Brown County State Park

About

Brown County State Park sprawls across nearly 16,000 acres of southern Indiana's hill country, making it the largest state park in the state. Known as the 'Little Smokies' for its misty ridgelines and deep hollows, the park draws visitors year-round with its stunning fall foliage, wildflower-filled springs, and quiet winter trails.

The park sits just outside Nashville, Indiana, a charming arts community filled with galleries, shops, and live music venues. Together, the park and town create one of Indiana's most beloved getaway destinations.

Visitors can explore the park through a network of trails, scenic drives, and overlooks. The Abe Martin Lodge, a historic full-service lodge inside the park, offers comfortable accommodations and dining with views of the surrounding forest. An outdoor pool and nature center round out the amenities.

For campers, Brown County State Park has over 400 electric campsites spread across several campgrounds, including Buffalo Ridge, Taylor Ridge, and Raccoon Ridge. Horseback riding trails wind through the backcountry, and mountain biking has become increasingly popular on designated routes.

The park's auto tour is a great way to see the highlights without extensive hiking. Produced by Indiana DNR staff, the self-guided audio tour starts at the Nature Center parking lot and covers the park's major points of interest. Plan at least an hour, more if you want to stop and explore along the way.

Brown County State Park is open year-round, though some facilities operate seasonally. Fall weekends are the busiest time, when the hardwood forests put on one of the Midwest's best color displays. Visiting midweek or in early spring can mean fewer crowds and equally beautiful scenery.

Whether you're planning a day trip from Indianapolis (about an hour's drive) or a longer stay at the lodge or campground, Brown County State Park offers a genuine connection to Indiana's wild, wooded heart.

Accessibility

Brown County State Park offers several accessible features for visitors with mobility needs. The park has wheelchair-accessible paths and guided tours available, providing opportunities to experience the natural beauty without barriers.

Of the park's 401 electric campsites, 17 are specifically designated as wheelchair accessible. These accessible sites are located in the Buffalo Ridge, Taylor Ridge, and Raccoon Ridge campgrounds, giving campers options across different areas of the park.

The self-guided auto tour provides an excellent way for visitors with limited mobility to experience the park's scenic highlights from their vehicle. The tour begins at the Nature Center parking lot and covers major points of interest throughout the park.

The Abe Martin Lodge and Nature Center serve as central hubs with indoor facilities. The Nature Center parking lot is a primary staging area for park activities.

For those seeking paved trail options in the broader Indiana state park system, Fort Harrison State Park (near Indianapolis) offers the Fort Harrison Trace, a fully paved 2.5-mile trail that's wheelchair accessible and features a hard, even surface.

Contact Brown County State Park directly at (812) 988-6406 for current details on specific trail surface conditions, restroom accessibility, lodge accommodations for guests with disabilities, and any seasonal changes to accessible facilities. The Indiana DNR can also provide information about accessibility features at the Nature Center and other park buildings.

More accessible places in Indiana

• Eiteljorg Museum (Indianapolis)
• Indiana Medical History Museum (Indianapolis)
• Minnetrista Museum & Gardens (Muncie)
• Newfields (Indianapolis)
• Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory (Fort Wayne)
• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (Lincoln City)