Brown County is where Indianapolis goes to see the leaves turn. Roughly an hour south of the city, Brown County State Park covers about 16,000 acres, making it Indiana's largest state park, and its steep wooded ridges and hollows have earned it the nickname the Little Smokies. A 90-foot fire tower gives wide views over the surrounding hills, and a network of trails runs from short, easy paths to rugged ridge walks of three miles or more. The CCC Trail, about two miles, passes stone bridges and stairways built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, while the Friends Trail is short, paved and easy. The nature center features a timber rattlesnake, a state-endangered species, and the park also offers mountain biking, fishing, guided trail rides and a lodge. The neighboring town of Nashville, with fewer than 1,100 residents, adds an easy half-day of antique shops, art galleries, small boutiques and local restaurants along its main streets, plus short scenic train rides. The combination of nature and small-town browsing makes it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from the city.
When to go
The park is famous for autumn color, which is when the roads and Nashville's streets are at their busiest, so start early and expect traffic on fall weekends. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh greens with far fewer people, and summer is lush and cooler under the trees, though pool hours can change, so check with the park office. Winter is quiet and handsome, but snow and ice can make the drive and the trails harder, so check the forecast before you set off.
Planning the day
Aim to leave Indianapolis in the morning, spend the middle of the day in the park and finish in Nashville for an early dinner. Choose one or two trails rather than trying to see everything, perhaps the CCC Trail and the fire tower, and visit the nature center if you have children. A state park entrance fee applies per vehicle, so check the park's rates and fees page before you travel. Wear sturdy shoes, as some trails are rugged, and carry water and a snack.
Fitting it with the rest of your trip: Brown County suits visitors with a car and a free day, and pairs naturally with a trip built around museums and city sights, since it gives a very different pace. Families will like the playground and nature center, couples the fire tower views and Nashville's dining, and walkers the choice of trails. If you only have time for one day trip from the city, this and Conner Prairie are the two most rewarding.
What to expect
The experience
A self-drive day trip combining hiking and the fire tower at the state park with browsing in the town of Nashville.
Best time
Autumn for color, spring for fewer crowds, starting early on weekends.
How long
A full day including the drive.
Tips
Leave early, choose one or two trails, check the park entrance fee and have a plan for parking in Nashville.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Leaf-peepers, hikers and couples who want a change from city sightseeing.
- Families
- Good for children, with a nature center, a playground and short easy trails.
- Couples
- Fire tower views and a quiet dinner in Nashville.
- Pair with
- A relaxed dinner in Nashville before driving back.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How big is Brown County State Park?+
It covers about 16,000 acres and is the largest state park in Indiana, nicknamed the Little Smokies.
When is the best time to visit Brown County?+
Autumn is the most popular for color but also the busiest. Spring and summer are quieter, and winter snow and ice can make travel harder.
What is there to do in the park?+
You can hike, mountain bike, fish, take guided trail rides, climb the 90-foot fire tower and visit the nature center, which features a timber rattlesnake.
What is there to do in Nashville, Indiana?+
The small town has antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and short scenic train tours.
Do I need a car to visit Brown County from Indianapolis?+
Yes, a car is the practical way, driving roughly an hour south of the city.
