flat landscape.
16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines
Some of the best mountain biking in the Midwest, including a 28-mile mile IMBA Epic ride within Brown County State Park, with route options for every skill level.
90’ Fire Tower offers uninterrupted vistas of the hills o’ Brown
Modern and rustic campsites are available in addition to rustic cabins and commodious Abe Martin Lodge.
Over 25 miles of hiking trails.
Brown Country Indiana DNR page.
Brown County Mountain Biking website.